CHAMPIONSHIP HEALTHCARE IS ALWAYS IN SEASON. Whether it’s football or any other sport, our team can get you back to what you love. So don’t let an injury stand in your way. Go where the pros go and get back to touchdown dances.
BaptistHealth.net/Ortho | 786-268-6200 A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence. For giving opportunities, visit BaptistHealth.net/Foundation Providing Sports Medicine Services for
FIU ATHLETICS SPONSORSHIPS
VAN WAGNER
11555 SW 12th STREET BUILDING W10C MIAMI, FL 33199
800 THIRD AVE. 28th FL. NEW YORK, NY 10022 212.699.8400
MARCELO RADICE DIRECTOR OF SALES
RICHARD M. SCHAPS
CHAIRMAN & CEO, VAN WAGNER GROUP
JOHN MASSONI
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, VAN WAGNER GROUP
MIKE PALISI
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
MARK DONLEY
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
DIANA LEPORE
VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING & OPERATIONS
F I U PA N T H E R S
T O N I G H T ,S G A M E With the longest road swing of the season in the review mirror, the FIU Panthers return to action tonight at FIU Stadium hosting the Charlotte 49ers. The Panthers and the 49ers have met five times, with FIU coming out on top in all five matchups. Tonight’s game can be exclusively watched on CBS Sports Network and listened to on Univion WQBA 1140. FIU enters tonight’s matchup with a 1-4 record after being upended by Florida Atlantic 58-21 in Shula Bowl XX. The 49ers of Charlotte enter The Cage with a 3-2 record and are coming off a 24-15 defeat at the hands of Illinois. The 49ers come to Miami with an 0-2 road record on the 2021 season. Last time out, the electrifying passing attack, led by quarterback Max Bortenschlager and Tyrese Chambers, was the only bright spot in the Panthers trip to Boca Raton. Borthenschlager enters the game leading the nation in yards per completion averaging 18.24 yards. Chambers also sits atop the nation averaging 27.71 yards per catch this season.
3
INFORMATION ABOUT RICCARDO SILVA STADIUM
F I U PA N T H E R S
PLEASE STAY OFF THE FIELD For the safety of participants and spectators alike, at no time before, during and after a game shall spectators be permitted to enter the playing field. Access will be limited to participating student-athletes, coaches, officials, support personnel and properly credentialed individuals. While we love the enthusiasm of our fans, serious injury can occur to fans, coaching staff and student-athletes. For more information, contact Riccardo Silva Stadium Managers Office at 305-348-4327
4
INFORMATION ABOUT RICCARDO SILVA STADIUM ACCESS - All guests must have a ticket for admittance to Riccardo Silva Stadium. Children ages two (2) and under are not required to have a ticket - they may attend free of charge provided that they sit on an adult’s lap during the game. The FIU students entrance is free with a valid student I.D. only. Student guests must purchase a game ticket for admittance.
F I U PA N T H E R S
CLEAR BAG GUIDELINES – Each ticket holder, including children, may carry one approved clear bag, such as a one-gallon clear plastic storage bag (Zip lock bag or similar), plus a small purse about the size of a hand. The following bags will be permitted inside FIU athletic facilities and are subject to search.
TICKETS - Assistance with any ticket issues can be obtained by contacting the FIU Athletics Ticket Office, located on the west side of Riccardo Silva Stadium at the University Credit Union Box Office and by calling 305-348-4263.
• A clear plastic bag that does not exceed 12” by 6” by 12”. • Clutch or small purse, with or without a strap that does not exceed 6.5” by 4.5”. • Equipment bag for necessary medical items.
ALCOHOL GUIDELINES - Alcoholic beverages are not permitted to be brought into Riccardo Silva Stadium. Beer can be purchased at designated concession stands inside the stadium. Fans must be 21 years of age or older with a valid I.D. to purchase alcohol. There is a limit of two beers that may be purchased at a time (limit of four during the event) and the sale of alcohol will conclude at the end of the third quarter. Sections 102 and 109 are alcohol free sections and the consuming of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in these sections.
• Diapers and wipes can be carried in a clear bag for age-appropriate children accompanied by an adult. Prohibited bags include, but are not limited to: large purses, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, mesh bags, or any bag larger than the permissible size. Tinted or printed-pattern plastic bags are not clear, so they will not be permitted. Fans can wear or carry items such as binoculars, hand-held electronic devices, and cameras (with lenses shorter than four inches) without carrying cases. Fans may carry in seat cushions that will be screened upon entry.
DISABLED SEATING - Seating for guests with disabilities is located throughout Riccardo Silva Stadium on the first and second level concourses with ramps and elevator access. Customers who require special assistance are urged to make all ticket arrangements well in advance by contacting the FIU Athletics Ticket Office at 305-348-4263.
FIU is committed to maintaining a safe environment at all athletic events. This is an important step in achieving that. PROHIBITED ITEMS - Items prohibited from all Riccardo Silva Stadium events include: any outside food/beverages, illegal drugs, playing balls, umbrellas, pets (except for certified service dogs for disabled patrons), bottles, cans, flasks, thermoses, ice bags, ice chests, coolers, picnic baskets, boom boxes, firearms, incendiary devices (fireworks, smoke bombs, etc.), artificial noisemakers, musical instruments, flag poles, confetti, weapons, hover boards, laser pointers, drone-type aircraft or any item deemed hazardous by FIU Stadium management personnel. Those with illegal drugs or incendiary devices are subject to ejection and/or arrest. Authorities are allowed to inspect patrons, and their bags, upon entering Riccardo Silva Stadium for the
GATES OPEN - All admission gates open 60 minutes prior to kick-off. At that time, all concession stands will be operational and all security and ushers will be in place. For the purpose of spectator safety, authorities are allowed to inspect patrons and their bags upon entering Riccardo Silva Stadium. PARKING - For quick and convenient access to and from Riccardo Silva Stadium, there are several free parking lots on the FIU Modesto A. Maidique Campus. Lot 7 has now been designated as a Pay Lot. Please remember if you park at a meter, you must pay for your stay. Please go to parking.fiu.edu/tailgating for more information on FIU football game day parking. 5
INFORMATION ABOUT RICCARDO SILVA STADIUM
purpose of spectator safety. No backpacks will be allowed into FIU Stadium. Baby strollers need to be kept clear of all aisle ways and must be checked upon entering the Stadium. All items (packages) are subject to search. No sitting in the aisles. No standing on the bleachers/seats. Ushers will restrict entrance to the field and premium areas allowing only credentialed personnel access. FIU staff reserves the right to prohibit any additional items.
LOST AND FOUND - All lost items found are brought to the University Credit Union Box Office located in the Kirk R. Landon Field House and will be held for thirty days. All individuals can call 305-348-4263 or visit the University Credit Union Box Office to see if your item(s) has been found.
GUEST SERVICES - FIU is committed to provide fans the ultimate game day experience. Should you have any questions or need assistance, Guest Services centers are located inside Riccardo Silva Stadium at Gates 3 and 4, and Gates 8 and 9, for your convenience.
SMOKING POLICY - FIU’s Modesto A. Maidique Campus is a smoke-free campus. Smoking anywhere in the stadium or on campus is prohibited.
RE-ENTRY - There is no re-entry into the stadium for all Riccardo Silva Stadium ticketed events.
CLICK OR TAP HERE TO VIEW
COVID 19 UPDATE FOOTBALL GAME DAY PROTOCOLS
6
HEALTHY LIVING Stay home if you feel ill to avoid making others sick
Face covering recommended indoors to help prevent airborne illness
Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer
Sneeze or cough into your elbow
Make sure your vaccines are up to date
Respect people’s choices
PA N T H E R S P R O T E C T I N G PA N T H E R S
Natural Gas:
Rebates today, energy savings forever. Domestic Affordable Safe Reliable FCGsmarthome.com
RE AL SUCCESS TA K E S T HE F IEL D Florida International University is making great strides with many top-50 rankings among U.S. public research universities. With your support, we will take FIU’s research excellence and student success to the Next Horizon. Invest in success at NextHorizon.FIU.edu
A S M I A M I ’ S O N LY P U B L I C R E S E A R C H U N I V E R S I T Y, F I U I S I N S E R V I C E T O T H E C O M M U N I T Y. For more than four decades, FIU has been one of South Florida’s anchor institutions, working to solve some of the greatest challenges of our time. Designated a toptier research institution, FIU emphasizes research as a major component of the university’s mission. Preeminent Programs such as the Center for Children and Families and the Extreme Events Institute actively enhance FIU’s ability to set new standards. FIU also supports artistic and cultural engagement through its three museums: Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum, The Wolfsonian-FIU and the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU. The university has collectively graduated more than 270,000 alumni, 120,000 alumni staying to live and work in Florida.
58,000 ENROLLMENT
270,000+ ALUMNI AROUND THE WORLD
TOP 100
PUBLIC UNIVERSITY IN THE COUNTRY, U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
2010
THE YEAR THE PANTHERS CAPTURED THEIR FIRST BOWL WIN IN SCHOOL HISTORY—DEFEATING THE UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO 34-32 AT THE LITTLE CAESAR’S PIZZA BOWL IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN
10
TOP OF THE CLASS FIU PROGRAMS ACROSS THE ACADEMIC SPECTRUM ARE RANKED IN THE TOP 50 AMONG PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES, ACCORDING TO U.S.NEWS & WORLD REPORT RANKINGS RELEASED IN 2021.
5
CATEGORY OF HURRICANE WINDS PRODUCED BY FIU’S WALL OF WIND (WOW), THE LARGEST AND MOST POWERFUL UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FACILITY OF ITS KIND
R1
CARNEGIE CLASSIFICATION FOR HIGHEST RESEARCH ACTIVITY
WHO WE SERVE FIU’s dynamic student body reflects the vibrant diversity of South Florida:
4%
Asian or Pacific Islander
7%
Other Minority Groups
63
NUMBER OF FEET BELOW THE SURFACE WHERE FIU’S AQUARIUS REEF BASE IS LOCATED. IT IS THE WORLD’S ONLY UNDERWATER OCEAN LABORATORY.
2020
THE CHRONICLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION NAMED FIU ONE OF THE “GREAT COLLEGES TO WORK FOR” THE FIFTH YEAR!
11
13% 61
%
Hispanic
Black
15%
White Non-Hispanic
BUTCH DAVIS HEAD FOOTBALL COACH
F I U PA N T H E R S
BUTCH DAVIS HEAD FOOTBALL COACH while coaching the University of Miami (1995-00). In that span, Davis recruited and/or coached more than 120 players that made it to the NFL, 35 of which were firstround draft picks. Davis coached in the NFL for 10 years and is still the only head coach to take the expansion Cleveland Browns to the playoffs in 2002, while winning a pair of Super Bowl rings as an assistant coach with the Dallas Cowboys in the early 1990s. During his 14-year collegiate coaching career, Davis guided his teams to 10 bowl games, winning six of them, including a 37-20 victory over the Florida Gators in the 2001 Sugar Bowl.
