When Michael Virden last left Iowa Falls, Iowa, and Ellsworth Community College 22 years ago, he was capping off a brilliant 20-1 season and a national championship as the starting quarterback. When he returned last season, the one time Des Moines Dowling High star had come full circle.

Whether as a player or as a coach, Virden understood what it took to come out on top. As a record setting quarterback at Boise State University, he led the Broncos to the 1990 NCAA semifinals after establishing single season touchdown and career passing records at Ellsworth.

As a coach, he demanded the best from his players in Colorado, Idaho and for one season at Douglas High, where led the Eagles into the playoffs, coming up with a stunning first round win against Boyd Anderson.

What Virden learned in his years as a player and coach is that you win with talent and discipline, and while turning down the opportunity to return to Ellsworth to become the head coach was too impressive to turn down, Virden understood that winning at that level would have to come with a little bit of creativity.

``There are some very good players in this region of the country,'' Virden admitted. ``But to take it to that next level and compete for a national championship, we needed an infusion of athletes.''

A LOT OF TALENT

In just one year in south Florida, Virden saw that the talent in this region of the country was exactly what was needed to give his new program an infusion of talent. While many coaches ignore the fact that Florida athletes are superior to most across the country, Virden understood what a lift they could give a program that has struggled for years.

Just like he did at Douglas in his first season, Virden made a statement last year at Ellsworth, finishing 8-3 and jumping into the national poll for the first time in decades. His offense was rated among the best in the nation.

``I knew that if we were going to win and compete on a national level, the players that the school was attracting each year would never be enough,'' Virden said. ``Don't get me wrong, the kids in Iowa and in the surrounding states are good, but to be great, you had to raise the bar.''

By raising the bar, Virden brought in 22 players from south Florida, which worked out fine. This year, word spread back to Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties and that number soared to 35 -- 29 from Miami-Dade and Broward.

``The biggest thing was showing these kids that education was very important here and that missing classes and slacking would mean a trip back home,'' Virden said. ``The other obstacle was winter. Most had never seen snow before, so that was another of the many culture shocks.''

AT THE CENTER OF SUCCESS

As Ellsworth began to win, it was evident that Florida players were at the center of the success, and as the Panthers began this season, many across the country voted them in the top 5, which brought back memories of the successful days of championships, bowl wins and All-Americans.

Some of the top prospects on the team include South Broward High players Obrian Campbell (DB, 6-0, 190, So.) and Aaron Strumski (DT, 6-2, 299, So.), and Coconut Creek athletes Tirrell Rennie (QB, 5-10, 182, So.) and receiver Quintin Robinson, a 6-3, 190-pounder.

``There are a number of sophomore players who are getting some looks from impressive four year schools,'' said Virden. ``College coaches are now asking about a number of our players.''

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