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The Miami
HURRICANE Vol. 90, Issue 45 | Aprilil 2 - April Ap A pri ril 4, ril 4, 2012 201 01
com
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STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI IN CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA, OR R IID D A, A, S SINCE I N CE IN C E 1929
Gypsies, jousts jousts and and Gypsies, magical feasts feasts magical Five activities not to miss at Florida Renaissance Festival Miami Page 8 COLOR CODING PAGE 3
T-SHIRTS FOR A CAUSE PAGE 7
CANES’ COACH TELLS ALL PAGE 9
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TECHNOLOGY
Mobile app contestants get creative UHack groups compete for cash BY JACKIE SALO STAFF WRITER
Situated in a classroom around a table covered with energy drinks, soda and energy shots, coders were hard at work at UHack, a 48-hour hackathon held last weekend in the McArthur Engineering Building. Starting Friday, participants were given two days to create their own web or mobile app. The hackathon, which was hosted by the Association for Computer Mechanics (ACC) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), was the first ever held at UM. Apps were then presented on Sunday to a panel of judges made up of faculty members. They were evaluated for their productivity, originality and user experience. “A lot of us intern at companies that hold hackathons so instead of doing it for the first time there, we wanted to bring it here so people have an opportunity to gain experience, ” said junior Oscar Sanchez, who organized
the event. While 28 people registered, many elected to work in teams so 10 apps were created at the event. Sophomores Adam Orshan, Thomas Cooper and Colin Francis worked together on an app that would transcribe your phone call and highlight important information like dates and times. While they are familiar with coding, they were writing the program in a different coding language than they were used to. “It ’s like trying to write a 10-page paper in French when you only know Spanish, ” Orshan said. The team said they relied on Redbull energy drinks and adrenaline to keep working throught the contest. Other participants made sure they had time for a power nap. Seniors Wei Yang and Omar Hussain, who were awarded first place, brought sleeping bags and an air mattress, and were able to get about five hours sleep on the first night. The winners built a mobile app that creates different pitches when the phone is moved, allowing it to be used as a musical
MONICA HERNDON // Staff Photographer
CUSTOMIZED MUSIC: Junior Christopher Jacobs works on the prototype for Musicon, an app that generates playlists for parties based on the music preferences of multiple people. instrument. They won a MacBook Air, $500 and a year-long membership to GitHub, a social website for coding. “This is our first time at a hackathon so we had a lot of trouble, ” Hussain said. Junior Christopher Jacobs earned second place for his app, Musicon. The program generates a playlist based on party attendees and their musical interests.
Jacobs received a Xbox Kinect Bundle, a year-long membership to Xbox Live and GitHub, Xbox games, and $250. Sponsors of the event, such as Microsoft, had representatives come in to help participants with their coding issues along the way. “For a lot of people this is their first time at an event like this, so to work together quickly under the time pressure is difficult, ” Sanchez said.
NEWS BRIEFS
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EDIBLE BOOKS
GUEST LECTURE
PASSES
SYMPOSIUM
The UM Libraries third annual Edible Books Festival will be held on Monday from noon to 2 p.m. at the Richter Library lobby. Participants will submit entries that relate to books and reading, and must be edible. After the judging, participants and viewers will be able to eat the creations. There will be prizes for “Wittiest Pun,” “Most Edible” and “Best in Show.” For more information, call head of special collections Cristina Favretto at 305-284-3247 or email um.ediblebooks@gmail. com.
On Tuesday, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Merrick Building room 210-01, the College of Arts and Sciences and the department of modern languages and literatures will present a lecture by Eric Kligerman, an associate professor of German and Jewish studies at the University of Florida. He will discuss the cinematic representations of the Holocaust set in German-occupied France in Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds” and Marcel Ophuls’s “The Sorrow and the Pity.” For more information, call Mary Mezzano at 305-284-5585 or email her at m.mezzano@miami.edu.