O
n Nov. 15, 2016, Butch Davis was named the fourth head coach of the FIU football program, returning to South Florida where he made a name for himself as one of the premier minds in football. A man with a proven record of success and an unyielding commitment to excellence, Davis has brought an identity and a swell of energy to the FIU football program. Davis will enter his fifth season at FIU in 2021. Davis has compiled a 102-64 overall record in 14 years as a college head coach, including three BIG EAST Championships 14
In just three seasons, Davis has transformed the football program and has instilled a winning tradition at FIU after taking the Panthers to three-straight bowl appearances and setting a school-record for wins (9) in 2018. Davis has also won 23 games in his first three seasons at the helm, which is the most by any Panther football coach in a three-year span. Davis is also responsible for the program’s biggest victory, after defeating the Miami Hurricanes 30-24 at Marlins Park in 2019. Three players have been taken in the NFL Draft under Davis, with two of those being quarterbacks in Alex McGough and James Morgan. FIU joined Oklahoma, LSU and Washington State as the only schools in the country to have multiple quarterbacks drafted from 2018-2020. Furthermore, FIU has had more quarterbacks selected during the 2018-20 span than all other Florida FBS schools (Florida, Florida State, FAU, Miami, UCF and USF) combined in their last five drafts.
BUTCH DAVIS HEAD FOOTBALL COACH
The 2019 season was one of resiliency, as the Panthers bounced back from an 0-2 start and injuries to earn another bowl bid to end the year. FIU finished the year with a 6-7 mark and closed out the season with a first-time trip to the Camellia Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama. The Panthers lost a high-scoring affair to Arkansas State but not without setting numerous individual offensive records in the process. The 2019 season was highlighted by a 30-24 victory over the Miami Hurricanes at Marlins Park in late November, as the Panthers pulled off the biggest win in program history. In addition to claiming bragging rights for the city of Miami, the win also made the Panthers bowl eligible for the thirdstraight season. In 2018, the Panthers capped the season with a 35-32 victory over Toledo at the Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl as FIU finished the year with a school-best 9-4 mark. Additionally, the Panthers earned a 6-2 record in C-USA action, which was also a school record. The Panthers broke records statistically as well, most notably on the offensive side as FIU set new season marks in points (450), touchdowns (58), total offense (5,480), yards per play (6.38), passing touchdowns (27), passing yards (3,194), passer efficiency (154.7), completion percentage (65.5), yards per pass (8.3), rushing touchdowns (27), yards per rush (4.80) and sacks allowed (8). Nationally, the Panthers ranked in the Top 10 among FBS schools for sacks allowed (3rd overall, 8 allowed), tackles for loss allowed (4th overall, 3.77), fumbles lost (9th overall, five lost) and turnovers lost (9th overall, 13 lost) in 2018. The FIU air attack was also highly ranked nationally, with the Panthers’ passer efficiency of 154.7 ranking 12th in the country, while FIU’s 34.6 points per game ranked 27th overall. Davis also saw a school-record 17 Panthers earn All-CUSA honors, highlighted by first team selections Sage Lewis and Maurice Alexander.
F I U PA N T H E R S
Much of 2018’s success on offense was due to quarterback James Morgan, who Davis coached to a C-USA Newcomer of the Year honor in his first season with the Panthers. Morgan set single-season records for touchdowns responsible for (27), total offense (2,708), passing touchdowns (26), passing yards (2,727) and passer efficiency (157.6). In Davis’ first season at FIU, the Panthers matched a school record in wins (8), before later breaking the mark in 2018. The Panthers also earned the school’s first bowl berth since the 2011 season as FIU played Temple in the Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl. The 8-5 mark during the regular season was the best record of any firstyear head coach at FIU. FIU finished the 2017 regular season leading the nation in red zone scoring offense converting 98 percent of its redzone chances (39-of-40), which includes 30 touchdowns. Davis’ 2017 FIU squad not only matched the school record in wins, but the 2017 Panthers finished the regular season throwing for the second-most yards (3,031) and rushing for the third-most yards (2,069) in school history. The offense also totaled the third-most yards (5,100) and FIU scored the third-most points (333) in a season. Defensively, the Panthers’ 28.0 sacks ranked third in a single-season and the 75 tackles for loss tied for seventh overall. Davis also saw 12 Panthers earn All-CUSA honors highlighted by first team selection Thomas Owens. Davis came to FIU after serving as a college football studio analyst, while also contributing to coverage on College Football Live, ESPN Radio, ESPN.com and SportsCenter since 2014. Before joining ESPN, Davis served as a consultant to the head coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2012 and ‘13 seasons. Prior to that, Davis had a long successful coaching career, including head 15
BUTCH DAVIS HEAD FOOTBALL COACH
coaching positions with the University of North Carolina (2007-10), the Cleveland Browns (2001-04) and the University of Miami (1995-00). Davis spent four seasons at North Carolina, taking the Tar Heels to three-straight bowl games to end his tenure in Chapel Hill. Davis’ UNC teams earned eight wins in his final three years, while capping the 2010 season with a thrilling, 30-27 victory over Tennessee in the Music City Bowl. Davis was head coach for six seasons at Miami (1995-2000) and led the Hurricanes to a 51-20 record, three Big East Conference championships and four postseason bowl wins in as many appearances. His Hurricane teams finished ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 on four occasions, including No. 2 in the nation in 2000, when the Canes went 11-1 and beat Florida, 37-20, in the Sugar Bowl. Davis left Coral Gables following the 2000 season to join the Cleveland Browns. In his first season in Cleveland in 2001, Davis led his young team to an impressive 7-9 record, exceeding by two the expansion club’s combined victories from 1999 and 2000 (5-27). His second season as head coach resulted in the Browns earning their first playoff appearance and best regular season mark since 1994, despite 34 of the 53 players on the team’s final active roster having four years of NFL experience or less. Cleveland was Davis’ second stint in the NFL. While with the Cowboys from 1989-94, Davis helped Dallas post one of the most spectacular turnarounds in sports history as the Cowboys went from a lowly 1-15 squad in 1989 to one of the most dominant NFL programs in the 1990s. He was the defensive line coach in the Cowboys’ 52-17 win over Buffalo in Super Bowl XXVII and served as defensive coordinator in the Cowboys’ 30-13 win over Buffalo in Super
16
F I U PA N T H E R S
Bowl XXVIII. Davis was also defensive coordinator during Barry Switzer’s first season as head coach in 1994 and helped Dallas reach the NFC Championship Game, where eventual Super Bowl champion San Francisco denied its bid for a three-peat. He coached three Pro Bowl starters while with the Cowboys – future Hall of Famer Charles Haley, Leon Lett and Darren Woodson. From 1979-94, Davis had a successful 15-year association with Jimmy Johnson, first as a receivers and tight ends coach at Oklahoma State University (1979-83), then as a defensive line coach at the University of Miami and ending with the Dallas Cowboys, where he started as a defensive line coach and was promoted to defensive coordinator. His coaching career began as a volunteer assistant in 1973 at Fayetteville High School in Arkansas. He had stints in Oklahoma at Pawhuska High School (1974-75) and Sand Springs High School (1976-77) as an assistant coach and at Tulsa Rogers High School (1978) in his first head coaching assignment before joining Johnson’s staff at Oklahoma State in 1979. In addition to coaching, Davis also spent 1973-78 as a biology and anatomy teacher on the high school level. A native of Bixby, Oklahoma, Davis earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and life science from the University of Arkansas in 1974, where he played tight end and defensive end for the Razorbacks under Head Coach Frank Boyles.
THE BUTCH DAVIS FILE
F I U PA N T H E R S
Davis Yearly Coaching History
1998 (UM) 9-3 Ranked #20 AP, #21 coaches
2017-present FIU - head coach
1997 (UM) 5-6
2007-10 University of North Carolina head coach
1996 (UM) 9-3 Ranked #14 in both polls Big East co-champions
2001-04 Cleveland Browns - head coach
1995 (UM) 8-3 Ranked #20 AP Big East co-champions FIU (5 yrs) 23-21 UNC (4 yrs) 28-23 UM (6 yrs) 51-20
1995-2000 University of Miami - head coach 1989-94 Dallas Cowboys - assistant (defensive line 1989-92, defensive coordinator & linebackers 1993-94)
Total 102-64
1984-88 University of Miami - assistant (defensive line)
Pre- or Postseason History
1979-83 Oklahoma State University assistant (tight ends, receivers)
FIU (head coach) 2020 FIU (0-5) Season shortened 2019 FIU (6-7) Defeated Miami at Marlins Park, earned third-straight bowl berth 2019 Camellia Bowl vs. Arkansas State 2018 Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl vs. Toledo 2017 Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl vs. Temple
1978 Tulsa Rogers (Okla.) High School head coach 1976-77 Sand Springs (Okla.) High School assistant (offensive line, outside linebackers) 1974-75 Pawhuska (Okla.) High School assistant (offensive, defensive lines)
North Carolina (head coach) 2010 Music City vs. Tennessee 2009 Meineke Car Care vs. Pittsburgh 2008 Meineke Car Care vs. West Virginia
1973 Fayetteville (Ark.) High School volunteer assistant (receivers)
Miami (head coach) 2001 Sugar vs. Florida 2000 Gator vs. Georgia Tech 1999 Kickoff Classic vs. Ohio State 1998 Micron PC vs. NC State 1996 Carquest vs. Virginia
Year-by-Year Collegiate Head Coaching Record 2019 FIU (6-7) Defeated Miami at Marlins Park, earned third-straight bowl berth 2018 (FIU) 9-4 Won Makers Wanted Bahamas Bowl, broke school record with 9 wins
Miami (assistant coach) 1989 Orange vs. Nebraska 1988 Orange vs. Oklahoma 1987 Fiesta vs. Penn State 1986 Sugar vs. Tennessee 1985 Fiesta vs. UCLA
2017 (FIU) 8-5 Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl first FIU Bowl bid since 2011; School record 8 wins 2010 (UNC) 8-5 First bowl victory for Carolina in nine seasons
Oklahoma State (assistant coach) 1983 Bluebonnet Bowl vs. Baylor 1981 Independence Bowl vs. Texas A&M
2009 (UNC) 8-5 Carolina made back-to-back bowl games for first time in a decade
Super Bowls
2008 (UNC) 8-5 Carolina returned to rankings for the first time since 2001
Dallas Cowboys, Super Bowl XXVII vs. Buffalo (assistant coach)
2007 (UNC) 4-8
Dallas Cowboys, Super Bowl XXVIII vs. Buffalo (defensive coordinator)
2000 (UM) 11-1 Ranked #2 in both polls Big East champions 1999 (UM) 9-4 Ranked #15 in both polls 17
THE BUTCH DAVIS FILE
F I U PA N T H E R S
First-round draft picks coached or recruited by Davis as head coach Miami or North Carolina
Mike Rumph (CB), Andre Johnson (WR), Jerome McDougle (DE), Willis McGahee (RB), William Joseph (DT), Sean Taylor (S), Kellen Winslow (TE), Jonathan Vilma (LB), D.J. Williams (LB), Vernon Carey (OT), Vince Wilfork (DT), Antrel Rolle (CB), Kelly Jennings (CB)
Miami (28): Ray Lewis (LB), Yatil Green (WR), Kennard Lang (DE), Kenny Holmes (DE), Duane Starks (CB), Edgerrin James (RB), Bubba Franks (TE), Dan Morgan (LB), Damion Lewis (DT), Santana Moss (WR), Reggie Wayne (WR), Bryant McKinnie (OT), Jeremy Shockey (TE), Phillip Buchannon (CB), Ed Reed (S),
North Carolina (7): Kentwan Balmer (DT), Hakeem Nicks (WR), Robert Quinn (DE), Quinton Coples (DE), Jonathan Cooper (OG), Sylvester Williams (DT), Eric Ebron (TE)
18
CONFERENCE USA IS BUILDING THE NEXT GENERATION OF GREAT COLLEGE PROGRAMS WITH INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIPS, DYNAMIC LEADERSHIP AND DIVERSE MEMBERSHIP. WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER AND DETERMINED TO ACHIEVE OUR VISION
THE C-USA WAY. CONFERENCEUSA.COM | @CONFERENCEUSA | #THECUSAWAY
2021 FOOTBALL COACHING STAFF
Butch Davis Head Coach
Everett Withers Assistant Coach Defensive Coordinator/Safeties
Drew Davis Assistant Coach Tight Ends/Pass Game Coordinator
Randall McCray Assistant Coach Linebackers
Andrew Breiner Assistant Coach Offensive Coordinator/ Wide Receivers
Tim Harris, Jr. Assistant Coach Cornerbacks
Bryn Renner Assistant Coach Quarterbacks
Max Rodriguez Graduate Assistant a
Casey Horny Assistant Coach Special Teams Coordinator
Joel Rodriguez Assistant Coach Offensive Line
Habby Contreras Graduate Assistant 22
Deke Adams Assistant Coach Defensive Line/Run Game Coordinator
Sean Binckes Graduate Assistant Offense
Robert Delaney Graduate Assistant
2021 FOOTBALL SUPPORT STAFF
F I U PA N T H E R S
Jed Keime Director of Football Operations
Joe Hausman Assistant Director of Operations/Social Media Coordinator
JT Hill Director of Recruitment/Player Personnel/Pro Liaison
Tia Withers Assistant Director of Football Operations/Executive Assistant to the Head Coach
Micheal Lombardo Football Video Coordinator
Ricky Walterman Head Equipment Manager
Max Zilberberg Assistant Equipment Manager
Amanda McCall Football Administrative Specialist
Dustin West Associate Athletic Trainer
John Johnson Assistant Athletic Trainer 23
Andreu Swasey Director of Strength and Conditioning
PANTHER ATHLETIC FUND
F I U PA N T H E R S
Dear Panther Fans, As we reflect on this past year, we are incredibly proud of our student-athletes’ successes on and off the field. A few noteworthy highlights include the following: •
The FIU Athletic Department continues to maintain a level of academic excellence, posting the highest term grade point average on record (3.53) this past spring. It marks the 10th-straight semester in which FIU has posted a department GPA of 3.0-or-better.
