FIU Panthers Prowl

Bethune-Cookman vs. FIU Live Blog -- Game 1

Behar, DeSimone nab weekly Sun Belt honors

FIU’s Jose Behar and Danny DeSimone captured the Sun Belt’s player and pitcher of the week honors after the Golden Panthers won three of four games in their Louisiana swing.

Behar hit .375 with two home runs and 5 RBI last week, as FIU beat Tulane and took two out of three from Louisiana-Monroe.

On Sunday, DeSimone scattered seven hits in a complete-game shutout of ULM, lowering his season ERA to 3.32.

The Panthers (18-12) return home Tuesday for a two-game series against Bethune-Cookman before traveling to conference-leading Troy this weekend.

First pitch Tuesday is 6 p.m. Live blog will begin at 5:50.

Video: Greg Ellingson on NFL Draft preparation

Caught up with NFL hopeful Greg Ellingson before FIU's spring game Saturday. He told the GPP he has visits planned with the Dolphins (April 8th), the Buccaneers (11th) and the Jaguars (18th).

 

W. Wright sits out spring game

Rising sophomore wide receiver Willis Wright was held out of Saturday's spring game in what appears to be a undisclosed disciplinary move.

Wright, the former Miami Springs recruit who appeared in six games last year, catching two passes, was not sidelined due to injury, the Herald has learned.

Wright is expected back with the team when training camp opens in August.

Video: Mario Cristobal talks about 2011 Spring Game

FIU's football field has a new name: Alfonso Field at FIU Stadium

Here's a bit of good financial news for FIU in these tough times: The school has secured a naming rights deal for its football field.

For the next five years, Panthers home games will be played at Alfonso Field at FIU Stadium, named after Panthers alum David F. Alfonso, who has provided an undisclosed gift to the athletic department.

Alfonso is chairman and CEO of Empire Investment Holdings, a Miami-based private investment firm.

"We're thrilled that one of our very own grads is so excited that he is now giving back to our athletics program," said FIU president Mark Rosenberg.

FIU Spring Game Live Blog

We're here at FIU Stadium for a taste of football: FIU's spring scrimmage.

The plan is a scripted practice with live hitting that should last for a good 75 minutes.

The Panthers will also receive their Sun Belt championship rings. Follow along live here or on Twitter @AdamHBeasley.

 

FIU Spring Game Live Blog -- Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

Who's dining with the Panthers tomorrow?

FIU's Blue & Gold Spring Game is Saturday at 10:30 a.m., with free breakfast provided. If you can't make it out to the Spring Game, stop back here and join our live blog.

Updates will also be available on Twitter -- @AdamHBeasley -- and we'll have a video report as well.