Sept. 24, 2007
Since 2003, UCF has been on a roller coaster ride comparable to the Incredible Hulk at Universal's Islands of Adventure.
From the opening of the Wayne Densch Sports Center, the final two years in the Mid-American Conference and the hiring of George O'Leary, to Nicholson Fieldhouse's debut, hosting the Conference USA Championship game and a trip to the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, the Knights have made the last few years very interesting for their fans. To put the tasty cherry on top, UCF decided to construct a brand new stadium on the East Orlando campus.
And just one current player has experienced it all: tight end Mike Merritt.
UCF's lone fifth-year senior is the only Knight on the 2007 squad to have played under the previous coaching staff. Since then, a lot has changed.
"Being here these five seasons, I've seen a lot of dedicated people wanting to see UCF expand," said Merritt, a native of West Palm Beach, Fla. "They brought coach O'Leary in and he brought up our team GPA and helped our team come together as one. He helped build UCF with a new staff and a good group of players"
One aspect of the Knights' program that was certainly building was Bright House Networks Stadium. While playing in downtown Orlando may have had its benefits, nothing compares to a short stroll through campus.
"I have my head up a little bit higher because we have something that's right in our backyard," smiled Merritt. "It's something that we can be proud of for years to come and we can build a lot of tradition here. I liked the Citrus Bowl, but to have this right here behind you is great."
While the new stadium sits close by the football team everyday, the fans are right behind the program as well.
"With the fans being excited after our NC State win, we really appreciate it," said Merritt. "I've seen a lot of change these past five years among the fans. You've got a lot of dedicated people right now and they want to see UCF win. It's a big difference from when I was a freshman up to this point as a redshirt senior."
Guided by some of the best fan support in C-USA, Merritt may feel something else on the football field this season: a desire to return to the postseason. But even though the 2007 campaign marks his final rendezvous with the Knights, he is still taking this year in stride.
"I don't really put a lot of pressure on myself because we have a great coaching staff and they make sure they know your assignments and know what you have to do," explained Merritt. "So when I got out on Saturdays, I may be nervous, but at the same time I'm confident since our coaches have prepared me very well."
As Merritt continues to sit in the front car of UCF's roller coaster ride, when he exits he will leave knowing that he had the best seat on a journey that this program has only just begun.
- Brian Ormiston