Don’t have to wait anymore!

Bucs & Bulls Heaven Awaits Buccaneers’ First Win

John Barry, Times Staff Writer
In Print: Saturday, November 7, 2009

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Bucs & Bulls Heaven owner Jeffrey Neil Fox says QB Josh Freeman will need to “light it up” before his jersey is available.
	[STEPHEN J. CODDINGTON | Times]

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TAMPA — It’s hard to get into Buccaneer Heaven. Among the trio of Buc quarterbacks this woebegone year, not one has won his wings, not one has a jersey hanging on the sales racks, or a bobble head. Even 2002 fan of the year “Big Nasty” has a bobble head. But it’s hard to get into Buccaneer Heaven after a season in hell.

Buccaneer Heaven is the longtime jersey/souvenir shrine on Florida Avenue. It’s owned by Jeffrey Neil Fox. He is Buccaneer Heaven’s St. Peter.

Fox is a big, kindly looking man with patient eyes, one who has known high and lows. A few years ago, Fox amended his sign so it now says “Bucs & Bulls Heaven.” He gave over half the store to his alma mater, USF. That has helped tide him over. When the Bulls whipped the Seminoles in September, he sold a thousand T-shirts.

On the Buccaneer Heaven side, it feels like 2003. There’s long-gone Jon Gruden, there’s dearly departed Dexter Jackson and Derrick Brooks. There they feast for eternity on the spoils of Super Bowl XXXVII.

Well, St. Peter, what must a quarterback do nowadays to earn such a ticket to Buccaneer Heaven?

“Light it up,” he says.

• • •

Buccaneer Heaven has more than 5,000 Buc things. It has Buc pingpong balls ($5.99); a Bucs baby pacifier ($4.99); and for the handyman a Bucs claw hammer with laces on a pigskin grip ($19.99).

But the real treasures are the actual jerseys that soaked up actual sweat from actual shoulders of Buc immortals.

Oh, golly, there’s Mike Alstott’s framed Super Bowl XXXVII jersey. Old No. 40. He even signed it “A-Train.”

Ooh, beside it is Hall of Famer Lee Roy Selmon’s signed No. 63 jersey — when the Bucs still wore orange.

Either one costs $999.

And there — 11-time Pro Bowler Derrick Brooks’ signed 2004 Pro Bowl jersey.

It’s $1,499.

• • •

Quarterbacks in Buccaneer Heaven seem to be the retired ones or banished ones. Beloved Doug Williams (who led the Bucs to three playoff appearances) resides cozily in the retro section. Benighted Chris Simms and Jeff Garcia — bless their tortured souls — each dangle a foot in hell. Their jerseys occupy the kiddie clearance rack.

How about the 2009 trio of Buc quarterbacks? How about that poor devil whose job as starting QB lasted from Aug. 29 to Sept. 28?

“Byron Leftwich? Have we got Leftwich?” Fox calls out.

Says his son at the cash register, “No Leftwich.”

How about Josh Johnson, who followed Leftwich, who got sacked every Sunday like an Idaho potato?

“No Johnson.”

How about Johnson’s successor — the heretofore low-mileage, garage-kept rookie Josh Freeman, who starts his first game Sunday against the Packers?

Come Monday, Freeman may plummet to Inferno Circle 8. Or he may ascend to Buccaneer Heaven, to find his own red jersey with authentic NFL equipment loop label, jock tag and satin neck taping, and the name FREEMAN stitched on the back.

St. Peter’s waiting.

All the man must do is light it up.

Bullievers – Finish Strong and GO Green

Article and Photographs by Jeffrey Neil Fox

It’s November and the autumn season will soon come to a close and give way to winter. Everyone is looking towards the great American holiday Thanksgiving and the holiday season of Chanukah and Christmas, which comes soon after. It’s past the half-way point of the USF football season and all the loyal fans of the University of South Florida are hoping that the Bulls will Finish Strong.

