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Fortune is turning to Chance

 
Published Sept. 13, 2000|Updated Sept. 27, 2005

Bowden said he plans to let Gwaltney, Munyon and touted freshman Brett Cimorelli, a former Zephyrhills star who has a groin injury, continue to battle for the job in practice.

"We're all supportive of each other," Gwaltney said. "Nobody gets mad if someone else kicks."

But you have to like Jonathan Gwaltney's chance at it.

It is his name.

SPECIAL ISSUES: To commemorate Bowden's silver anniversary at FSU, the school is producing a series of special game-day programs beginning with Saturday's home opener against North Carolina. Each will contain a pullout poster featuring Bowden and star players from a selected five-year span; the sixth will feature a collection of Bowden throughout the 25 years. A limited number of programs will be available to those who can't attend the games. For details, see the athletic department's Web site, http://seminoles.fansonly.com.

PERSPECTIVE: Women's soccer coach Patrick Baker said his team's unprecedented success _ upsets of nationally ranked Florida and Texas A&M _ is cause for a celebration, as long as the celebration is tempered.

"We're very excited about where we're at and the possibilities for the season," he said. "It's exciting to know we really can play with the best teams in the country. But I tell our players, the season is a marathon, not a sprint. We've got to find a groove, stay with it and at some points, hit the accelerator."

FSU (4-3-0), back in Soccer America's poll at No. 15, would like to find that groove now. It plays at South Alabama tonight and visits Atlantic Coast Conference rival Duke on Saturday. With the Blue Devils 3-34-2 in the league, that would be a good time to floor it.

SPIKING THE PAST: The resurgent volleyball team (7-1) can match its win total from last season tonight against visiting Jacksonville. FSU is 24-0 all time against Jacksonville. FSU, looking to return to its traditional excellence after a dismal 1999, closes the week with the Lady Seminole Classic. The host meets Samford and Notre Dame on Friday and Florida A&M on Saturday.

ACADEMIC SLAM DUNK: Freshman forward Michael Joiner, one of the nation's top recruits, was named Man of the Year by FSU's Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement. The program aims to prepare freshmen for a seamless transition from high school to college academics. Joiner earned a 3.3 grade-point average this summer.

_ Brian Landman covers Florida State athletics. He can be reached at (813) 226-3347 or by e-mail at Landmansptimes.com.