"Those days are over, son!"

I didn't know there were so many Catherine Zeta-Jones fans out there in FIU land.

OK, no need to be an Einstein-posterior here.   

The last blog entry "The Beauty of Baseball" received the most comments of any entry in the short time Golden Panthers Prowl has been up and running. And some passionate comments they were.

Yes, I know there is huge dissatisfaction (that's an understatement) with the Golden Panthers baseball program and change is probably coming, but let's see if we can get a positive blog going here as we switch over to football and the upcoming Blue/Gold Spring Game on Friday night (7 p.m./Tailgating 5 p.m.) at FIU Stadium. The game will be the last event at FIU Stadium before construction begins on the new football stadium.

One of the phrases that has stood out in my mind as I've watched the FIU football team practice this spring, I heard on the very first day of spring practice. And I think the phrase is what the new FIU football program and eventually all FIU athletic programs will be about (and yes, that includes baseball for those of you scoring at home).

In the very first practice under MC and the new football coaching staff, there was one player lazily walking to a drill. One of the coaches saw the slacking off and instructed the player that you jog to and from drills. The coach finished by yelling: "Those days are over, son!" (T.D.A.O.S.)

I think that could be the motto of the new FIU athletic department (TDAOS). FIU sports for a while now have been mired in mediocrity (when I covered the FIU baseball game at um two weeks ago, 2 guys wearing um shirts in the press box commented that's "FIU-ish" when talking about something that wasn't being done the right way). Well, news flash for Homer and Barney over there at um: The um has done some "um-ish" stuff as well.   

Anyways, the impression I have gotten from the new FIU athletic administration is that those times are going to change or in blog-speak: TDAOS.

You don't have to look any further than the marketing blitz for this Friday's spring football game, which includes unveiling the designs of the new stadium, music, food, prizes and a garage sale of retro FIU athletic uniforms and gear.

Never in the previous five spring games has there been the type of fanfare that this spring game is getting and judging by your e-mails and responses to the Golden Panthers Prowl there seems to be plenty of interest. Heck, even the Spanish sports talk show "Descarga Deportiva" on 1550 AM is getting calls about the spring game and interest in FIU football.

There won't be 47,000 at FIU Stadium on Friday, like the NC Gators got for their game, but I would wager jogging from assignment to assignment and NOT walking, if this spring game does not have the highest attendance of any previous spring game.

That's a good start for TDAOS.

Comments

[FIUmom]

Those days are truly over. In the words of my son, "This is a brand new FIU." I am VERY excited about the spring game and will arrive in Miami from Atlanta either Wednesday or Thursday so that I may take in as much of it all as I can. GO FIU!!!

[alt7787]

I cant wait for this game!!!! ive been catching a few glimpses of practices and im impressed. i hope we can see what the new FIU is about.

[FIU Fanatic]

I want to see for myself if the "FIU Culture" has really changed much, or is in its "changing mode" right now. One thing is for certain...I don't think I've been this excited for a Spring game ever!!

[MaXx]

It is definitely good to hear that the attitude is changing at FIU. I am looking forward to Friday night and taking a look at the new and (hopefully) improved Golden Panther team. September can't get here soon enough, there is nothing like college football season.

[FIUrulez]

I am looking forward to Friday. It should be fun. However it'll just make the regular season seem farther away.

[FIUtooCRAZY]

You know these new coaches sure do seem energetic and quick to jump all over the players, I wonder if their coaching prowess will be 1/10th of what their energy is. Strock's main problem was on gameday, making the right decisions. The players seemed ready on most nights but poor or questionable decisions killed us time and again. We have kids coaching kids over in southwest miami people, let's not lose our perspective here.

[CJ]

i cant wait ... my gf wont be in town so ill be able to go ! yay lol i think im goin money in hand to buy some of that retro school equipment ... but that being said does the word retro mean they are changing the Uni's.... might not be a bad idea... never the less im excited !!

[GFs_are_whack]

You need your gf's permission to go to a game?! That's lame bro, dump her. GFs are WHACK drama

[AR]

I am looking forward to the spring game and the new upcoming season. Nothing less than perfection should be expected.

[AR]

I am looking forward to the spring game and the new upcoming season. Nothing less than perfection should be expected.

[NY Panther]

I'll take the energy level of FIU's new staff over the old days, anytime.

That youthful energy and "why not us" attitude is what has made FIU what it is today.

Wish I could fly in for the game. I need someone to buy me a jersey.

NY Panther

[gpantera]

i was not aware there was a spring game in the past...says something about the former regime's marketing efforts.

i look fwd to the day FIU stands atop the mountain and we could all say, "i knew them when..."

I like the new montra Pete - TDAOS!

[kevin]

Can't wait for this game! I'm definitely going with all my friends, we're tailgating down, it's going to be fun and I can't wait to see the new stadium drawings!! FIU GOLDEN PANTHERS!!

[cj]

no you tard i dont need permission, i would rather spend a friday night w/ my gf then go to a SPRING GAME. but shes outta town so i need to find something better to do... and you only think that GF's are lame because you probably havent gotten any for like yrs

[FIUPanther07]

Good stuff. I hope this year brings good things for FIU. I'll be at the games.

[naya21]

pete pelegrin rules, keep up the good work

[fiugrad78]

With only a handful of games left in another season where under achievement seems to be the constant, one can only hope that May 19 is the end of an era marred by incompetence. One can only hope that the pressure that the four stooges (coaching staff) are under won't result in psychological abuse inflicted upon the players. Exiting regimes have a tendency to blame others for their failure. I hope that the FIU administration has the foresight to protect these young men. The enthusiasm exhibited in the comments regarding the new football regime needs to carry over to the other athletic programs, baseball needs to be next.

[CJ]

my only regret about the surging enthusiasm is that by the time it gets to the level of other big schools like the Michigans, USC's, etc. im goin to be a graduate and wont be able to be in the student section lol