06-25-2004, 08:54 AM
Quote:The Associated Press
Published: Jun 25, 2004
Tampa Tribune
TALLAHASSEE - Florida State authorities are searching for a pair of $30,000 Waterford crystal footballs, symbols of the school's national championships in 1993 and 1999.
The trophies, awarded then by Sears for winning the final coaches poll, were stolen last weekend from their locked wood-and-glass case outside Coach Bobby Bowden's offices. Bowden was out of town Thursday and was unavailable for comment on the theft.
The school, however, is offering a $2,500 reward for information that would lead to the arrest and conviction of whoever took the trophies, campus police Maj. Tom Longo said. He would not otherwise comment on the school's investigation, which started Sunday after authorities learned of the theft.
The 1993 team led by Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Charlie Ward finished 12-1, beating Nebraska in the Orange Bowl on a last-minute field goal by Scott Bentley. The 1999 team went 12-0 behind the school's second Heisman winner, quarterback Chris Weinke, defeating Virginia Tech and star quarterback Michael Vick in the Sugar Bowl.
"I was sick to my stomach when I heard it - just mad,'' assistant athletic director Rob Wilson said about the theft. "Woe be unto that guy if the wrong people get hold of him.''
Wilson said the school's booster group would probably raise the money to replace the two crystal pieces if they're not recovered.
There are no surveillance cameras in that area and the trophies were not insured, he said.
Construction workers are finishing an addition to the University Center, which surrounds the football field, soon to be renamed after Bowden. The structure also houses the athletic department offices along with other departments and administrative offices.
:mad: :chair: