Panther Football Picked Sixth in Preseason Poll
By Space Coast Daily // August 7, 2014
SIX STUDENT-ATHLETES CHOSEN AS ALL-GSC TEAM
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — Florida Tech is expected to finish sixth in the Gulf South Conference, according to the league’s preseason coaches’ poll released on Wednesday.
The Panthers, who are entering their second season of football this fall, received 12 points. Defending GSC Champion North Alabama is expected to repeat after tallying five first-place votes and one second-place vote for 35 points. Delta State (30 points), Valdosta State (26 points), West Alabama (21 points) and West Georgia (17 points) are predicted to finish second through fifth, in order. New GSC member Shorter rounded out the poll with six points for seventh place.
Florida Tech placed six student-athletes on the Preseason All-GSC Team, also announced on Wednesday. Earning recognition on offense were wide receiver Xavier Milton, tight end Gabe Hughes and offensive lineman Stephen Castin. Garnering attention on the defense were linebackers Justin Arcune and Chris Stapleton along with defensive back Manny Abad.
Florida Tech tied West Georgia for the second-most honorees with six. Delta State and West Alabama both placed seven on the preseason team to lead the conference. The preseason team was selected by head coaches with the stipulation that coaches were not allowed to vote for their own players.
The GSC also unveiled the top newcomers for 2014. Named to the list were running back Gary Holmes, wide receiver Terrance Bynum and defensive back Leo Alba II.
The Panthers open preseason camp next Monday, Aug. 11 at Panther Field next to the Varsity Training Center. They will kick off their 11-game schedule in exactly one month on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Stetson. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
SEASON TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE
Season tickets for Florida Tech’s five-game home schedule are available now through the Florida Tech Ticket Office. The total cost is only $65 for adults and $40 for seniors ages 65 and above, children ages 5-16 and Florida Tech faculty and staff for all five home games.
Faculty and staff can purchase up to two adult season tickets at the discounted rate of $40.
Florida Tech is also selling a two-day trip to see the Panthers take on Tarleton State at AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, in Arlington, Texas on Saturday, Sept. 20. The experience includes roundtrip airfare from Melbourne International Airport to Dallas Love Field, a one-night hotel stay on Friday, Sept. 19, ground transportation in Texas, a game ticket and select meals.
The itinerary also includes a visit to historic Dealey Plaza, the Fort Worth Stockyards and a tour of AT&T Stadium.
