Ball State hires asst. strength coach Feeley

The coach widely credited for helping FIU baseball survive the exhausting run through the Sun Belt tournament -- strength coach Dave Feeley -- has accepted a job as Ball State's football strength coach.

When the Golden Panthers needed to play at the crack of dawn most every morning last year in Murfreesboro, they prevailed in large part because of their conditioning. And for that, Feeley deserved much credit.

Now he's off to the Mid-American Conference.

"David Feeley comes highly recommended from a number of people I trust," said Ball State coach Pete Lembo. "I enjoyed getting to know him through the hiring process.  He learned from Jay Butler at Rutgers, who in my opinion, is one of the best strength coaches in the business.  David made an impact at FIU and helped the Golden Panthers to their first bowl appearance in school history.  His energy, work ethic, organizational skills and creativity will enable him to also make an impact with our student-athletes."

Mick Smith has taken over primary baseball duties at FIU.