There is still time to purchase a yoga or studio cycling pass at the Wellness Center on Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. These passes for the spring semester are priced at $30 for student members and $48 for non-student members. A semester pass allows members unlimited access to all the classes on the schedule. To purchase a pass, visit the Wellness Enrichment Suite located on the second floor of the Wellness Center. For more information, call 305-284-LIFE (5433).
Dr. Neil Baldwin will speak at “One Writer’s Journey: From Small Press Poetry to E-Book Novel, with Many and Varied Stops Along the Way” on Thursday at the CAS Gallery/Wesley House. There will be a reception at 4:30 p.m. and the lecture will start at 5 p.m. Baldwin is an Emmynominated writer who has published three volumes of poetry, three textbooks, three biographies and has won several awards for his work. To RSVP, email provost@miami.edu.
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Alexander Gonzalez may be contacted at agonzalez@ themiamihurricane.com.
Check out what’s exclusively available at TheMiamiHurricane. com.
Couldn’t make it to Saturday’s football scrimmage? Check out Zach Beeker’s photo slideshow. Haven’t heard about professor David Kadko’s Arctic expedition? Check out Erika Glass’ story. Haven’t checked out the All-American Rejects’ new album yet? Read what Nicky Diaz thinks about the band’s fourth album. Didn’t catch the women’s tennis match against the University of Maryland? Read Kristen Spillane’s recap. Haven’t made it to the Florida Renaissance Festival? Check out Cayla Nimmo’s photo slideshow.
TWITTER ACCOUNTS @MiamiHurricane @Dear_V @TMH_Photo @TMH_Sports FACEBOOK PAGE facebook.com/ themiamihurricane
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STUDENT ORGANIZATION
ACADEMICS
Professor receives grant for her studies Research focuses on historic revolutions BY ARIELE GALLARDO STAFF WRITER
KRISTEN SPILLANE // Contributing Photographer
PAINT PARTY: Senior Noopur Ghade, who is president of the Hindu Students Council, smiles as sophomore Srinidhi Pulusani, who is the public relations officer of the Hindu Students Council, paints her with traditional Indian colors.
Festival honors arrival of spring Indian, Hindu groups celebrate first Holi BY ASHLEY MARTINEZ CONTRIBUTING NEWS WRITER
On Sunday afternoon, the University Green was anything but green. The Indian Students Association (ISA) and the Hindu Students Council (HSC) held their first Holi event on campus, which is also known as the Festival of Colors. The festival honors the arrival of spring and its rich colors. To celebrate, participants throw colored powder at each other. "I love the paints, just grabbing it by the handful and smearing it on someone," junior Nicholas Ley said. "It brought so many people together who would have never hung out." In previous years, the festival had been held at a nearby park or beach. However, this year, ISA and HSC de-
cided to host the event on campus to include more people. “Students see us celebrate with dance teams and costumes but not a lot of people have been exposed to this, ” ISA President Richa Taneja said. “I ’m hoping students enjoyed and appreciated this. ” The colors used Sunday were purchased in India by a student who visited during winter break. “We got a bunch of different colors, ” ISA Vice President Ronak Patel said. “I think purple stood out most. ” Before the paint-f linging began, participants ate lunch and enjoyed a special treat made by Aruna Airan, the adviser for both ISA and HSC. In honor of the deity Ram ’s birthday, Airan made Halwa, a dessert made from cream of wheat, butter, sugar and water. “They all kept telling me they liked it, ” Airan said. “It ’s something homemade like they would have at home. ”