•
A total of 282 student-athletes earned Conference USA honor roll distinctions, with the Panthers leading the league for the second-straight year for that category.
•
Additionally, FIU posted a department-record 66 student-athletes with a 4.0 or higher for the last term.
•
The FIU football team earned a school-record thirdstraight trip to a bowl game, as the Panthers faced Arkansas State in the Camellia Bowl. The highlight of the football team’s 2019 season came in the 30-24 victory over the Miami Hurricanes at Marlins Park.
•
FIU had two football players selected in the 2020 NFL Draft, James Morgan went in the fourth round to the New York Jets and Stantley Thomas-Oliver III taken in the seventh round by the Carolina Panthers. FIU is one of just four schools in the nation to have multiple quarterbacks taken in the draft since 2018, joining Oklahoma, LSU and Washington State.
•
The FIU swimming and diving program won its sixthstraight Conference USA title to highlight the 201920 season. Following the 2019-20 season, Jasmine Nocentini was named co-Swimmer of the Year and Freshman Swimmer of the Year, while Maha Gouda was tabbed Diver of the Year, Mandy Song earned Freshman Diver of the Year and Julia Miranda garnered Newcomer of the Year laurels.
•
The FIU swimming and diving trio of Nocentini, Gouda and Song all qualified for NCAAs in their respective events.
24
PANTHER ATHLETIC FUND
F I U PA N T H E R S
•
The FIU men’s basketball team earned 19 wins and opened the C-USA Tournament with an 85-76 win over Rice, before the season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
•
After leading the nation in blocks (122) and blocks per game (3.81), Osasumwen Osaghae was named C-USA Defensive Player of the Year. As a team, the Panthers led the country in blocks (210) and blocks per game (6.6).
•
Following their stellar play for the FIU men’s soccer team on the pitch, Andrew Booth was named the Conference USA Midfielder of the Year, while Nick O’Callaghan earned Conference USA co-Defensive MVP honors. Alessandro Campoy earned the C-USA Golden Boot Award, which is given to the top goal-scorer in C-USA play.
•
A trio of Panthers for the men’s soccer team were taken in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft as Daniel Gagliardi, Nick O’Callaghan and Andrew Booth were selected. The three selections in one year were a new high for the men’s soccer program, while FIU has had at least one player taken in the MLS SuperDraft in the past three seasons.
•
Prior to the season being cut short due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the FIU baseball team was off to its best start since 2014. Following the conclusion of the season, Logan Allen was selected by the Cleveland Indians in the second round of COVIDshortened MLB Draft, becoming the third-highest pick in program history.
This would never have been possible without the generous support of our Panther Athletic Fund (PAF) members. Through your philanthropic gifts, you are investing in the future of FIU Athletics and our exceptional student-athletes. Your gift will be used to propel our athletic program and enhance our ability to recruit high-caliber athletes. The following pages provide information about our Football Leadership Fund (FLF) and our PAF. We hope you will consider assisting us in continuing to build a first-class athletic program for our deserving community and dedicated student-athletes. Thank you for your support of FIU Athletics and we look forward to seeing you at our next athletic event! Go Panthers! Sincerely,
Pete Garcia FIU Executive Director of Sports & Entertainment 25
FOOTBALL LEADERSHIP FUND
PENDING UPDATE
26
FOOTBALL LEADERSHIP FUND
F I U PA N T H E R S
27
THE PANTHER ATHLETIC FUND
F I U PA N T H E R S
The PAF is the primary fundraising initiative that provides our alumni, donors, parents and friends the opportunity to directly support FIU Athletics. Your donations to the PAF ensure that philanthropic gifts make a positive and immediate impact on the lives of our 425+ student-athletes and 18 teams. This effort also improves our ability to recruit high-caliber student-athletes who will continue to raise the profile of FIU Athletics on a national stage. Mission: The mission of the Panther Athletic Fund is to ensure that we recruit and develop studentathletes who will perform successfully in the classroom and compete at a championship level in every sport. Our donors can partner with FIU Athletics for the advancement of the program and have the satisfaction of knowing that their gifts are an investment in the lives of our student-athletes. These generous gifts provide the necessary resources for the academic foundation and character building traits learned through the optimal collegiate athletic experience. Vision: The PAF is vital to the success of FIU Athletics. With the ever-increasing cost of education and competing at the Division I level, a dynamic donor base is critical to showcasing our strongest teams. Your support will guarantee that our coaches and student-athletes have everything they need to compete for Conference USA and national championships. Members of the PAF enhance the FIU student-athlete’s experience on the field, in the classroom and throughout the community. Goals of the Panther Athletic Fund: • Enhancing the level of athletic and academic support provided to all 425+ student-athletes • Increasing the level of competition for all 18 athletic programs • Improving the practice and training facilities and resources available to all student athletes • Attracting and retaining the best possible coaches, assistants and administrators • Improving and enhancing current technology, equipment and tools to allow our student athletes to have the greatest opportunity for success Ways to Give: • Gifts in support of the general PAF • Make a gift to a specific sport and/or project • Refer a friend to give to the PAF • Purchase of football and basketball season tickets (donation component) • Company matching programs • Create an endowment • Leave your legacy with an estate or planned gift For more information regarding PAF benefit levels, please visit www.FIUSports.com/ PAF or contact us at PAF@fiu.edu.
28
GIVE TO THE PANTHER ATHLETIC FUND
F I U PA N T H E R S
Support FIU Athletics and our student-athletes today! Choose your amount: o $50 o $100
o $500
o Other amount: _____________________
Designation: o Athletics Scholarships o Women’s Campaign o Individual Sport: _______________________________________________________________ Contact Information: Name: __________________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip: __________________________________________________________________ o This is my preferred mailing address Phone:___________________________________________________________________________ o This is my preferred phone number Email: __________________________________________________________________________ o This is my preferred email address Twitter: @________________________________________________________________________ Are you an FIU Alumnus? o Yes o No If yes, please provide the following information: College/School: ___________________________________Graduation Year: _______________ Are you a former student-athlete?
