ABOVE VIDEO:Yesterday during Florida Tech football’s first practice of the 2014 season, 77 returners – including 20 starters – looked in sync with each other and more experienced. The 36 newcomers were eager to throw on the crimson or white practice jersey and show they belong.
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — There was a different feeling at Florida Tech’s first football practice for the 2014 season Monday afternoon at Panther Field compared to one year ago.
Head coach Steve Englehart puts the team through a drill at the start of practice Monday afternoon at Panther Field. (Florida Tech image)
Gone was the buildup for the inaugural 2013 season and the questions of who would score the first touchdown, who would make the big stop and who would win the first game.
Instead, the feeling on the warm afternoon was more businesslike.
The 77 returners, including 20 starters, looked in synch with each other and more experienced. The 36 newcomers were eager to throw on the crimson or white practice jersey and show they belong.
Steve Englehart
“It was what was expected for a day one practice for a team that has a lot of veterans coming back and a lot of starters coming back,” head coach Steve Englehart said.
“Meetings have gone really smooth and well. We feel like we can implement a lot of things. We’re teaching less of the basic fundamentals and teaching more of the details.
“This practice felt like there was not as much energy as the first practice last year. Obviously, we’re not going to have that same energy because it was the first season, so there was a ton of excitement and a ton of energy. This year, we had a better first practice. We did more right than we did wrong.”
“Last year, it was more energy, but we did a heck of a lot more wrong than right. It felt like a veteran team’s practice. It was the first day and we have a ton, ton of work to do and things to install. The tempo of practice could be a little faster, but everyone knew where they were going. They just needed to be reminded that there is a sense of urgency in getting there.”
The day started with bench testing at 6 a.m. followed by a run test. The Panthers were in meetings the rest of the night and will return to the practice field on Tuesday to work out in helmets from 8:30-11 a.m.
Englehart talking to the team following Monday’s practice. (Florida Tech image)
The entire preseason practice schedule can be found below this story.
Practices leading up to the week of the Panthers’ first game on Saturday, Sept. 6 are open to the public. Fans are encouraged to bring their own chairs.
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.
To purchase season tickets, reserve a seat on the Texas trip or for more information, please contact Ticket Operations Director Tom Richard at 321-674-6228 or e-mail trichard@fit.edu.
2014 Florida Tech Football Preseason Camp Schedule
CLICK HERE for the 2014 Florida Tech Football Schedule.
• Monday, Aug. 11 2-4:30 p.m. (Helmets) • Tuesday, Aug. 12 8:30-11 a.m. (Helmets) • Wednesday, Aug. 13 8:30-11 a.m. (Shells) • Thursday, Aug. 14 1-3:30 p.m. (Shells) • Friday, Aug. 15 8:30-10:50 a.m. (Full pads) • Saturday, Aug. 16 8:30-11 a.m. (Full pads) and 4-6:30 p.m. (Full pads) • Sunday, Aug. 17 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. (Shells)
• Tuesday, Aug. 19 4-6:30 p.m. (Full pads) • Wednesday, Aug. 20 4-6:30 p.m. (Full pads) • Thursday, Aug. 21 4-6:30 p.m. (Full pads) • Friday, Aug. 22 4-6:30 p.m. (Shells) • Saturday, Aug. 23 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (Full pads) • Sunday, Aug. 24 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (Full pads)
• Tuesday, Aug. 26 4-6:30 p.m. (Full pads) • Wednesday, Aug. 27 4-6:30 p.m. (Full pads) • Thursday, Aug. 28 4-6:30 p.m. (Full pads) • Friday, Aug. 29 4-6:30 p.m. (Shells) • Saturday, Aug. 30 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (Full pads)
Note: All practices are scheduled for Panther Field next to the Varsity Training Center. Practice times are subject to change.
ABOVE VIDEO:Florida Tech football coach Steve Englehart discusses the upcoming 2014 season.