Holi, however, is not just about getting messy. It commemorates events from Hindu mythology, when the demon, Holika, was defeated by the deity, Narasimha. In some parts of India, it is also the celebration of a new year and the defeat of evil by good. “In India, there are a lot of religions, the holidays are cultural, but also have religious meaning and are fun, ” HSC President Noopur Ghade said. “I think it ’s cool how holidays bring everyone together. ” Siddardtha Umapathy, the freshman representative of ISA, was thrilled to experience his first Holi. Umapathy is from Southern India where Holi is not generally celebrated. His favorite part of the festival was the creative ways the members found to get colorful. “We had a slip and slide we put colors on, ” Umapathy said. “Technically it ’s not traditional, but we came up with new aspects to make the event better. ” April 2 - April 4, 2012
Ashli White, a University of Miami assistant professor of history, can now further pursue her study of the French and Haitian revolutions after receiving a $6,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). NEH recently awarded $17 million worth of grants throughout the United States to fund 208 humanities projects, including White ’s. She was one of two UM professors who were considered for a grant from the NEH. “I was excited because this means I can go and do really crucial research for this next book I ’m working on, ” White said. “I was thrilled. It was a great email to receive. ” NEH is an independent federal agency that was founded in 1965 and supports research for scholars studying different fields. The funding awarded by the agency supports various projects that the winners are working on. White ’s research will be featured in a new book that focuses on the material culture that is associated with periods of revolution. Material culture is the study of the relationship between society and objects. For her first book, she researched the impact of the Haitian revolution on the early United States. To further her research for her second book, White plans to use the grant to travel to Paris. She hopes to better understand the connections among past revolutions. White plans to stay in Paris for two months to research well-known museums and archives collections. The main focus of White ’s study is to find how objects, such as printed textiles or life-size wax figures, came from abroad to help teach people about the revolution. “The research I plan to do in Paris will be great because they have excellent archival and museum collections, ” White said. “I use these to help find out how objects were made, disseminated and consumed. ” THE MIAMI HURRICANE
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PHOTO BRIEF
Circus arts juggle their way onto campus TEACH ME HOW TO JUGGLE: Tim Irwin, a member of the Coconut Grove Juggling Exchange, juggles outside of the University Center on Thursday night. Irwin also does miming, stilt walking and fire juggling. The non-profit organization meets every Thursday in the UC breezeway. Alumni and current students typically stop by to practice circus arts and help each other learn different tricks, such as hula hooping. Practices are open to more than just the UM community. The members are willing to teach anyone how to perform any of the circus arts. Many of the members also participate in other performances, such as Coconut Grove’s King Mango Strut. MONICA HERNDON // Staff Photographer
April 2 - April 4, 2012
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OPINION speak
UP!
What is your favorite aspect of Miami?
TERRI BULLOCK Freshman “I love the beach and the clubs because they are very trendy and I love the atmosphere. It is just a good time.”
MELANIE BAEZ Senior “All of the different foods that you can get here because everyone is from different places.”
“I grew up on Long Island and the beaches there are OK, but the clear water and the fact that I can go in December is just totally awesome. I can’t get that at home.” Speak Up answers are edited for clarity, brevity and accuracy. Check out video Speak Ups at themiamihurricane.com. compiled by
Jennifer Levine
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OPINION
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Taylor Duckett, Contributing Columnist
STAFF EDITORIAL
The Miami
HURRICANE Founded 1929
An Associated Collegiate Press Hall of Fame Newspaper NEWSROOM: 305-284-2016 BUSINESS OFFICE: 305-284-4401 FAX: 305-284-4404 For advertising rates call 305-284-4401 or fax 305-284-4404.