o Yes
o No
Payment Information: Credit Card Name as it appears on card: _______________________________________________________ Card Number: ___________________________________________________________________ Expiration Date: _____________ CVV Code: ____________ ZIP Code: ____________________ Billing Address: o Same as above If billing address is different from address listed above, fill out the information requested below. Name: __________________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip: __________________________________________________________________ Signature: _______________________________________________________________________ Check Make check payable to The FIU Foundation, Inc. All donations to the PAF are tax deductible. Please consult a tax professional for details. We encourage you to give online by visiting: FIUSPORTS.COM/PAF 29
2020-21 PANTHER ATHLETIC FUND DONORS Academy Bus, LLC Adalio T. Sanchez Aguaviva TMLLC Albert Lorenzo Alexander J. Kelley Alexandra C. Mayhew Alissa R. Dasse Allen L. Cueli Alyssa R. Whitehead Ana J. Pineda Ana M. Price Andrew B. Auguste Andrew C. Walker Andrew H. Davis Angelina Roque Anna M. Price Annette Francis Barnett Anthony A. Rionda Arnaldo Rodriguez Art-Tech Promotionals, Inc. Austin Shenton Berman J. Lezama Bernardo B. Fernandez Bernnon Artola Betsy G. Stephenson Betty H. Cortelli Boulevard Management Bradley Saxton Brandon Ballard Brandy Norton Brian A. Raue Brianna J. Finch Bryn K. Renner C & C Insurance. Inc. Camilo Motta Carlos A. Becerra Carlos A. Duart Carole Black Catharine D. Vale CenterState Bank Charlyn Cooper Chelsey L. Grenier Christina L. Anderson Christina Wilcoxson Christopher R. Ponce
Clare Frantz Claudia Puig Clinton Stewart Cory O. Nelms Crystal Sutton-Bullington Damione R. Lewis Daniel A. Merida Daniel Denis Daniel P. Stinson Daniel Wendt Daron Forbes David A. Hondal David H. Cason III David H. Snider David Hollywood DigitalEra Group, LLC Donald G. McCarthy Dru Walters Eduardo A. Gamarra Eduardo A. Lombard Eduardo Del Riego Eduardo Merille Eduardo R. Ferrer El Pagnier K. Hudson Elysia Handy Emilio A. Vazquez Emily Cordovi Envision Physician Services Erick Diaz Estefania C. Eiroa Ester F. Mesa Felecia D. Vines Townsend Fidelity Investments Charitable Services First Horizon Bank Francisco G. Cabrera Gabriel Rodriguez Gamaliel Melendez-Robles George E. Daubert Gipsy Velez Gordon C. Murray Guillermo GonzalezMiranda Gus Guardiola Heath L. Glick 30
F I U PA N T H E R S
Henry D. Castillo Herzen Cortes Constandse Howard J. Spiegel Humberto Cabañas Hunter T. Allen Ignacio Gayo Iris R. Breitner-Varona Jacob I. Barendregt James P. Vollono Javier I. Marques Jean M. Byron Jeanie M. Gillespie Jeanmarie Madison Jeanne Lufkin Jedidiah T. Keime Jeffrey D. Copp Jenelle M. Cunningham Jennifer Brown Jennifer L. Bell Jeremy K. Ballard Jeremy M. Leak Jerod L. Kruse Jesse K. Bopp Jessica A. Jones Jessica L. Reo Jesyka Burks-Wiley Jhonasyd I. Machado Jianhao Zhang Jill Hunnewell Jodi Voy Jody E. Glassman Joel P. Rodriguez John Lowell John P. Montgomery John R. Parmenter Jonathan J. Warech Jorge J. Del Corral Jorge J. Gallo Jorge R. Villacampa Jose H. Rodriguez Joseph A. Hausman Joseph Silvestri Joshua A. Glanton Juan Barquero Juan Figueroa
2020-21 PANTHER ATHLETIC FUND DONORS Julia Zubkova Kabat, Schertzer, De La Torre, Taraboulos & Co. Kaity R. Healy Karen E. Schmahl Kathy Elliott Kelly Daniels Kenneth A. Jessell Kenneth Delucia Kenzie L. Perry Kevin J. Zuchorski Kevin Kendrick Kevin P. O’Neill KS Grundbau GmbH & C. KG Lars Tomas Indinge Left Field Holdings, LLC Lemar T. White Lillian M. Dearman Linda H. Beard Luis H. Santos Malcolm W. Brown Manuel J. Becerra Manuel S. Castillo Margarita Zabalo Maria A. Sydnor Maria L. Mejia Marina Ribi Mario L. Fernandez Riera Mark W. Adkins Martin L. Scheckner Mary Besterfield-Sacre Mary Boucher Mary Perez De Corcho Matthew B. Atkins Matthew P. Gebert Maxim Diaz Melissa Hernandez Mercy Dorta Mervyl Melendez Mervyl S. Melendez Michael A. DiBiase Michael A. Hernandez Michael Gonzalez Michael J. Hogan Michael P. Maher
Michael R. Mendez Michael T. Owens Michele M. Kamicka Michelle M. Palacio Miguel Rodriguez Mike Pintado Moss & Associates, LLC Natasha G. Lowell Nick P. Toole Nika M. Salemi Nina Q. Rose Northern Trust, N.A. Ocean Bank Olga Barral Ondine Easson Paloma Sanchez Patrick J. Fleming Paul H. Davis Paul Pomerantz Paula A. Alger Paula S. Lopez PayCargo LLC Pedro A. Garcia Pete E.C. E. Markowitz Rafael Dacal Rafael E. Romero Rafael G. Prohias Rafael Vale Ramon J. Lopez Randy C. Horner Raul Cortes Raul V. Velez Raymond J. Clamens Reinier Guerra Riccardo Silva Richard J. Kelch Richard J. Skrosky Rita L. Buck-Crockett Robert M. Namoff Roberto Valcarce Robyn Scherr Rodolfo T. Martinez Rogelio B. Figueroa Roxanna Troche Ryan Darst 31
F I U PA N T H E R S
Ryan Durrence Ryan J. Heberling Sandra M. Duran Sean Gilmore Sean P. Gazitua Sergio Allende Sergio M. Fumero Sharbel Torres Sharon K. Fuentes Silvia J. La Villa Stephen M. Fain Steven D. Norris Steven M. Clein Steven McFadden Steven V. Moll Stewart L. Appelrouth Sylvia M. Fumero Tanya Bowley The Biltmore Hotel The National Christian Foundation The Orange Bowl Committee, Inc. Thomas B. Jelke Thomas G. Prescott Tim Sylver Tyson G. Rodgers United Way of Miami-Dade Valeria P. Espina Valerie Inghels Van Wagner Sports & Entertainment, LLC Victoria Cantu William Collazo Xi Yang Yandro Diaz Yolande D. Flores
32
TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY ROSTER No. 0 0 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 21 22 22 23 23 24 24 25 25 26 26 27 28 29 29 30 30 31 32 32 33 33 34 34 35 36 37 37 38 39
Name Markees Watts Trexler Ivey Victor Tucker Jon Alexander Dom Shoffner Justin Whisenhunt Chris Reynolds Trey Creamer Cameron Dollar Geo Howard Calvin Camp Tyler Murray Tre’ Goode Solomon Rogers James Foster Kofi Wardlow Cam Burden Xavier Williams Joshua Bailey Elijah Spencer Dylan Ratliff Davondre Robinson Jonathan Cruz Taylor Thompson Donta Armstrong Shedrick Ursery Briston Bennett Shadrick Byrd Grant DuBose Steven Parker Justin Jeffery Jarvis Martin Kendric Blake Jr. Valerian Agbaw Luke Martin Ford Werness Lance McMillan Colin Weber Comanche Francisco Keith Pearson Jr. Doug Newsome Shyhiem Scotland Chris Houston Marcus Robitaille Matt Martinez Andre Francois Lacy Williams Chavion Smith Prince Bemah ChaVon McEachern Terrick Smalls Jr. Shamar Baker Bryson Whitehead Nolan Groulx Jonnie Pitman Ricky Kofoed Derek Boykins Keegan Williams Trey Bly John Anderson Henry Rutledge Jaylon Sharpe Hahsaun Wilson Boyd Farmer Freddie Felton III Antone Williams DJ Brown Bailey Rice Jack Reynolds Anthony Jackson Colby Garfield
Pos. DE QB WR DB QB LB QB DB WR CB RB LB WR DB QB DE LB QB DT WR QB DB K TE TE DB DB RB WR S WR DB WR DB LB WR DB TE DB WR CB LB WR DB DB WR DB RB LB RB RB DB DB WR DB TE LB RB DB DB RB LB RB DB WR DB LB P WR DB LS
Ht. 6’0 6’1 6’0 6’3 6’1 6’1 5’11 6’0 6’2 6’0 5’8 6’2 6’1 5’11 6’2 6’3 6’3 6’2 6’2 6’2 5’11 6’0 5’9 6’2 6’4 6’1 6’0 5’10 6’2 6’2 6’1 5’10 6’2 5’10 6’1 6’0 5’10 6’4 6’0 5’9 6’0 6’3 5’9 6’1 6’2 5’8 5’11 5’9 6’2 6’0 5’9 5’11 5’11 6’0 5’11 6’3 6’2 5’9 5’8 5’11 5’8 6’2 5’11 6’1 6’3 6’0 6’0 6’1 5’10 6’1 6’1
Wt. 218 185 188 210 210 225 192 195 195 200 178 215 186 195 210 250 215 205 300 190 175 200 175 220 245 170 165 210 200 170 177 188 190 185 225 189 158 245 180 180 175 185 180 185 199 185 178 205 234 185 204 195 180 194 183 205 208 185 160 185 172 240 185 160 195 187 235 205 180 175 220
Class Sr. R-Fr. R-Sr. Gr. R-Sr. Gr. R-Sr. R-Sr. Gr. Sr. R-Sr. R-Sr. Jr. Jr. R-So. Gr. Fr. Fr. R-Sr. Fr. R-Jr. Gr. Sr. R-Fr. R-Fr. R-Fr. R-Fr. Jr. So. Fr. R-Jr. So. R-So. R-Fr. R-Sr. R-Jr. R-Jr. Fr. R-Fr. Gr. Fr. Fr. R-Fr. R-So. R-Jr. R-Fr. R-So. Fr. R -So. R-Fr. R-Jr. So. R-Jr. R-So. R-Jr. R-So. R-So. R-Fr. R-So. Fr. Fr. Jr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Gr. Fr. Fr. Fr. R-Fr. R-Fr.
Hometown Lancaster, S.C. Wake Forest, N.C. Miami Gardens, Fla. Fort Worth, Texas Cary, N.C. Birmingham, Ala. Mocksville, N.C. Cartersville, Ga. Denver, N.C. Houston, Texas Hickory, N.C. Jacksonville, Fla. Jamestown, N.C. Wake Forest, N.C. Montgomery, Ala. Washington, D.C. Sevierville, Tenn. McDonough, Ga. Jacksonville, Fla. Irmo, S.C. Harrisburg, N.C. Holly Hill, S.C. Cartersville, Ga. Prattville, Ala. Charlotte, N.C. Hialeah, Fla. Nashville, Tenn. Alabaster, Ala. Montgomery, Ala. Tampa, Fla. Richmond Hill, Ga. Macon, Ga. Jacksonville, N.C. Powder Sprs, Ga. Cumming, Ga. Raleigh, N.C. Greensboro, N.C. Hopkins, Mich. Tyrone, Ga. Enoree, S.C. Orange, Va. Piedmont, S.C. Chesterfield, Va. Charlotte, N.C. Mooresville, N.C. Charlotte, N.C. Jacksonville, N.C. Statesville, N.C. Gastonia, N.C. Fayetteville, N.C. Savannah, Ga. Charlotte, N.C. Cornelius, N.C. Cornelius, N.C. Temple Hills, Md. Charlotte, N.C. Concord, N.C. Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Charlotte, N.C. Kannapolis, N.C. Charlotte, N.C. Charlotte, N.C. Florence, S.C. Buford, GA Atlanta, GA College Park, Ga. Memphis, Tenn. Melbourne, AUS Mocksville, N.C. Rock Hill, S.C. Clemmons, N.C.
