Winthrop set for 'challenging' schedule

Beat a few teams you’re not expected to and scheduling becomes that much harder. Just check out the interesting names on Winthrop’s non-conference schedule this season, particularly on the road.

The Eagles play at Florida, Davidson, Charlotte, South Carolina, N.C. State, Old Dominion and Akron. They have home games out of the league with East Carolina and the College of Charleston.

“The schedule is very challenging, but it’s also the result of winning 21 games a year for the last 10 years,” coach Randy Peele said at Tuesday’s Big South Conference media day. “It’s somewhat difficult to get games.

“I like playing a tough schedule. I think your weaknesses become exposed early, so you that you know how to develop your team, and the bottom line is three days in March (the conference tournament).

"So we’re going to compete to be the regular-season champion in this league and the tournament champion as well.”

Winthrop opens the regular season Nov.14, with a home game against North Greenville.

- Stan Olson