Miami’s more than its stereotype
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alexa Lopez
Miami is known for its luxurious lifestyle, picturesque skyline, sleek expensive cars, sun-kissed women, hiphop music, glamorous beaches and sleepless nights. We are shrouded under the “Miami Vice ” drug cartel plotlines, “Scarface ” shootings and “Cocaine Cowboys. ” But beneath the facade of our 1980s depiction, we have emerged as a new cultural icon. We are home to a variety of entertainment venues, performing arts centers, fashion districts, museums and parks. There are also many landmarks like the Everglades, Vizcaya, Venetian Pool and Marine Stadium. On a sunny afternoon, you can drive by Knaus Berry Farm to munch on some fresh-picked strawberries and homemade cinnamon buns, stop by and enjoy a wine tasting at Schnebly Redland ’s
ART DIRECTOR Allison Goodman
Winery and end the evening on the sand at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne. It ’s safe to say Miami and its surroundings areas are some of the few places that allow you to drive through farmlands and beaches in one day. Thousands of tourists continue to road trip down to the Magic City in hopes of fist pumping, making scandalous fashion statements, and giving into the temptations of sex, drugs and alcohol. But, when they reach their destination, they are quick to find that their Miami is just a fantasy. Ultra Music Festival, LIV and South Beach are just a piece of the puzzle, but they are not quintessential to what defines the city. Miamians enjoy venturing to Coconut Grove, visiting the Wynwood Arts district and enjoying an evening of Broadway at the state-of-
the-art Adrienne Arsht Center. The city of Miami was once raised on vices, but it is now raised on culture, diversity, tradition and trends. The Miami some are looking for is never found. We ’ve been stereotyped by booze, boobs, bills and bling. Although this stereotype brings in tourists, it ’s not for the right reasons. Miami is not just about the beaches and palm trees. That was then and this is now. We should not be judged for what we were, but what we now are. It ’s a city where everyone can find their passions; a city that embraces a new generation of innovators; it ’s a diamond in the rough. Welcome to our Miami. Editorials represent the majority view of The Miami Hurricane editorial board.
Distance shouldn’t hinder assistance
I
SEAN BELOFF Sophomore
“
Individuals need to step up and help those currently undergoing persecution.
was on Tumblr one evening and a post from a blog I follow caught my attention. The title of the post read, “Urgent Prayer Request, ” and the content was upsetting. The person that I follow is a Christian who lives in the TAYLOR DUCKETT Middle East. Over there, many CONTRIBUTING people are trying to drive ChrisCOLUMNIST tians out of the area and make Islam the only religion that can be practiced. While Islam is prevelent in that part of the world, there is no reason that the religions can ’t co-exisit. Churches are being attacked and threatened in order to discourage members from attending services. Many churches have been banned, postponed or driven underground. Communing with other Christians is important because it allows individuals to learn while helping as well. When a
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church is destroyed and divided, it becomes harder for people to keep their faith strong and alive. It also becomes harder to spread the word about what is happening. Daniel Pipes, president of the Middle East Forum, said that the Islamic persecution of religious minorities is accruing charecteristics that are almost genocidal in one of his speeches. In the Bible, verse 5:10 of the book of Matthew says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ” However, when you are in the middle of a crisis as Christians currently are in the Middle East, verses such as that one may not be at the forefront of your mind. Individuals need to step up and help those currently undergoing persecution. Location shouldn ’t stop us from helping others in a time of need. Taylor Duckett is a freshman majoring in political science.
MANAGING EDITOR Demi Rafuls
BUSINESS MANAGER Isabel Vichot ACCOUNT REPS Danica Jones Tara Kleppinger Misha Mayeur
PHOTO EDITOR Marlena Skrobe
ADVERTISING EDITOR Demi Rafuls
ASST. PHOTO EDITOR Cayla Nimmo
PUBLIC RELATIONS James Borchers
NEWS EDITOR Alysha Khan OPINION EDITOR Elizabeth De Armas EDGE EDITOR Margaux Herrera SPORTS EDITOR Ernesto Suarez ASST. EDITORS Lyssa Goldberg Alexander Gonzalez COPY CHIEF Stephanie Parra COPY EDITORS Spencer Dandes Nicky Diaz
ONLINE EDITOR Daniel Cepero WEBMASTER Amanda Zacharkiewicz DESIGNERS Carlos Mella Mariah Price Amilynn Soto ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Maria Jamed FINANCIAL ADVISER Robert DuBord FACULTY ADVISER Bob Radziewicz
To reach a member of the staff visit themiamihurricane.com’s contact page. ©2012 University of Miami
