Panthers retire Urso's number

Before tonight's game between Jesuit and Plant, the Panthers retired former Plant standout and current University of Tampa coach Joe Urso's number in a ceremony at home plate.

A sign on the right field fence unvieled Urso's No. 35. His number is the fifth Plant has retired, joining former players John Ramos, John Hudek, Wade Boggs and former coach Jeff Vardo.

Urso played second base for the Panthers in the last '80s and was a member of the program's only state title team in 1988. More recently, he has coach UT to back-to-back Division II national titles in '06 and '07.

"This is a tremendous honor," Urso told the crowd. "I was looking out at the fence a couple weeks ago and thought to myself ... how special that would be."

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA