What Is 2013 Florida Tech Panthers football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 Florida Tech Panthers football team represented the Florida Institute of Technology in the NCAA Division II season, finishing with a 7-4 record under head coach Steve Englehart. It was the program's third season since reinstating football after a 64-year hiatus.

Key Facts

2013 record: 7 wins, 4 losses
Head coach: Steve Englehart
Home stadium: Florida Tech Panther Stadium in Melbourne
Division: NCAA Division II, independent status
First game: September 7, 2013, against Edward Waters College

Overview

The 2013 Florida Tech Panthers football team marked the third season since the reinstatement of the program after a 64-year absence. Competing in NCAA Division II as an independent, the team played a full 11-game schedule, showcasing steady improvement under head coach Steve Englehart.

With a final record of 7 wins and 4 losses, the Panthers demonstrated significant growth compared to their inaugural 2011 season. The team played its home games at the newly constructed Florida Tech Panther Stadium in Melbourne, Florida, which opened in 2013 and became a central hub for collegiate athletics in the region.

Season opener: On September 7, 2013, the Panthers defeated Edward Waters College 48-14, setting a strong tone for the season with a dominant performance.
Home stadium debut: The 2013 season marked the first full year at the 2,500-seat Panther Stadium, a modern facility built specifically for the revived football program.
Offensive output: The team averaged 33.5 points per game, ranking among the top mid-tier D-II programs in scoring, powered by a balanced rushing and passing attack.
Defensive performance: The Panthers allowed 24.7 points per game, showing improvement from previous seasons but struggling against stronger opponents.
Non-conference play: As an independent, the team faced a mix of NCAA D-II and NAIA opponents, including Delta State, Shorter, and Valdosta State.

Season Structure and Performance

The 2013 season followed a standard 11-week NCAA Division II schedule, with the Panthers playing a blend of regional and national opponents. Games were scheduled primarily on Saturdays, with most held in the afternoon, contributing to growing local fan engagement.

September 14: The Panthers won 35-28 against the University of West Georgia, a strong D-II program, highlighting their competitive edge.
October 5: A 41-34 loss to Valdosta State, a nationally ranked team, demonstrated the Panthers' ability to challenge elite competition.
October 26: A decisive 45-10 victory over Savannah State showcased offensive dominance and defensive cohesion.
November 9: The team secured a 31-24 win over Miles College, maintaining momentum in the latter half of the season.
November 16: The final regular-season game ended in a 24-21 loss to Shorter University, narrowly missing a winning streak to close the year.
Season end: The Panthers did not qualify for the NCAA D-II playoffs but finished with their best record since revival, signaling program growth.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2013 Panthers compared to recent seasons in key performance metrics:

Season	Record (W-L)	Points For	Points Against	Head Coach
2011	3-8	23.1 per game	32.4 per game	Steve Englehart
2012	5-6	27.8 per game	28.6 per game	Steve Englehart
2013	7-4	33.5 per game	24.7 per game	Steve Englehart
2014	6-5	29.1 per game	26.3 per game	Steve Englehart
2015	7-4	30.6 per game	25.8 per game	Steve Englehart

The 2013 season represented a peak in early program development, with the 7-4 record being the best at the time. The team improved in both scoring and defense compared to prior years, reflecting better recruitment and coaching stability. Though not playoff-eligible due to independent status, the season laid groundwork for future conference alignment.

Why It Matters

The 2013 season was a turning point for Florida Tech football, proving the program could compete at a high level despite its recent revival. It helped boost school spirit, enrollment interest, and athletic department visibility.

Program legitimacy: The 7-4 record established Florida Tech as a credible force in D-II football, attracting better recruits in subsequent years.
Stadium impact: The opening of Panther Stadium in 2013 provided a permanent home, increasing attendance and game-day revenue.
Conference aspirations: Strong performance fueled talks of joining a conference, which eventually led to Sun Division membership in the Gulf South Conference.
Recruitment boost: Success on the field helped the team sign higher-caliber athletes, including 17 scholarship players in the 2014 class.
Academic integration: The team emphasized student-athlete balance, with over 60% of players making the Dean’s List that year.
Legacy foundation: The 2013 season became a benchmark for future coaches and players, symbolizing the program’s upward trajectory.

The 2013 Florida Tech Panthers football season was more than just a winning record—it was a statement of institutional commitment and athletic potential. Though the program was discontinued in 2020 due to financial and strategic shifts, the 2013 season remains a high point in its modern history.