No. 39 40 40 42 43 43 44 44 45 46 47 48 50 51 51 52 53 53 54 55 56 57 57 58 59 60 61 63 64 66 68 69 70 71 72 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 99
34
THE 49ERS Name Teddy Creecy III Rayshaad Roddy Bryce Parker Alex Schattin Max Blitstein Isaiah Turnage Zack Nicholson Mikel Horton Cameron Lyons Aidan Laros Ethan Torres Barutti Mazangu Darion Smith Peter Agabe B.J. Ragland Jonny King Michael Kelly Panda Askew Gage Welborn Isaiah Potts Jordan Moore Ashton Gist Siah Sa’o Jon Jacobs B.J. Turner Bryan Wallace Marshall Futrell Trevor Timmons Victor Loftin Navardo Miller J.D. Therrell Dejan Rasuo D’Mitri Emmanuel Arabee Muslim Cameron Clark Knox Boyd TJ Moore Jordan Brown Jaxon Hughes Hunter Kelly Chibueze Nwanna Jairus Mack Jake Clemons Jaylan Williams Chris Wiggins Khilen Holliman Ryan Carriere Bryce Kennon Chylon Thomas Riley Engelhard Quinton Patten Dez Morgan Corey Mobley Miles Posey Emmanuel White Isaiah Belk Miguel Jackson Isaac Hampton Jalar Holley Tyson Clawson Taylor Chandler Preston Brown
Pos. WR DL WR P K LB P/K DL LS K P/K DL DL LB OL OL DL OL OL DT DL OL DL OL LB DL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL WR TE TE WR WR TE TE WR TE WR DL DE DE TE DL DE DL DL DE DE QB
Ht. 6’1 6’0 6’3 6’2 6’0 6’0 6’0 6’1 6’1 6’2 6’0 6’0 6’4 6’0 6’3 6’3 6’3 6’2 6’5 6’2 5’10 6’3 6’2 6’4 5’11 6’5 6’5 6’2 6’2 6’3 6’4 6’5 6’2 6’3 6’3 6’4 6’5 6’6 6’6 6’2 6’7 5’10 6’6 6’4 6’1 5’11 6’3 6’3 5’7 6’5 5’11 6’2 6’3 6’3 6’5 6’0 6’2 6’1 6’2 6’1 6’3 5’10
Wt. Class 195 R-So. 290 R-Jr. 180 Fr. 180 Fr. 185 R-So. 220 Fr. 165 R-Jr. 290 Gr. 225 Gr. 204 Fr. 195 326 R-Fr. 220 R-Fr. 213 R-Sr. 305 Fr. 276 R-Fr. 225 R-So. 276 R-Fr. 280 R-Jr. 300 Fr. 250 R-Fr. 310 Sr. 295 Gr. 305 Gr. 212 R-Jr. 275 R-Jr. 300 Fr. 275 Fr. 260 Fr. 318 R-So. 300 Fr. 285 R-Jr. 285 R-Sr. 295 R-Fr. 270 R-Fr. 290 Fr. 300 R-Sr. 305 Fr. 243 R-So. 310 Gr. 338 R-Sr. 170 Fr. 250 R-Fr. 220 R-So. 191 R-Jr. 175 Fr. 239 R-Sr. 225 R-Fr. 165 R-Jr. 245 Fr. 185 R-So. 290 R-Fr. 225 R-Sr. 240 Fr. 239 R-Sr. 250 R-Jr. 270 Fr. 300 R-Sr. 282 R-Fr. 230 Fr. 229 R-Jr. 183 R-So.
Hometown Charlotte, N.C. Cincinnati, Ohio Concord, N.C. Matthews, N.C. Mooresville, N.C. Winterville, N.C. Statesville, N.C. Lexington, Ky. Morgantown, W.Va. Chapel Hill, N.C. Gr. Great Falls, Va. Charlotte, N.C. St. Louis, Mo. N. Miami Beach, Fla.
Chattanooga, Tenn. Greensboro, N.C. Graham, N.C. Greenville, N.C. Stanley, N.C. Fayetteville, N.C. Mebane, N.C. Oxford, Miss. San Diego, Ca. Gainesville, VA. Greensboro, N.C. Berryville, Va. Yonkers, N.Y. Brunswick, Ga. Fayetteville, N.C. Charlotte, N.C. Clover, S.C. Greensboro, N.C. Waxhaw, N.C. Charlotte, N.C. Mooresville, N.C. Denton, Texas Charlotte, N.C. Long Beach, Calif. Greensboro, N.C. Langhorne, Pa. Hyattsville, Md. Athens, Ga. Christiansburg, Va. Acworth, Ga. Greensboro, N.C. Apex, N.C. Loganville, Ga. Waxhaw, N.C. Columbia, S.C. Toms River, N.J. Blythewood, S.C. Winston-Salem, N.C.
Charlotte, N.C. Yorktown, Va. Huntersville, N.C. Charlotte, N.C. Gibsonia, Pa. Charlotte, N.C. Queens, N.Y. Charlotte, N.C. New London, N.C. Charlotte, N.C.
FIU CLIMBS 17 SPOTS IN U.S. NEWS RANKINGS Shows biggest jump among Florida universities Measures of student success weigh heavily in the U.S. News ranking formula. FIU’s rise in rankings is, in part, a function of the increase in six-year graduation rates among all students including Pell Grant recipients. Other improvements included class size and student-faculty ratio. Over the past seven years, FIU has made investments and implemented dozens of evidence-based, innovative programs resulting in dramatic improvements in student success. The six-year graduation rate has improved 18 percent and the four-year graduation rate has more than doubled (115 percent increase) in the past seven years. “Our unprecedented success this year is the result of years of efforts to help our students achieve their dreams led by the innovative efforts of our exceptional faculty. I am confident that with continued focused support, FIU will continue to exceed expectations and reach unprecedented levels of success,” said FIU Provost and Executive Vice President Kenneth G. Furton.
F
IU continued its rapid ascent in the U.S. News and World Report rankings with a 17-spot improvement to No. 78 among public universities in the nation, according to the 2022 National University Rankings released Monday.
Today, FIU also is celebrating recognition by The Great Colleges to Work® for Program for the sixth consecutive year. FIU was given honor roll designation, with recognition in all 10 categories.
FIU’s improvement is the greatest in Florida and third in the nation among public universities. FIU also ranked among the top five public universities for social mobility for the first time and held on to the No. 2 spot in international business.
The jump in the U.S. News rankings and the Great Colleges recognition come on the heels of a banner year for FIU that includes: Placing first among public universities in the state in the Board of Governors’ performance metrics; receiving a $40 million donation from philanthropist and author MacKenzie Scott and her husband Dan Jewett that recognizes FIU’s access and excellence initiatives; ranking third in the nation among universities under 50 years old; and being elected into APSIA, an elite network of schools of international and public affairs.
Other key rankings announced on Monday include No. 17 most innovative among public U.S. institutions, and No. 75 best college for veterans. “These are the real triumphs of our students, our faculty, our staff, our alumni, donors and the state that invests in us,” said FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg. “We take pride in being student centered. We are focused on making a difference in the lives of our learners and uplifting our community through research and innovation. This rise in our reputation is driven by our passion for impact.” 35
FIU PANTHERS ROSTER No.
Name
F I U PA N T H E R S
Pos.
Ht.
Wt. Class Hometown
No.
Pos.
Ht.
0 Tyrese Chambers
WR
6’1
185
So.
Baltimore, Md.
43 Jabril Muhammad
Name
DB
5’11
170
R’Fr.
0 Dorian Hall
DB
6’4
190
R’Jr.
Hollywood, Fla.
44 Aj Mathis
LB
6’2
200
Fr.
Largo, Fla.
1 Shemar Thornton
WR
5’11
182
Sr.
Miami Fla.
45 Rocky Jacques’Louis
LB
6’3
205
Jr.
Fort Myers, Fla.
1 Tommy Heatherly
P
5’11
210
Sr.
Grove, Okla.
46 Jakovi Bryant
DB
6’0
180
Fr.
Kissimmee, Fla.
2 Bryce Singleton
WR
5’11
193
R’Jr.
Hilton Head Isld, S.C. 47 Gio Richardson
DB
6’1
200
R’Fr.
Wellington, Fla.
2 Eric Mitchell
LB
6’2
238
R’Sr.
Miami, Fla.
LB
6’1
210
Fr.
Hallandale, Fla.
3 Shaun Peterson Jr.
RB
6’3
215 R’So.
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 49 Shykieim Pace
DL
6’4
220
Fr.
3 Richard Dames
DB
5’11
185
Sr.
Miami, Fla.
51 Dontae Keys
OL
6’4
300
R’Sr.
4 Haden Carlson
QB
6’3
192
Fr.
Lutz, Fla.
52 Donovan Georges
LB
6’1
240 R’So.
Hialeah, Fla.
4 Rishard Dames
DB
5’11
175
R’Jr.
Miami, Fla.
53 Tevin Jones
DL
6’4
220
R’Jr.
Miami, Fla.
5 Katravis Greter
RB
5’10
194
Fr.
Miami, Fla.
54 Kristoff Pollas
OL
5’9
260
Fr.
5 Kevin Oliver
DL
6’4
263
Sr.
Davie, Fla.
55 Baba Conate
LB
6’2
230
R’Jr.
6 Nate Jefferson
WR
5’11
170
R.Fr.
Longwood, Fla.
56 Tamarick Best
LB
6’1
225
Fr.
7 Kaylan Wiggins
QB
6’2
200
R’Jr.
Sanford, Fla.
57 Nick Donahue
DL
6’2
270
Fr.
Coconut Creek, Fla.
7 Josh Valentine’Turner
DB
6’0
188
R’Jr.
Delray Beach, Fla.
58 Api Mane
OL
6’3
334
R’Sr.
East Palo Alto, Calif.
8 Lexington Joseph
RB
5’9
185
So.
Miami, Fla.
59 Wyatt Lawson
OL
6’3
290
Fr.
9 Jamal Gates
LB
6’2
225
Sr.
Palm Beach Gdn, Fla. 60 Clayton Senior III
DL
6’3
230
Fr.
9 Artez Hooker
WR
5’9
160
Fr.
St. Petersburg, Fla.
61 Joey Maya
LB
6’0
210
R’Fr.
Apex, N.C.
10 Daniel Jackson
LB
6’2
228
Sr.
Apex, N.C.
63 Noah Quier
OL
6’4
310
R’Fr.
Bradenton, Fla.
10 Grayson James
QB
6’1
200
Fr.
Duncanville, Texas
64 Trevor Arnett
OL
6’6
240
Fr.
Lakeland, Fla.
11 Isaiah Velez
QB
6’3
193
R’Fr.
Miami, Fla.
65 Julius Pierce
OL
6’5
265
R’Fr.
Sanford, Fla.
11 Josh Powell
LB
5’11
194
Sr.
Riviera Beach, Fla.
66 Jahmari Sylvester
OL
6’5
317
Fr.
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
12 Max Bortenshlager
QB
6’3
205
R’Sr.
Fishers, Ind.
67 Jake Aguirre
OL
6’0
265
Fr.
Miami, Fla.
13 Rivaldo Fairweather TE 6’5
245
68 Sebastien Laraque
OL
6’6
320
Fr.
Miami, Fla.
14 Joe Hocker
TE
6’5
245
R’Fr.
Cincinnati, Ohio
69 Ming Tjon
OL
6’4
325
Fr.
Plantation, Fla.
15 Teddy Richardson
WR
5’11
185
Fr.
Miami, Fla.
70 Miles Frazier
OL
6’5
304
Fr.
Camden, N.J.
15 Pierce Withers
DB
5’11
195
R’Jr.
Austin, Texas
72 Sione Finau
OL
6’3
300
So.
Keller, Texas
16 Randall St. Felix
WR
6’3
206
R’Jr.
Miami, Fla.
74 Rey Burnett
OL
6’5
290
So.
Edmond, Okla.
17 Caleb Lynum
WR
6’2
215 R’So.
Leesburg, Fla.
75 Rashad Colson
DL
6’5
310
R’Jr.
18 Jay Barry Jr.
WR
6’2
185
Fr.
Boulder, Colo
77 Lyndell Hudson Jr.
OL
6’6
300 R’So.
Brooksville, Fla.
18 Demarcus Robinson
DB
6’3
210
Sr.
Pensacola, Fla.
78 Shamar Hobdy’Lee
OL
6’5
290
R’Fr.
