Art Link described moving from Washington D.C., to Buies Creek simply.

"I had to take my hand off the (car) horn."

For Oscar Olejniczak, AKA "Coach O" a native of Detroit, described it as "a huge culture shock, but it's been great for my family."

Landon Mariani made the transition with ease after growing up in the North Carolina foothills in Morganton. "I'm a North Carolina guy, and my wife's family is in Raleigh."

What drew the trio to Campbell University in 2007 was the opportunity to help build a Division I football program from the ground up. Interestingly, despite the 21st century inclination to move on and move up, the trio of assistant coaches has played a vital role in the growth of the program for four seasons.

"One thing that was consistent was that all three of us bought houses and our wives got jobs in the community," said Link, the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach who played for Steve Spurrier's Florida Gators. "We committed ourselves to start something and we knew it wouldn't happen just overnight."

Link and his wife Megan were searching for a good place to work, live and raise a family. Their son, Ryan, was born during the first season (2008).

All three assistants - Link, Mariani and Olejniczak - credit head coach Dale Steele for not only creating the vision for the program's success, but one that extends to a welcoming family atmosphere for the players and staff.

A 14-year coaching veteran, Olejniczak understands the time commitment necessary to bring a winning program to Campbell. But he also makes time for his wife, Pam, and their daughter, Isabella.

"My wife knew what my job was going to be," said the former Central Michigan wide receiver. "My daughter understands that I work seven days a week and that Daddy doesn't come home early during the season. But Thursday nights, the entire office leaves right after practice. That's family night."

That family atmosphere extends beyond his house to Olejniczak's players. "Pam is a mom away from home for most of the O-line and tight ends. She's the one who they text to say 'Merry Christmas.' Our older guys involve the younger guys. They eat together at pre-season camp. When you sit together, you talk and get to know each other."

Link echoes the sentiments of "Coach O."

"Having Ryan really changed my perspective on what's important," said the 1999 Florida grad. "You've got to care for your wife and child. My wife's been great at picking up the slack during the season, and Coach Steele really gives us time in the off-season to be with our families."

Mariani feels that the program's growth is a direct reflection of Steele's foresight.

"It's a tribute to Coach Steele," said Mariani. "When he told me all this was going to be built, he sold me on his vision. I think we're on the right track."

The commitment of the three, the entire Fighting Camel staff and players has produced a program that has exceeded the expectations early in its third season of competition at the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision level. From their first campaign to the last, CU cut its point differential from minus-32 to minus-9. Further proof is evident that in five of Campbell's eight losses in 2009, the team was within seven points of its opponent heading into the fourth quarter.

Campbell's improvement from the first season (2008) to the second (2009) was tangible.CU's second-year program also led the Pioneer Football League and ranked 13th among all FCS schools in rushing yards per game (189.7).

"As a staff, we expect to win every game now, and the players believe it too," said Mariani, a former UNC quarterback and graduate assistant, who worked as an assistant at Coastal Carolina for two years before moving to Campbell. "We're going to compete and have a chance to win every time we step on the field."

Olejniczak, who serves as offensive coordinator, offensive line and tight ends coach and recruiting coordinator, credits the leadership demonstrated by the upperclassmen.

"We brought in guys with vision, and had to talk about that every day when we were dressing in the converted laundry and practicing across campus," said the former Michigan State assistant. "But we built the foundation, and this year things are running smoother than ever. The older guys are telling the young guys what to do and where to be. Everybody has bought into the system."

In less than four seasons, Campbell has progressed from a program that had only one portable goalpost and no permanent dressing facilities to one that is more and more competitive in its conference. The highlights have been numerous, some attached to victories, others to more subjective feelings.

Link viewed last year's 31-22 victory over Morehead State, its first PFL win, as a high water mark of the first two years. "Strength-wise in year one, Morehead beat us up," recalled Link of the 42-7 road loss that concluded the inaugural Division I campaign. "Then last year, we go play with them and beat 'em."

Mariani listed benchmark wins at Carthage (the program's first in 2008), against Methodist (first home victory in 2009), but also looks back with fondness at losses to San Diego in 2008 and Old Dominion last year.

"We fought so hard last year against Old Dominion, and against San Diego that first year," he said. "We had a bunch of freshmen and played our tails off."

The Camels' quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator was impressed with the way the Camels won their season opener after trailing 16-13 late at UVA-Wise.

"How we finished was impressive," recalled Mariani of the Sept. 4 road opener. "The defense had to get a stop, and the offense had to score. We had a fourth down in that drive that we converted."

Veteran leadership on the team, continuity on the staff, and adding greater depth and talent to the roster figures to result in more victories on the field in the coming years.

"We've got great kids on our team," said Mariani. "I wouldn't trade them for anybody. They have a great work ethic and are committed."

All three "veteran" assistants greatly anticipate the direction in which the program is headed.

"Obviously, when you set out to build a program, you want to see it through," said Link. "We're on the verge of turning the corner of where we need to be in terms of wins and losses. This year and next year are pivotal in proving that."