My good friend and fellow University of South Florida alumnus, Jeff Wagner, has played an integral role in the promotion of the Finish Strong mantra. The USF Bulls football players and their head coach, Jim Leavitt, have worn the Finish Strong bracelets for a few years now. Wagner has been a huge motivational force for the team and thousands of Finish Strong wrist bands are now being worn by fans that support the Bulls. I’ve worn my band since Wagner gave me one and it is a constant reminder to me to stay positive, give it all I’ve got and Finish Strong!

If you haven’t been to a home game for the USF Bulls at Raymond James Stadium this year, you are missing quite a show. Season tickets and individual game tickets for all USF sporting events are still the best value for first-class sports entertainment in Tampa. The fun begins in the parking lot before the game. There is nothing better than creating a party extravaganza out of the trunk of your car. You just cannot be in judgment when it comes to tailgating. You’ll see folks coming with prepared food from fast food franchises, or those that dig in hours before game time with Mac-Daddy motor homes, grills and smokers. You’ll see someone cooking hamburgers and hotdogs on a tiny Weber grill next to a million dollar motor home where the guests are eating cracked crabs, drinking high-priced booze, and enjoying a flat-screen high definition TV. It’s all good in the parking lot.

You have to remember, however, to gear up for the game and, “Bull Up!” Go Green and proudly showcase the Bulls’ logo on your clothing. Raise the Bulls flag. Decorate your area in team colors. You have to put your game face on out in the parking lot in preparation of becoming the 12th man in the stands.

I always preach good sportsmanship. There is nothing wrong with being loyal to your team and talking smack. You have to be humble and good-natured and be respectful of fans from the opposing teams. Be an ambassador of good will and have fun out in the parking lot. The outcome of the game will give you bragging rights. I know I’m still glowing from the historic win against the FSU Seminoles in Tallahassee back in September. It’s a festive atmosphere outside the stadium and you can feel the enthusiasm for the upcoming game brew as the clock ticks away towards kick-off.

Let’s talk about traditions and spirit. I’ve used the following slogan for many years. “Traditions are hard to start and impossible to stop!” There are many steadfast traditions associated with the USF Bulls. I love going to the pep rally that is held outside the stadium before the game. The spirit squads, that consist of the entire marching band, majorettes, twirlers, cheerleaders, sun dolls and the official team mascot Rocky D. Bull, all get the fans fired up. The student section in the north end zone rocks with green and gold pride. Fans throughout the stadium are making the Bulls’ horn symbol with their fingers. “USF! USF! Go Bulls!” rings throughout the stadium.

It is very exciting inside the stadium before a game with the pageantry of the color guard, the marching band playing, the cheerleaders and sun dolls taking their positions to welcome the players. The running of the Bulls, lead by Rocky D. Bull and Coach Leavitt doing a 50-yard dash, has become a steadfast tradition. Coach Leavitt is focused and does everything he can to put a winning team on the field. It’s all about making the big plays and preventing the opposing team from making the big plays.

I’m looking for our Bulls to Finish Strong. The homecoming game against Big East Division rival Louisville Cardinals is coming up on November 21 and then is followed by the last home game of the season against across-the-state foe, the Miami Hurricanes on November 28. I’ll look for YOU with my camera out in the parking lot and then inside the stadium!

Jeffrey Neil Fox is the owner of Authentic Team Merchandise “It’s Bucs, Bulls, and Lightning & Rays Heaven” located at 14823 N. Florida Avenue, Tampa, FL 33613, 813-908-2827. Fox publishes the “Gear Up For The Game” magazine and fan guide. He is also a lifetime alumni member of USF, Class of 1975. jnf@Bullsheaven.com, http://www.BullsHeaven.com, http://www.BucGear.com, http://www.GearUpForTheGame.com

 

Bulls-Bearcats a hot ticket in Tampa

TAMPA – Jeffrey Fox, official University of South Florida merchandiser and unofficial first-team All-Big East fan, says tonight will be about a jam-packed stadium, big plays and the No. 21-ranked Bulls’ path to national prominence.

USF officials expect a crowd of more than 60,000 at 65,857-seat Raymond James Stadium, with an additional 1,500 student-ticket demand beyond the normal 12,501 allotment.