Tampa, Fla.
19 Daniel Pilgrim
TE
6’2
215
Fr.
North Fort Myers, Fla. 79 Logan Gunderson
OL
6’5
318
R’Jr.
Jacksonville, Fla.
19 Deuce Dunbar
DB
6’2
185
Fr.
Port St. Lucie, Fla.
80 Kris Mitchell
WR
6’1
175
R’Fr.
Jacksonville, Fla.
20 Kejon Owens
RB
5’10
185
Fr.
Miami, Fla.
81 Dean Patterson
WR
6’2
200
R’Fr.
Lutz, Fla.
21 EJ Wilson Jr.
RB
6’0
210
Fr.
Tampa, Fla.
82 Jordan Underwood
WR
6’0
180 R’So.
22 Benny McCray
DB
6’2
185
R’Jr.
Clermont, Fla.
83 Carson Kaleo
WR
5’9
170
R’Jr.
23 Andrew Volmar
DB
6’1
170
Fr.
Plantation, Fla.
84 David O’Meara
TE
6’5
245
Jr.
24 D’vonte Price
RB
6’2
215
Sr.
Punta Gorda, Fla.
85 Jackson McDonald
25 Daton Montiel
KRB 5’11
189
R’Fr.
25 Joel Felder
ATH 5’10
195
27 Henry Gray
DB
6’0
175
28 Jesson Walker
DB
6’1
29 Jamal Potts
DB
6’2
30 Joe Perkins
DB
31 Tommy Zozus 32 Maleek Williams
48 Gaethan Bernadel
Fr. Lauderhill, Fla.
Wt. Class Hometown St. Petersburg, Fla.
Opa’Locka, Fla. Fayetteville, N.C.
Miramar, Fla. Auburn Hills, MI Pahokee, Fla.
Plant City, Fla. Jacksonville, Fla.
Miami, Fla.
Apopka, Fla. Lutz, Fla. Tallahassee, Fla.
TE
6’5
220
R’Fr.
Pompano Beach, Fla. 86 Keegan Davis
DL
6’3
235
Fr.
Fr.
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. 87 Kamareon Williams
TE
6’3
240
So.
Delray Beach, Fla.
Fr.
Hollywood, Fla.
88 Sterling Palmer
TE
6’6
235
Jr.
Midlothian, Va.
170 R’So.
SW Brevard Cty, Fla.
89 Ty Danzy
DL
6’5
235
R’Fr.
Anderson, S.C.
185
Fr.
Delray Beach, Fla.
90 Travonte O’Neal
DL
6’3
240
Fr.
6’0
196
Fr.
Jackson, Miss.
91 Jeramy Passmore
DL
6’3
263
R’Fr.
LS
6’2
224
R’Jr.
Punta Gorda, Fla.
92 Jason Mercier
DL
6’3
262
Jr.
RB
5’11
223
R’Jr.
Punta Gorda, Fla.
94 Jordan Guerad
DL
6’3
295
Fr.
32 Matthew Enriquez
K
5’9
190
Fr.
Coral Gables, Fla.
95 Jeremy Moore
DL
6’3
300 R’So.
Mobile, Ala.
33 Nasir Carter
LB
6’2
220
R’Fr.
Orlando, Fla.
96 David Reynolds
DL
6’4
245
So.
Nashville, Tenn.
34 Chance Coleman
LB
6’1
217
Fr.
Tampa, Fla.
98 Savion Collins
DL
6’4
290
Fr.
34 Ross Fournet
WR
5’9
175
Fr.
Windermere, Fla.
99 Davon Strickland
DL
6’1
263 R’So.
35 Lucas Matias
K
5’11
165
So.
Pembroke Pines, Fla.
36 Ah’Mahri McCray
LB
6’0
210
Fr.
Miami, Fla.
37 Chase Gabriel
K
5’11
180
Fr.
Brunswick, Ga.
38 Hosea Robinson
RB
6’0
210
Fr.
Lake City, Fla.
40 Demetrius Hill
DB
6’2
190
Fr.
Miami, Fla.
41 D’Mor Jean’Baptiste
DB
6’0
172
Fr.
Miami, Fla.
42 Reggie Peterson
LB
6’2
225
Fr.
Fort Pierce, Fla.
36
Marathon, Fla. Port Saint Lucie, Fla.
Vero Beach, Fla. Miami, Fla. Boynton Beach, Fla. Valrico, Fla.
Miami, Fla. Hollywood, Fla.
2021 FIU FOOTBALL ROSTER (NUMERICAL)
F I U PA N T H E R S
Tyrese Chambers 0 | WR
Dorian Hall 0 | DB
Shemar Thornton 1 | WR
Tommy Heatherly 1|P
Bryce Singleton 2 | WR
Eric Mitchell 2 | LB
Shaun Peterson Jr. 3 | RB
Richard Dames 3 | DB
Haden Carlson 4 | QB
Rishard Dames 4 | DB
Katravis Greter 5 | RB
Kevin Oliver 5 | DL
Nate Jefferson 6 | WR
Kaylan Wiggins 7 | QB
Josh Valentine-Turner 7 | DB
Lexington Joseph 8 | RB
Jamal Gates 9 | LB
Artez Hooker 9 | WR
Daniel Jackson 10 | LB
Grayson James 10 | QB
Isaiah Velez 11 | QB
Josh Powell 11 | LB
Max Bortenshlager 12 | QB
Rivaldo Fairweather 13 | TE
Joe Hocker 14 | TE
Teddy Richardson 15 | WR
Pierce Withers 15 | DB
Randall St. Felix 16 | WR 37
Caleb Lynum 17 | WR
Jay Barry Jr. 18 | WR
2021 FIU FOOTBALL ROSTER (NUMERICAL)
F I U PA N T H E R S
Demarcus Robinson 18 | DB
Daniel Pilgrim 19 | TE
Deuce Dunbar 19 | DB
Kejon Owens 20 | RB
EJ Wilson Jr. 21 | RB
Benny McCray 22 | DB
Andrew Volmar 23 | DB
D’vonte Price 24 | RB
Daton Montiel 25 | KRB
Joel Felder 25 | ATH
Henry Gray 27 | DB
Jesson Walker 28 | DB
Jamal Potts 29 | DB
Joe Perkins 30 | DB
Tommy Zozus 31 | LS
Maleek Williams 32 | RB
Matthew Enriquez 32 | K
Nasir Carter 33 | LB
Chance Coleman 34 | LB
Ross Fournet 34 | WR
Lucas Matias 35 | K
Ah’Mahri McCray 36 | LB
Chase Gabriel 37 | K
Hosea Robinson 38 | RB
Demetrius Hill 40 | DB
D’Mor Jean-Baptiste 41 | DB
Reggie Peterson 42 | LB
Jabril Muhammad 43 | DB 38
Aj Mathis 44 | LB
Rocky Jacques-Louis 45 | LB
2021 FIU FOOTBALL ROSTER (NUMERICAL)
F I U PA N T H E R S
Jakovi Bryant 46 | DB
Gio Richardson 47 | DB
Gaethan Bernadel 48 | LB
Shykieim Pace 48 | DL
Dontae Keys 51 | OL
Donovan Georges 52 | LB
Tevin Jones 53 | DL
Kristoff Pollas 54 | OL
Baba Conate 55 | LB
Tamarick Best 56 | LB
Nick Donahue 57 | DL
Api Mane 58 | OL
Wyatt Lawson 59 | OL
Clayton Senior III 60 | DL
Joey Maya 61 | LB
Noah Quier 63 | OL
Trevor Arnett 64 | OL
Julius Pierce 65 | OL
Jahmari Sylvester 66 | OL
Jake Aguirre 67 | OL
Sebastien Laraque 68 | OL
Ming Tjon 69 | OL
Miles Frazier 70 | OL
Sione Finau 72 | OL
Rey Burnett 74 | OL
Logan Gunderson 79 | OL
Kris Mitchell 80 | WR
Rashad Colson 75 | DL
Lyndell Hudson Jr. 77 | OL
Shamar Hobdy-Lee 78 | OL 39
2021 FIU FOOTBALL ROSTER (NUMERICAL)
F I U PA N T H E R S
Dean Patterson 81 | WR
Jordan Underwood 82 | WR
Carson Kaleo 83 | WR
David O’Meara 84 | TE
Jackson McDonald 85 | TE
Keegan Davis 86 | DL
Kamareon Williams 87 | TE
Sterling Palmer 88 | TE
Ty Danzy 89 | DL
Travonte O’Neal 90 | DL
Jeramy Passmore 91 | DL
Jason Mercier 92 | DL
Jordan Guerad 94 | DL
Jeremy Moore 95 | DL
David Reynolds 96 | DL
Savion Collins 98 | DL
Davon Strickland 99 | DL
40
ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS & BUSINESS FRIENDS WORKING FOR THE FUTURE OF FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL
metric
Proudly serving FIU since 2004
Paving the way. Leading innovation in transportation engineering and emerging technology.
DEWATERING Learn more at www.metriceng.com
Erick Gonzalez, PE, LEED AP Principal | Regional Director 305.263.3873 | erick.gonzalez@tlc-eng.com
MEP | Fire Protection | Life Safety | Structural Technology | Acoustical | Sustainability Commissioning | Energy Engineering | Lighting Design Master Utility Planning | Theater/Venue Planning
GOOD LUCK FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL FROM YOUR FRIENDS IN BUSINESS
O'Neill Brothers Flooring W H AT E V E R I T TA K E S
4480 NW 73rd Ave Miami, FL 33166
PROPANE GAS SERVICE FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL USE
SCORE
BIG CONSULT WITH YOUR
RELIABILITY &
MAINTENANCE
EXPERTS 855.855.7800
Specializing in All Types of Flooring 300 Sunshine Rd., Suite A Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 PH: 561-795-8552 • Fax: 561-795-8553
305-622-FOOD (3663)
www.ExquisiteCatering.com
FOLLOW
@FIUATHLETICS STAY IN TUNE WITH ALL FIU ATHLETICS SPORTING EVENTS, BEHIND THE SCENES, AND UP TO THE MINUTE SCORES!