The Miami Hurricane is published semi-weekly during the regular academic year and is edited and produced by undergraduate students at the University of Miami. The publication does not necessarily represent the views and opinions of advertisers or the university’s trustees, faculty or administration. Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of The Hurricane’s Editorial Board. Commentaries, letters and cartoons represent only the views of their respective authors. The newsroom and business office of The Hurricane are located in the Norman A. Whitten University Center, Room 221. LETTER POLICY The Miami Hurricane encourages all readers to voice their opinions on issues related to the university or in response to any report published in The Hurricane. Letters to the editor may be submitted typed or handwritten (please make your handwriting legible) to the Whitten University Center, Room 221, or mailed to P.O. Box 248132, Coral Gables, FL, 33124-6922. Letters, with a suggested length of 300 words, must be signed and include a copy of your student ID card, phone number and year in school. ADVERTISING POLICY The Miami Hurricane’s business office is located at 1306 Stanford Drive, Norman A. Whitten University Center, Room 221B, Coral Gables, FL 33124-6922. The Miami Hurricane is published on Mondays and Thursdays during the university’s fall and spring academic terms. Newspapers are distributed free of charge on the Coral Gables campus, the School of Medicine and at several off-campus locations. DEADLINES All ads must be received, cash with copy, in The Miami Hurricane business office, Whitten University Center, Room 221B, by noon Tuesday for Thursday’s issue and by noon Friday for the Monday issue. SUBSCRIPTIONS The Miami Hurricane is available for subscription at the rate of $50 per year. AFFILIATIONS The Miami Hurricane is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, Columbia Scholastic Press Assoc. and Florida College Press Assoc.
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Want a nighttime adventure?
Check out a moonlight tour of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit fairchildgarden.org.
SERENGETEE SHIRTS INSTILL INDIVIDUALITY, PROMOTE AWARENESS TO CAUSES BY BRITTANY WEINER CONTRIBUTING EDGE WRITER
UM junior Robert Finn met Claremont McKenna College junior Jeff Steitz last summer on Semester at Sea, a study abroad program. One night during the trip, while drinking beers and sharing laughs, Steitz turned to Finn and said, “Dude, you got to listen to this idea. I think I ’m on to something. ” Steitz ’s idea was for a clothing company now known as Serengetee. The company would produce shirts featuring cloths from countries around the world. After hearing his idea, four of Ste-
itz ’s friends, including Finn, jumped on board. The company is named after the Serengeti desert in Africa and features American-made T-shirts, tank tops, and racer-back shirts, all with pockets sewn on the front. What makes this company original is that the consumer can choose the pocket ’s fabric from more than 75 fabrics from about 30 countries around the world. Fifty percent of the proceeds from each shirt purchased also go to a charity from that country. “I think the shirts are totally awesome, ” said Matt Millman, a UM junior
who recently purchased a shirt. “I really like how you can choose by pattern or where you want the fabric from, and how it also is going to a good cause. ” The brand is targeted toward college kids and international travelers who have an appreciation for world diversity. The shirts can also be customized so that the small Serengetee logo on the pocket can be replaced with any organization, fraternity or sorority name. “We wanted to target young people who like to travel, but also just college kids who want something different to wear as opposed to the regular T-shirt, ”
said Finn, co-founder and the marketing coordinator of the company. The company was launched in February and has taken off more than the group suspected. During a start-up promotion Serengetee received 1,000 likes in just five days. They also have a Twitter and want to continue to use social media for more promotions, and to spread the word about their company. “We are really just trying to get the word out there, ” Finn said. “I think we are on the verge of something big. ” Shirts can be purchased at serengetee.com.
COLOR BLOCKING: Black and whites shirts feature patterns designed on the pockets. Each pattern represents a country, and for each shirt purchased, Serengetee will donate part of the proceeds to that country. DESIGN BY AMILYNN SOTO
Guatemala
Ghana April 2 - April 4, 2012
United States THE MIAMI HURRICANE
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MIAMI
Festival returns with bears, fencing, body art BY SARAH HALL CONTRIBUTING EDGE WRITER
The Renaissance Festival has made its return to Miami. For a few weeks, you ’ll get the chance to joust, wear a crown and even feed a bear. Although it may seem like an unconventional way to spend the weekend, it ’s definitely worth stepping out of your comfort zone to experience the festivities the event has to offer. Here are the top five things to check out when you hit up the festival.
