Florida Tech, Bethune-Cookman to Meet on Gridiron

By  //  May 7, 2014

game set for September 27

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — Florida Tech and Bethune-Cookman have agreed to play a football game on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 4 p.m. at Municipal Stadium in Daytona Beach, announced Tuesday afternoon. 

Head coach Steve Englehart and the Panthers will play two FCS opponents this fall in Stetson on Sept. 6 and Bethune-Cookman on Sept. 27. (Florida Tech image)
Head coach Steve Englehart and the Panthers will play two FCS opponents this fall in Stetson on Sept. 6 and Bethune-Cookman on Sept. 27. (Florida Tech image)

“This year is about enlarging our territory,” head coach Steve Englehart said.

“Giving our young men an opportunity to play a top 20 FCS program is a great way to do that. Bethune-Cookman’s football program has garnered national recognition because of the outstanding job that Coach (Brian) Jenkins has done over the last several years. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to play a program of their caliber.”

Steve Englehart
Steve Englehart

The Wildcats finished the 2013 season ranked No. 16 in two Football Championship Subdivision polls.

They finished with a 10-3 record after claiming their third Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) title in four years last November. Their losses were to eventual National Champion Florida State, Norfolk State and in the first round of the FCS Playoffs to Coastal Carolina.

Including the game against Bethune-Cookman, FIT will play two FCS teams this fall with the other team being Stetson. The Panthers will take on the Hatters in their season opener on Saturday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. in DeLand.

“This year is about enlarging our territory,” head coach Steve Englehart said. “Giving our young men an opportunity to play a top 20 FCS program is a great way to do that. Bethune-Cookman’s football program has garnered national recognition because of the outstanding job that Coach (Brian) Jenkins has done over the last several years. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to play a program of their caliber.”

FIT now has 10 games on its fall schedule with five occurring at Palm Bay High School’s Pirate Stadium and five on the road. The only time they’re scheduled to play at home in September is for their home opener on Saturday, Sept. 13 against Ave Maria. Kickoff is at 6 p.m.

The Panthers are looking to add one more road game to their schedule, but details haven’t been finalized.

Season ticket renewals for FIT’s 2014 home schedule are being accepted until Friday, May 16 through mail, fax and by phone. Renewal forms can be sent with payment to Florida Tech Athletics, 150 W. University Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32901, faxed to 321-674-7783 or by calling 321-674-6228.

Pending availability, season tickets will go on sale to the general public on Monday, June 2. Fans interested in receiving ticket information or joining the season ticket waiting list should e-mail athleticstickets@fit.edu.

Josh Sanders makes a leaping catch over a defender during the Panthers' first practice of the spring on Monday, Feb. 17. (Florida Tech image)
Josh Sanders makes a leaping catch over a defender during the Panthers’ spring practice. (Florida Tech image)

Florida Tech’s third annual Inside the Huddle banquet is scheduled for Thursday, May 15 on campus at the Panther Dining Hall.

This year’s guest speaker is Wisconsin Director of Athletics and College Football Hall of Fame member Barry Alvarez.

A reception begins at 6 p.m. and the program starts at 6:30 p.m.

Reservations for the dinner can be made online at give.fit.edu/InsidetheHuddle, by contacting Gina Yates at gyates@fit.edu and by calling 321-674-8428.

The cost is $100 per person. Corporate tables of eight can be purchased for $750.

Business attire is required. The RSVP deadline is Wednesday, May 7.

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ABOVE MAP: Season ticket renewals for FIT’s 2014 home schedule are being accepted until Friday, May 16 through mail, fax and by phone. Renewal forms can be sent with payment to Florida Tech Athletics, 150 W. University Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32901, faxed to 321-674-7783 or by calling 321-674-6228.