MARK B. ROSENBERG
F I U PA N T H E R S
FIU PRESIDENT producer of graduates in priority national and state areas focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The university has been named as a Carnegie “Highest Research” as well as an “Engaged” institution, and has developed pathbreaking partnerships with the Miami Dade County Public Schools, JP Morgan Chase, Florida Power & Light and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Research expenditures have grown by more than 120 percent to nearly $226 million, and more than 100 new student advisers and counselors have been hired for a restructured and expanded student graduation initiative. Mark B. Rosenberg is the fifth president of Florida International University. Among the top 100 public universities, according to U.S. News & World Report—FIU is the face of the country’s future in higher education demographics: it is a majorityminority institution that leads the country in the production of minority degrees in the sciences and engineering. Dr. Rosenberg has served as the president of FIU since 2009. A political scientist specializing in Latin America, Dr. Rosenberg is the first FIU faculty member to ascend to the university’s presidency. Under his leadership, FIU has increased enrollment to almost 58,000 students, improved graduation rates by 23 percent and hired more than 400 new full-time faculty members. As President, Dr. Rosenberg has provided leadership to grow the institution’s budget, improve student retention and graduation rates, expand internships for enrolled students, and coordinate FIU’s emergence as a leading
From 2005 to 2009, Dr. Rosenberg served as the second Chancellor (he was the first that was formally selected by the Board of Governors) for the State University System (SUS) of Florida, which includes all of Florida’s public universities – more than 325,000 students and an allaccounts budget of nearly $9 billion. As chancellor, Dr. Rosenberg led the system’s strategic development and financial planning and policy initiatives, working closely with Governors Jeb Bush and Charlie Crist and the state legislature to secure support for SUS priorities. During this era, major new strides were made in research support for the system, more than $1 billion was provided for new facility construction, and a new SUS strategic plan was developed, approved and launched. Prior to becoming chancellor, Dr. Rosenberg was integrally involved in the expansion and development of FIU into a major public research university. As Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs from 1998 to 2005, Dr. Rosenberg spearheaded the establishment of a law school in 2002 and a 44
MARK B. ROSENBERG
F I U PA N T H E R S
medical school in 2006. Under his leadership, FIU increased enrollment, implemented major campus construction projects, and was invited to join the select national honor society Phi Beta Kappa. Dr. Rosenberg was also instrumental in moving FIU into the top tier of Carnegie Foundation research universities.
to the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development. Firmly committed to service with national and local educational impact, Dr. Rosenberg serves as Immediate Past-Chair of the Association of Public Land-Grant University’s (APLU) Coalition of Urban Serving Universities (USU) and its Commission on Access, Diversity, and Excellence (CADE); Co-Chair of the Board on Science Education’s (BOSE) Roundtable on Systemic Change in Undergraduate STEM Education and as a member of the American Council on Education’s (ACE) Transfer Task Force. He also served Chair of the National Academies’ Committee on Developing Indicators for Undergraduate STEM Education, and as a member of the national Task Force of Apprenticeship Expansion.
Dr. Rosenberg’s academic career began at FIU in 1976 as an assistant professor of political science. In 1979, he founded the FIU Latin American and Caribbean Center, which today is one of the nation’s premier federally supported research and teaching centers focusing on the region. Dr. Rosenberg subsequently served as the Founding Dean of the College of Urban and Public Affairs and Vice Provost for International Studies. He has also been a Visiting Distinguished Research Professor at The Peabody College of Vanderbilt University, and a Visiting Professor at the Instituto Tecnologico de Monterrey (ITESM) in Mexico. Dr. Rosenberg earned a B.A. in 1971 from Miami University of Ohio and a Ph.D. in Political Science with a graduate certificate in Latin American and Caribbean Studies from the University of Pittsburgh in 1976. He has written or co-edited seven books and numerous scholarly articles in leading journals. His latest book, The United States and Central America: Geopolitical Realities and Regional Fragility (2007), is a Harvard University project coauthored with Luis Guillermo Solis of Costa Rica. Governmental and media organizations have frequently sought Dr. Rosenberg’s expertise on Latin America. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, has testified before Congress numerous times, and has served as a consultant 45
Within Miami-Dade County, Dr. Rosenberg was the 109th Chair of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce (GMCC), one of Florida’s leading business associations; served a 5-year term as Chair of the Academic Leaders Council (ALC) for the Beacon Council, MiamiDade County’s official economic development organization and is currently on the Board of Directors for the South Florida Business Council (SFBC). He serves on the Board of Directors of City National Bank of Florida and is active in a variety of other civic organizations, including the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach, Florida Council of 100, and the United Way of Miami-Dade County. Dr. Rosenberg is a first-generation college graduate whose two children, Ben and Ginelle, are both graduates of FIU. He and his wife of more than 45 years, Rosalie, are members of Temple Menorah in Miami Beach.
PETE GA RCIA
F I U PA N T H E R S
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
On May 4, 2012, FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg and Director of Sports & Entertainment Pete Garcia hosted an on-campus community engagement event to accept an all-sports invitation to join Conference USA for the 2013-14 academic year. The invitation would be symbolic of the tremendous strides the FIU Athletics program has gained under Garcia’s direction since 2006. The C-USA invitation provided the athletics program increased national television visibility and aligned the school’s academia with other like institutions across a vast geographical footprint. FIU would go on to join a conference whose schools stretch across the Gulf States and into Texas and north into the United States’ Mid-Atlantic region. During Garcia’s tenure, FIU teams have enjoyed 21 conference championships, 34 postseason appearances and over two dozen student-athletes have garnered All-America selections. Under Garcia,
the Panthers hired legendary head coach Butch Davis, who has guided the football program to three-straight bowl games in his three seasons at the helm. Garcia also hired FIU swim and dive’s Randy Horner, who has led the Panthers to a record-setting six consecutive C-USA titles to become one of the nation’s best programs for their respective sport. In 2018, Garcia hired one of men’s basketball’s best young coaches in the country, after bringing on Jeremy Ballard to lead the program. In his first season, Ballard took the Panthers to their second postseason berth in team history, before coaching FIU to its first postseason win in program history. On the academic side, the StudentAthlete Academics Center (SAAC) has been bolstered with increased advisors, tutors and computers. The compliance office staff has grown as well. Most recently, Garcia oversaw an athletic department that claimed its first-ever Conference USA Institutional Excellence Award and SAAC Cup for the 2018-19 school year. The C-USA SAAC Cup is awarded to the institution with the highest overall point total among member schools. The areas of emphasis for the SAAC Cup include academic excellence, career development, financial literacy and community service. FIU’s student-athletes had a conference-high 282 members on the C-USA Honor Roll in 2020, marking back-to-back years the Panthers have led the league in that category. The Panthers posted the highest GPA on record for the department after student-athletes earned a 3.53 for the 2020 spring semester. The previous best GPA was a 3.28 earned last spring, while FIU student46
PETE GARCIA
F I U PA N T H E R S
athletes have posted 12-straight semesters with a department GPA of 3.0 or better.
of a throwing cage for the men’s and women’s track and field program helped the Panthers continue to perform at a high level. Over at the FIU Baseball Stadium, renovations have been made to the home locker room, press box, as well as the creation of a player’s lounge and field-level suite. The baseball program also had a new indoor batting facility installed, as well as new stadium lighting, while renovating the outdoor batting facility and restoring the bullpen areas. The football program has seen the building of FIU’s on-campus football stadium, football field and the R. Kirk Landon Fieldhouse, which houses the Doctors Hospital Center for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Athletics Training Complex. After enclosing the football stadium’s north side in 2012, the Riccardo Silva Stadium saw the addition of a new HD Video Board, artificial turf and improvements to the WiFi throughout the venue. The football program also had the addition of a player’s lounge as well, adding to the studentathlete experience. Garcia first worked at the University of Miami from 1990 through 2000, and it was in 1992 that he became the football program’s recruiting coordinator. In 2001, Garcia joined the Cleveland Browns as director of football development. Two years later, Garcia was promoted to vice president.
With the release of the NCAA’s annual Academic Progress Rate (APR) in 2020, FIU had all of its athletic programs post above the required multi-year score of 930. Additionally, 10 teams beat their sport’s national average to further FIU’s commitment to academic excellence. A total of 10 programs at FIU beat the national average in their respective sports for Division I teams, with baseball, men’s basketball, men’s cross country, football, men’s soccer, women’s basketball, women’s cross country, women’s golf, softball and volleyball bettering their peers. The men’s soccer program finished 22 points ahead of its sport’s national average to lead the way at FIU. Over the past 10 years, the FIU Athletic Department has made several improvements to its facilities that has pushed the total commitment over $70 million. Most recently, the Panthers have seen the construction of a new multi-purpose building for the softball and women’s golf teams, along with renovations to the baseball, football, women’s tennis, women’s golf and beach volleyball locker rooms. At the Convocation Center, upgrades have been made with new chair back seating and a new court. The addition of two practice fields adjacent to the Convocation Center has also provided additional space for athletic teams, with a grass and turf field installed, while the north practice field for the soccer program has also received renovations. A new scoreboard was installed at the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Center as well, while the construction 47
GOOD LUCK FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL FROM YOUR FRIENDS IN BUSINESS
601 Brickell Key Drive Suite 750 Miami, Florida 33131 Tel: 305.373.3232 Fax: 305.373.3233
GOOD LUCK PANTHERS!
2122 NW 7 Ave. Miami, FL 33127 (305) 444-7681 @FriendlyJohn @FriendlyJohnInc
We’ll leave you spotless, without cleaning out your wallet!
Authorized Electrolux & Wascomat Distributor Professional Laundry Equipment Sales & Leasing, Chemicals, Parts and Service 1155 W. 22nd St., Hialeah, FL 33010 1-800-704-9281 Fax: (305) 883-2306 info@uniwasher.com • www.uniwasher.com
Go Panthers!
GOOD LUCK FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL FROM YOUR FRIENDS IN BUSINESS
MILLER ELECTRIC
A GREAT PLACE TO WORK
MACMILLAN OIL COMPANY, LLC Serving S. Florida’s Fuel needs since 1948 1.800.554.4761 www.mecojax.com
(305) 691-7814
Electrical Contracting, Systems Integration, Energy & Sustainability, Business Continuity, Building Intelligence.
Sales / Service / Installation
Raul A. Anasagsati Licensed & Insured
CAC #1813702
Go r s ! t he n a P
5409 NW 161 St, Miami Lakes, FL 33014 Office: 786-348-2156 | Fax: 786-348-2166
Commercial / Residential 1953 NW 135th Ave. / Miami, FL 33182 PH: 305.639.5016 / CELL: 305.815.7081 FAX: 305.639.7459 EMAIL: raul@galoair.com WEBSITE: www.galoair.com
www.360energysolutions.net • Generator Maintenance • Parts • Service Sales • Preventative • Maintenance & Service Agreements • ATS • Fueling Service • Fuel Filtering • Hurricane Season Rental • Generator Programs • Rental Generators • Lights Towers & Temperature Control
(754) 799-5055
P O M PA NO B E ACH
“Let us cater your next affair” Email: ChefLarry36@yahoo.com
Chef Travis Tel:
786-426-3737 4RealGrill
Chef Larry
Tel:
786-399-7370 ChefLarryGrill
BIGGE.COM
SPORTS MEDICINE
Dr. Keith S. Hechtman Orthopaedics
Dr. Julio Pardave Jr. Chiropractor
F I U PA N T H E R S
Dr. George Munoz M.D. Internist Sports Medicine
Dr. Ronaldo Calonje M.D. Internist Sports Medicine
Dr. Esther Levin Cardiologist
Dr. Marco Leyte-Vidal Dentist
Dr. Michael Robinson Dentist
Dr. Luis Rodriguez, M.D. Internist, Sports Medicine
The Panthers Athletic Training Department would like to express gratitude to the following medical specialists for all of their time and support: Student Health Services
Doctors Hospital Nelson Lazo and Staff
Drs. Marco Leyte-Vidal and Michael Robinson
College Optical
Miami Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute (MOSMI)
Dr. Esther Levin and Staff
2021 ATHLETIC TRAINING STAFF
F I U PA N T H E R S
A dedicated group of both certified athletic trainers and athletic training students work daily to prevent injury and provide care, treatment and rehabilitation of student-athletes’ sport-related injuries. Kelsey Greenwald Head Athletic Trainer Women’s Basketball/ Dazzlers
Mara-Paige Rincher Assistant Athletic Trainer Softball
Dustin West Associate Athletic Trainer Football
Alina Verdeja Assistant Athletic Trainer Women’s Soccer
John Johnson Assistant Athletic Trainer Football
Michael Walker Assistant Athletic Trainer Men’s Basketball/Golf
Jeff Birchell Assistant Athletic Trainer Baseball
Yoshi Abe Doctoral Student of Athletic Training Volleyball/Beach Volleyball
Luke Akande Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer Track & Field/Cross Country Najeeb Emmanuel Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer Men’s Soccer John Linforth Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer Football Ally Montero Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer Football 50
Kelsy Pacheco Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer Swim & Dive Joyce Castro Insurance Coordinator
F I U PA N T H E R S CONTRACTORS BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE OF FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL
YOUR GO-TO CONTRACTOR FOR EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES PICTURED: FIU SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL & PUBLIC AFFAIRS PH. II
LICENSED AND INSURED
CRAIG P. JONES
HORTON / JONES ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS, INC. 1225 N.E. 24TH STREET FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33305 BUS. (954) 564-4220 • CELL (954) 579-9319 cjones@hjelectric.net
High Rises Apartment Complexes Tunnel Forms Banks • Schools • Hotels High-End Residential Homes Churches and Other Public Properties
305-631-2578 info@tektonconstructioncorp.com
5229 North Hiatus Road • Sunrise, FL 33351 P 954.748.3808 • F 954.748.7752 • WWW.BDCFL.COM
P
ROFESSIONAL
LUMBING CORP.
