Saint Augustine's College Mourns Loss of Football
Assistant Antonio Owens
May 1, 2009
RALEIGH, N.C. - Saint Augustine's College is saddened to learn
of the death of assistant football coach Antonio Owens, who
succumbed Friday, May 1, after a long illness.
"Today, the Saint Augustine's College Athletic Department feels a
tremendous sense of loss," Athletic Director George Williams said.
"Coach Owens was such a great representative of what we do around
here. Together, Coach Owens, along with the entire football
coaching staff, made a significant difference in the lives of many
Saint Augustine's College student-athletes. He will always
represent, in fullest measure, the spirit of the college."
Owens was the running backs coach since 2006 at Saint Augustine's
College. During his tenure on the Falcon staff, he developed rising
junior Walter Sanders, a 2008 All-CIAA second team selection after
finishing second in the league in rushing, and rising junior Arnold
Mullins, a 2007 All-CIAA rookie pick.
"It's a sad day in Falcon land when you lose someone who has worked
with you for what seems like a long period of time, though it was
just a few years," said Falcon Head Coach Michael Costa. "Coach
Owens had a lot of energy and passion for the game of football. You
feel for the kids that he coached because he portrayed that father
image with the players. He will be deeply missed."
A Hallandale, Fla., native, Owens coached 16 years overall at many
levels, including Division I-A, Division I-AA, Division II, junior
college, high school and Pop Warner football. Prior to arriving at
Saint Augustine's College, Owens coached at Clark Atlanta
University, where he served as assistant outside linebackers coach
in 2005. Before then, Owens was at Poinciana (Fla.) High School
from 2000-2001 where he was defensive coordinator and defensive
back coach. Owens also coached at New Mexico Military Institute,
University of Central Florida, Norfolk State University and Bowie
State University.
Owens played college football at West Virginia University-Potomac,
Syracuse University and C.W. Post University after an outstanding
high school career. He is a former Army officer and Gulf War
veteran.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