The university has aggressively marketed the marquee game with standard prices among the lowest in the nation – upper-deck sideline seats at $35 and upper-deck corner seats at $10 remained available Wednesday night on Ticketmaster.com.

USF has done its best to hype the event this week, with a billboard near downtown, breakfast gatherings with area businesses, and appearances by the school’s cheerleaders and mascot. Even the SunTrust Financial Centre obelisk is animated in USF green and gold today.

However, Fox won’t need a ticket for the game against the No. 8 Cincinnati Bearcats.

The 1975 USF alumnus and owner of the Bulls Heaven and BullsHeaven.com merchandise outlets will rely on a sideline pass while supervising 10 concession stands and 50 employees.

Fox should have plenty of business with thousands in the stands.

“There’s as much excitement this year as there has been for our big games in the past,” Fox said, referring to games against Kansas in September 2008 and West Virginia and Central Florida in 2007.

Despite this season’s 5-0 start, including a win in the Bulls’ first game against Florida State, tonight’s nationally televised game presented challenges to the Bulls’ marketing team.

Season ticket sales are down about 12 percent to 24,185. The Bulls focus on a family audience along with USF students and must overcome a late game before a Friday work and school day, said Bill McGillis, USF executive associate athletic director.

“A lot of fans are facing the most challenging economic times of their lives,” he said.

But the Bulls have sold 2,000 of their mini plan packages in the past three weeks. Those offer three of four remaining home games against Cincinnati, Louisville, West Virginia and Miami from $50 to $75.

GO BUCS, GO BULLS, Go Bolts, Go Rays!!!

The residents of the Tampa Bay community are fortunate to have so many choices when it comes to sports franchises and which teams to follow and cheer for. The featured teams that call Tampa their home are the NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the MLB Tampa Bay Rays, NHL Tampa Bay Lightning and the University of South Florida Bulls. Tampa has become the apex and Mecca for sports for the Southeast. Raymond James Stadium (home of the Buccaneers and Bulls) has a reputation of being one of the best venues to play and watch sports in the world. What other stadium has a full-sized pirate ship in their stadium? The NFL brass loves Tampa and our state-of-the-art facility and has awarded four Super Bowls to Tampa and hopefully, another will be scheduled in the near future. Tampa is a great place to live year-round and a marquis destination for tourists and travelers from across the USA and from the rest of the four corners of the world.

Sometimes, fans lose sight of how fortunate we are to have both professional and collegiate teams that call Tampa their home. In today’s lackluster economy and media reports of doom and gloom, fanatical fans look forward to watching their hometown teams play. There is nothing better than watching a live competitive sporting contest to get your mind and spirits into the passion of the moment. You just have to root and hoot for the hometown teams. All your worries, concerns, challenges and distractions are put aside while you are either at a live sporting event or decide to watch in the comfort of your home or sports bar and watch on TV. Live sporting contests are great, but like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz said, There is no place like home! – especially with the new age, high definition TVs that are now reasonably priced. When you’re home, you don’t have to pay for tickets and parking, wait in long lines for the bathroom. You watch the games in the comfort of your living room. Each has their benefits. The bottom line is that you have to engage yourself as a fan and follow your favorite teams, both home and away, when they travel to opponents’ cities. Go to the games or watch on TV. Both are acceptable. Fans for both the Buccaneers and Bulls have huge expectations and a multitude of anticipation and success for both teams.

Traditions are hard to start and impossible to stop. Fans have tailgating traditions and many dig in with their tailgate preparations at the crack of dawn and cook up a hearty, festive meal with plenty of drinks. It’s always crucial to have a designated driver or make prior arrangements to get home if you consume alcohol. The lead up to the game itself has to be fun, whether you tailgate in the parking lot or in the comfort of your home. Decorate your area with the colors and logos of the hometown teams. Raise the flag; wear your logo gear proudly. You just have to believe in the 12th man concept. Players admit that they draw energy from the crowds that are cheering them on. You’re allowed to yell at the top of your lungs and applaud for good play. You do have to be a responsible and courteous fan and make the opponent team’s fans feel welcome. Nothing wrong with some low-key bantering, but you do need to be respectful of fans from the opposing teams. Winning is always better than losing, but you do have to take the high road when your team comes up short and put your sights on the next game. Players on the field have to dig deep and “Finish Strong!”

