*Strock named football coach at Florida International*
------------------------------------------------------ 

MIAMI (Ticker) -- Former NFL quarterback Don Strock was named
coach at Florida International University today, even though the
school will not make its football debut for two years. 

Strock, a collegiate star at Virginia Tech in the early 1970s,
joined FIU as director of football operations in 1999 after
three years as the quarterback coach for the NFL's Baltimore
Ravens.  Prior to that he was the offensive coordinator and
quarterback coach of the Rhein Fire of the World League. 

Strock's only experience as a head coach came in the Arena
Football League.  He coached the Miami franchise in 1993 and the
Massachusetts Marauders in 1994. 

"I couldn't be happier.  We have a tremendous opportunity to
build this program from the ground up," said Strock, who was
introduced as FIU's coach at a student celebration on campus.
"I'm eager to put my playing and coaching experience at the
collegiate and professional level to work here, developing a
program that FIU's students, alumni, faculty and staff can all
be proud of." 

FIU's team will begin play in 2002 in Community Stadium on the
FIU-University Park in West Miami.  Expansion of the 7,000-seat
facility is under discussion, with work expected to begin next
year. 

"I have every confidence that Don will do a tremendous job for
FIU," FIU athletic director Rick Mello said.  "In selecting a
coach for FIU football, my top criteria was simply this: If I
had a son with the talent to play football, would I trust Don to
help him excel?  The answer is absolutely yes." 

During his senior year at Virginia Tech, Strock led the nation
in passing and was voted the outstanding player in the Blue Gray
Classic.  He was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the fifth
round of the NFL draft and spent 14 years with the team, most of
it as a reserve quarterback.  He also played one year each for
the Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts before retiring in
1990. 

As an NFL player Strock is most remembered for his outstanding
performance in a game that the editors of Sports Illustrated
voted their "Favorite Game" of the century.  In the playoffs
folloiwng the 1981 season against San Diego, Strock came off the
bench with the Dolphins trailing 24-0 and proceeded to bring
them back to a 38-38 tie by the end of regulation.  Although the
Dolphins lost in overtime, 41-38, Strock completed 29 of 43
passes for 403 yards and four touchdowns. 

st 09-13-00 13:49 et