Photo by Kendall Bulkiewicz | The Crow’s Nest
By Kendall Bulkiewicz
In a touching press conference, USF football head coach Alex Golesh and receiver Sean Atkins reflected on the recent loss of men’s basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, emphasizing the lasting impact he had on their lives and the program.
Abdur-Rahim, who led the team to remarkable achievements last season, was not only celebrated for his coaching abilities, but also for his character. Under his guidance, USF experienced a historic winning streak, secured a conference championship and earned Abdur-Rahim the Coach of the Year award.
Golesh described Abdur-Rahim as “one of the most genuine, real people” he had known, noting the strong friendships forged during their time together. The heartfelt tributes came as the team gears up for a critical matchup against Florida Atlantic University (FAU) on Friday night.
The history between USF and FAU has often been marked by heated competition and memorable moments.
Since their first matchup on Aug. 29, 2002, USF holds a 3-2 advantage in the series. However, the recent games have leaned in favor of FAU, with the Bulls losing the last two, including a tough defeat on Oct. 14, 2023, where they fell 56-14.
“When you lose to somebody last year, you want to go back and beat them this year,” Atkins remarked, highlighting the heightened motivation to reclaim victory.
Atkins also paid tribute to Abdur-Rahim, saying, “He’s just a really, really great role model…when he steps in the room, he just demands the attention of others. He has this aura about him that you just gravitate to so that one hurt a lot.”
As the Bulls prepare for this pivotal game, the spirit of teamwork and resilience is palpable within the team. With both Byrum Brown and Bryce Archie in the quarterback mix, the team is eager to demonstrate its growth and determination against a formidable FAU squad known for its aggressive defense and skilled athletes.
Atkins expressed confidence in both quarterbacks, saying, “I feel like they both do a great job of just getting us all going.” The matchup on Friday, Nov. 1 night is set to kick off at 7 p.m. at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton.
