University OF Miami

TRADITION: Throwing Up the ‘U’

WHAT IS IT? The Hurricanes’ answer to the Gator Chomp and the Tomahawk Chop is the hand gesture used by fans to identify with the University of Miami. With hands up, thumbs touching and all other fingers held tight and vertical, a ‘U’ shape is formed. Picture a movie director casing a venue in order to gain a more on-screen vision and you have something similar to one flashing the ‘U’.

ORIGIN: According to a 2007 article in Miami Magazine, cheerleader Bill Tigano introduced the gesture in 1992 for fans to hold up during the band’s rendition of Star Wars’ Imperial Theme. He stated that UM needed a gesture to identify them, just as the Chomp and the Chop identify UF and FSU, respectively.

The ‘U’ stands for university, a marketing gimmick from the early 1970s that took root and has become a symbol of UM more than the letter ‘M’. Of course, these days, one might claim the ‘U’ actually stands for ‘Underdog.’

TRADITION: Running through smoke

WHAT IT IS: When the Miami players run onto the field in pre-game, they enter through a large cloud of smoke, seemingly emerging from the mist as hurricane noises blare through the loudspeakers.

ORIGIN: Although

UM’s smoky entrance became iconic during their storied run of success in the 1980s, the tradition goes back to the 1950s when the ‘Canes weren’t so successful. According to the University of Miami’s website, with fan interest low (even by today’s UM definition), “UM Transportation Director Bob Nalette introduced the idea of using fire extinguishers to produce the smoke that Hurricanes run through as they enter the field.” Nalette welded the pipe together over 40 years ago, and it is still used today. Originally, the setup included flashing lights and two large hurricane-warning flags, but now only the smoke and noise remain. Running through the smoke is an honor reserved for players and coaches… or Nevin Shapiro.