Many residents make their schedules around the dates and times of when their favorite teams are playing. Have you ever traveled to support your team on the road? You have instant camaraderie with other fans rooting for the same team. They are easy to spot since traveling fans proudly wear gear with their teams’ logos adorned. You just have to Gear Up For The Game!

Photos and article by Jeffrey Neil Fox www.BucGear.com www.BullsHeaven.com www.GearUPForTheGame.com Authentic Team Merchandise Bucs & Bulls Heaven 14823 N. Florida Avenue 813-908-2827 Shop where fans get their gear! We have the largest selection and collection of gear and novelties for the Bucs, Bulls, Lightning and Rays.

USF BULLS VICTORY T-SHIRTS AVAILABLE

USF BULLS VICTORY T-SHIRTS AVAILABLE

TAMPA, Fla. – September 27, 2009 – In celebration of the USF Bulls’ historic victory over Florida State University Saturday, Bulls Heaven is selling a commemorative t-shirt for $16.99 (small-XXL) and $18.99 (XXXL).

The front of the dark green shirt says “USF Football” with the USF logo.  The back reads “In Your House Bulls Stampede the Seminoles September 26, 2009 Tallahassee, Florida” with the 17-7 score in the center.

The t-shirts are now available for purchase online at www.BullsHeaven.com.  They will be available in the store by Tuesday, September 29.  Bulls Heaven is located at 14823 N. Florida Ave. in Tampa.  Store hours are 7 a.m. until 9 p.m.  Bulls Heaven is the official merchandiser for the USF Bulls.

For more information please contact Jeffery Neil Fox at 813-908-2827or jnf@bullsheaven.com

Bulls Heaven Would Like to Recognize the Inaugural USF Hall of Fame Class

by Ben Keller, Editor – Gear Up For The Game
Photos courtesy of gousfbulls.com

The University of South Florida was proud to announce the inductees for their inaugural Hall of Fame Class.   USF’s Hall of Fame doesn’t only include athletes, but educators that made a lasting impact on the athletic department. The inaugural inductees are former men’s basketball player Charlie Bradley, former women’s basketball player Wanda Guyton, former Director of Athletics Dick Bowers, former Olympian and All-American in rifle Michelle Scarborough and the members of the 1984-85 National Champion USF Swimming Team.

Bradley is considered by many to be the greatest men’s basketball player to ever play at USF. Guyton was the guiding light for the University of South Florida women’s basketball program. She put the program on the map. Dr. Bowers had a lasting impact on the University of South Florida Athletics Department. Bowers made a strong push for intercollegiate athletics.   He also served as Golf Coach and Athletic Director. One of his biggest accomplishments was his contribution to the establishment of the Sun Belt Conference. Scarborough was an All-American all four years she was in school and was also an Academic All-American.   She was a two-time National Champion, a National Record Holder, and an Olympian.   Rifle Shooting was a USF sponsored sport in the 1980s and 1990s. Last but not least, the 1984-85 National Champion Women’s Swimming team which included swimmers Nancy Bercaw, Suzanne Crenshaw, Susan Duncan, Merit Greaves, Tracey Hayes, Dawn Hewitt, Alicia McHugh, Margaret Mortell, Julie Muller, Joni Troupe, assistant coach Lou Manganiello and head coach Bill Mann.

We at Bulls Heaven are incredibly proud of the inaugural USF Hall of Fame inductees.   We know that this list will continue to grow exponentially year in and year out.

The USF Bulls will induct their inaugural Hall of Fame class on September 17, 2009 at the Pepin Center. Information on tickets to the event will be released on gousfbulls.com in the near future.