1755 West 39th Place Hialeah, FL 33012
786.621.8550 sci@solutionconstruction.net 7955 NW 12 Street, Ste. 425, Doral, FL 33126
Where the Plumbers are Professionals Manny Alonso
Ph: (305) 822-8282 / Fax: (305) 557-1607 Mobile: (305) 796-6918 malonso@proplumb.net
51
Self Performing Road Work, Parking Lots, Concrete Flat-Work, Underground Utilities, Earth Work, Demolition Work
NCAA COMPLIANCE
F I U PA N T H E R S
DON’T BE SIDELINED: Ask Before You Act Florida International University (FIU), as a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and Conference USA, is responsible for ensuring that its various constituencies (i.e., University staff and faculty, student-athletes, alumni and friends) abide by NCAA and Conference USA rules and regulations. Under these rules, alumni and friends can be categorized as “representatives of Florida International University’s athletic interests” (otherwise known as “Boosters’). This brief summary of NCAA rules is intended to give basic guidelines for all individuals associated with FIU. Please call the Athletics Compliance Office if you have specific questions or need clarification. We appreciate your interest and support but remind you that inappropriate contact or an inadvertent action can jeopardize the eligibility of our student-athletes and prospects and compliance of the University with NCAA regulations. Who Do I Contact? If you have any questions about contact with a prospective or enrolled student-athlete, please direct these questions to: Modesto A. Maidique Campus
The NCAA stipulates that once you have become a “Representative of FIU’s Athletic Interest/Boosters” you retain that identity forever, even if you no longer meet one of the criteria listed.
Ocean Bank Convocation Center, Room 154 305-348-2843
Who is a Prospective Student-Athlete?
The Athletics Compliance Office
A prospective student-athlete is anyone who:
Am I a “Representative of FIU’s Athletic Interests/Booster?”
• Has started classes for the ninth grade (seventh grade for men’s basketball and women’s softball);
YES, if you: • Are a graduate of FIU;
• Is enrolled in a two-year college;
• Are or ever have been a member of the Golden Panther Club/Panther Athletic Club;
• Has officially withdrawn from a four-year college; or
• Have ever made a donation to the Florida International University athletic programs;
• Has not started ninth grade but has received financial assistance or other benefits from the institution.
• Have ever helped to arrange or have provided summer employment for enrolled student-athletes;
Who is Permitted to Recruit? Only coaches and authorized athletics department staff members are permitted to be involved in the recruiting process. Representatives of FIU’s athletics interests
• Have ever been involved in any way with the FIU athletic program; or • Have ever been an FIU student-athlete.
52
NCAA COMPLIANCE
F I U PA N T H E R S
are prohibited from making in-person, on- or off-campus contacts or written or telephone communications with a prospective student athlete or the prospective student-athlete’s relatives or legal guardians. In addition, please be careful of social media posts that may give the appearance of recruiting.
• Accept telephone calls from prospective student-athletes and their family members as long as you do not discuss FIU or its athletics programs (must refer them to the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics); • Provide summer employment to prospective student-athletes who have signed a National Letter of Intent after contacting the Athletics Compliance Office and receiving approval from the Head Coach;
Representatives of FIU’s Athletics Interests/Boosters MAY NOT: • Be involved in the recruitment of prospective student-athletes, which includes contacting a prospective student-athlete or their parents, legal guardian(s) or relatives by letter, telephone or in-person (on or off campus) for the purpose of soliciting their participation in the athletics program; • Provide extra benefits (i.e., discounts, gifts, transportation) to prospective student-athletes, enrolled studentathletes or their parents, legal guardian(s), relatives or friends; • Provide any financial assistance to prospective student-athletes, enrolled student-athletes or their parents, legal guardian(s), relatives or friends; or • Use a student-athlete’s name, picture or appearance to promote sales or advertise the use of a commercial product or service.
• Employ at any time an enrolled studentathlete after contacting the Athletics Compliance Office and receiving approval from the Head Coach and the Athletics Compliance Office. What is an Extra Benefit? An extra benefit is any arrangement by an institutional staff member or a representative of the institution’s athletics interests to provide a student-athlete and/or his/her family with a benefit not specifically authorized by NCAA regulations. Extra benefits that are not authorized by the NCAA would include, but are not limited to: • Cash or loans of any amount; • Co-signing or authorizing a loan; • Gifts or free services (e.g., airline tickets, restaurant meals, use of an automobile, etc.);
Representatives of FIU’s Athletics Interest MAY: • Attend a prospective student-athlete’s contest, avoiding all contact with the prospect and/or his/her relatives; • Send newspaper clippings, e-mails, and other information about prospective student-athletes to coaches; • Continue established family relationships with friends and neighbors that have prospective student-athlete aged children (please contact the Athletics Compliance Office if you have questions determining this);
• Rent-free or reduced-cost housing; or • Employment of a student-athlete at a rate higher than the wages paid for similar work, or payment to a student-athlete for work not performed. Compliance with NCAA regulations is of the highest priority for our athletic program and institution. We need your assistance in complying with NCAA rules. If you are faced with a situation and unsure, as to how to respond, contact The Athletics Compliance Office at 305-348-2843. 53
NOW CATERING
CHOOSE YOUR OPTION BURRITOS
El Niño $
87.99
El Grande $
174.99
FEEDS 10
FEEDS 20
Geared towards smaller get-togethers, El Niño is our smallest catering package. Capable of feeding up to 10 people, this is a quick and easy way to ensure that you will gain 9 lifelong friends.
Made for a bigger gathering, El Grande gives up to 20 people enough Xochi-freshness to put them into a delicious food coma. Nothing unites people quite like Xochimex.
ORDER ONLINE AT:
xochimex.com
TACOS
RICE BOWLS
El Macho $
259.99
FEEDS 30
For the grand daddy of all parties, El Macho is capable of satisfying up to 30 hungry friends and family members. This kind of feast would make Xancho himself proud.
FIU HEA D COACHES
F I U PA N T H E R S
Butch Davis Football
Mervyl Melendez Baseball
Jeremy Ballard Men’s Basketball
Jesyka Burks-Wiley Women’s Basketball
Joe Vogel Women’s Golf
Kyle Russell Men’s Soccer
Jonathan Garbar Women’s Soccer
Mike Larabee Softball
Randy Horner Swim & Dive
Katarina Petrovic Women’s Tennis
Ryan Heberling Track & Field/XC
Rita Buck-Crockett Beach & Indoor Volleyball
55
JOIN THE CLUB. GET REWARDED. On the field, court, or campus, your creativity is our inspiration; the adidas Creators Club is the membership program that unlocks the best of adidas. Join the community today, start earning points and get rewarded.
Become a member today, checkout adidas.com/CreatorsClub
NG I R I H #
FOLLOW ADYOUR DREAMS, UNITED AC WE'LL HANDLE THE REST
305.670.3370 LET'S GO PANTHERS!
CONTRACTORS BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE OF FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL Kendall Electric Inc.
Ramon L. Bardelas President
State Lic. No. EC 0002086
est. 1990
Licensed & Insured 6705 SW 145 Street Palmetto Bay Florida 33158
Tel : 305-238-7033 • Fax: 305-238-0788 e-mail: diane@kendallelectricinc.com
Commercial & Residential
info@gavarreteinc.com 5200 SW 8th Street, Suite 200 . Coral Gables, FL 33134
Aaron Gidwani, VP Sales & Operations 12121 SW 114 Place, Miami, FL 33176 Ph: 305-445-8795 info@oplerflooring.com Comprehensive Product Offering Installation Speci�ications & Design Delivery & Warehouse Take Off & Estimating Product Care & Maintenance www.opler�looring.com
1-866-PAINT-30
Proudly Serving FIU Since 2001
proudly sponsors
FIU Football
CALL 786.425.5000 CLICK www.myunicu.coop
VISIT Any of our Branch Locations
Your Hometown Credit Union
Serving the University Community Since 1947. Now open to the Miami-Dade Community For Loan and Deposit Services.
FALL 2021 SEASON SCHEDULE
FOOTBALL
F I U PA N T H E R S
(Overall 1-4, Home 1-1 Away 0-3)
September 2nd| vs Long Island......................... W, 48-10 September 11th | vs Texas State.................. L, 17-23 OT September 18th | at Texas Tech.......................... L, 21-54 September 25th | at Central Michigan............... L, 27-31 October 2nd | at Florida Atlantic.......................... L, 21-58 October 8th | vs Charlotte............................................. 7pm October 23rd | vs WKU.................................................. 7pm October 30th | at Marshall...................................... 3:30pm November 6th | vs Old Dominion................................. 7pm November 13th | at Middle Tennessee................. 3:30pm November 20th | vs North Texas................................. 7pm November 27th | at Southern Miss............................. 3pm
63
at r us fo ! e te ys Se lga wa i a ta ive g
We are your campus solution to...
#wegotyou
making your everyday campus life easier with the best in...
DINING
YUMM
!
$SFQF ,JOH
RETAIL SERVICE Services provided by:
Vehicle Services
We want to hear what you think! Tell us about your experience at one of our locations. BECOME AN INSIDER,
follow us
Scrip
PEPSI, the Pepsi Globe and THAT’S WHAT I LIKE are trademarks of PepsiCo, Inc.
IT’S KIND OF A BIG DEAL
rks 13-20 must be used in junction with university OFFICIAL PARTNER me or offical FIU logo (with letters included)
FIU - No Stroke OF
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
When the height of the FIU letters is 0.25 of an or below, please remove the stroke (as show 79