GO BULLS!!!!!
bullsheaven.com

Congratulation to our USF Bulls Women’s Basketball Team

Congratulation to our USF Bulls Women’s Basketball Team
by: Ben Keller, Editor – Gear Up For The Game
Photographs courtesy of gousfbulls.com

The University of South Florida Bulls Women’s Basketball team was able to beat out the heavily favored Kansas Jayhawks in a rigorous battle for the WNIT Championship title. The miraculous win gave USF it’s first postseason championship in any men’s or women’s sport. USF had two amazing performances in the game from Jazmine Sepulveda who had 18 points, and Shantia Grace who had 16, and combined lead South Florida to a 75-71 upset victory. In addition to the victory, t he two teams played in front of 16,113 fans, the largest crowd in Big 12 history. Freshman guard Jasmine Wynne had this to say in response to the enormous crowd. “We had to stay together.  The crowd can’t score, so we decided that we had to stay together as a team.” She also commented on if she had seen anything like the crowd before: “No, I have not. Even at UConn, it was a big game, but this was an even bigger game.  It was fantastic.”

Number-One Bulls fan and University of South Florida President, Judy Genshaft was incredibly proud of the Lady Bulls Basketball team, and had this to say in a statement following the win. “USF women’s basketball has made history! The women’s team and its coaches, especially Jose Fernandez, deserve all of our congratulations! They showed the nation they are a championship team. We are so proud of you all.”

Bulls Heaven as well, is also so proud of the Bulls Women’s Basketball Team! We know that they will do their best to bring home the hardware again next year for all the Bulls fans.

GO BULLS!
bullsheaven.com

(left) USF Women’s Basketball Coach, Jose Fernandez, cuts down
the final string from the net after winning the WNIT Championship

Finish Strong BraceletsFinish Strong Bracelets Raise $1,500 For Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation

TAMPA, Fla. – April 29, 2009 – Bulls Heaven raised $1,500 in Finish Strong bracelets for Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation.

University of South Florida (USF) alumni and booster Jeff Wagner has promoted the Finish Strong mantra with USF football players and fans. Wagner has been an inspirational and motivational leader in his fight to beat leukemia and Finish Strong.

Owner of Bulls Heaven and USF Alumni Jeffrey Fox said, “We’re happy and proud to sell the Finish Strong bracelets as a fundraiser in Jeff Wagner’s name for the Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation. We will continue to sell them and raise money. We are hoping that a cure will be found soon for this terrible disease.”

The bracelets are available for $2.99 at the Bulls Heaven retail store, 14823 N. Florida Ave, Tampa 33613, bullsheaven.com and at all USF Bulls sporting events. Bulls Heaven is the official retailer for the USF Bulls.

Photo Description
Check presentation to Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation for $1,500, presented at the USF Tampa Chapter Alumni Tailgate at Bulls Heaven. (Left to right) Rocky D. Bull, Jeffrey Neil Fox (owner of Bulls Heaven), D. Shenel Reed (Moffitt representative) and Jeff Wagner. Photo by Jessica Fox

USF Linebacker Drafted by Patriots

by Ben Keller
Editor – Gear Up For The Game

The University of South Florida Bulls had twelve players available in the 2009 NFL Draft, yet only one player was selected, Linebacker Tyrone McKenzie. A standout at Riverview High School and later at USF (after attending Michigan State and Iowa State in his Freshman and Sophomore seasons), McKenzie was the ninety-seventh pick overall taken in the third round. The 6’1 243lb McKenzie had 237 total tackles in his short career with the Bulls and in 2008 was a consensus first team All-Big East LB. He was the Bulls leading tackler in 2007, which was his first year at USF after transferring.

I ran into Tyrone McKenzie at the Lady Bulls Softball game on Friday, April 24, 2009, and I asked him where he wanted to play during his pro career the most. “The New England Patriots,” he responded with a big, bright white smile. It seems as though the journeyman-college LB will be moving back up North, except this time to frigid Foxboro, MA.

Best of luck TYRONE! You are always family at Bulls Heaven!

GO BULLS!
bullsheaven.com