1. Watch a Performance
Gypsy dancers, wild animal exhibits and jousting are just a few of the interactive shows you can catch at the festival. “Predator Performance ” offered the audience an up-close encounter with bears, alligators and tigers. Comedy routines allow audience members to participate on stage. Singing troupes travel around the festival, serenading attendees. For the more daring at heart, knife throwing and fire juggling are just some of crazy skills that the festival performers have up their sleeves.
2. Feast Like A King
In typical Ren Fest style, you can catch the smell of giant juicy turkey legs while you take a stroll by the food stands. Full ears of corn, funnel cakes, chocolate dips, cheescakes, candy apples and an assortment of fried foods fill the main path, offering appetizing ways to get into the Renaissance mindset.
3. Play a Game
Looking for an adventure? Sword fighting and spear throwing are just two of the games with a medieval twist at the festival. For the more faint of heart, giant chess and jenga are up for grabs. Instead of knocking over bottles, why not knock over priests? Looking to take on your friends in a water balloon fight?
You ’re at the right place. Many of the other game stands, including skee ball, also have a Renaissance twist. The games are priced at around $5 to $10. And if you ’re looking to really shake it up, pay $2 to feed grapes to a bear.
4. Arts and Crafts
If you ’re a fan of wax exhibits, you ’re in luck. The festival ’s exhibit lets attendees create a wax molding of their hands in any pose, even holding hands with a friend. Instead of having somone draw a caricature of you, create your own. Other exhibits include an area that features artists who create personalized pieces of blown glass and even a station to make your own recycled paper with flowers and reeds pressed in. For a little extra pizzazz, create a personalized seal for your stationery.
5. Get Into Character
Many performers walked around the event in character. There was a king, minstrels and even wenches who entertained guests. Dressing up is always encouraged and it can be a great experience if you choose to do so. Some attendees choose to dress up as gypsies, fairies and royalty. In case you don ’t have a fairy costume sitting in your Halloween box, the festival ’s artists can help you get the job done. Get your face painted at one of the stands. If you ’re into body art, there are also henna and body artists ready to decorate your clean skin. To feel like royalty, buy yourself some fancy earrings and a matching crown. Not into the bling? For more of a whimsical look, slap on some fairy wings, horns and a fox tail. Everything is handmade by the festival ’s artisans who pride themselves in their craft. Though prices can be high, the quality of the jewelry makes your purchases worthwhile.
IF YOU GO WHAT: Florida Renaissance Festival WHEN: The festival runs through Sunday. The opening ceremony begins at 9:45 a.m. Gates open at 10 a.m. WHERE: Cauley Square Historic Villiage, 22400 Old Dixie Highway, Miami FOR MORE INFO: Visit ren-fest.com. 8
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CAYLA NIMMO // Assistant Photo Editor
NOBILITY: One of the knights at the festival, who identified himself as Sir William of West Muchamp, rides onto the field of competition on his noble steed.
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SPORTS
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sacks recorded by both Anthony Chickillo and Dwayne Hoillett during Friday night’s scrimmage in Fort Myers
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home runs this season by catcher Peter O’Brien, six more than the next highest hitter (two tied with three)
PROFILE
Jim Morris synonymous with Canes baseball BY ELIZABETH DE ARMAS OPINION EDITOR
COACH
JIM MORRIS
CURRENTLY IN HIS
19th SEASON
AS CANES MANAGER
HAS WON 2
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS SET NCAA RECORD FOR LEADING TEAM TO CWS IN FIRST 6 YEARS
THREE-TIME NATIONAL
COACH OF THE YEAR HAS COACHED MORE THAN
150
PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS THROUGHOUT HIS CAREER GRAPHIC BY CARLOS MELLA
He is nationally recognized, classy and talented. He is a part-time math whiz, shortstop and architect. He is a full-time father to many, but a devoted dad to one. He is Jim Morris, the half “money ball, ” half “old school, ” head coach for the No. 8 University of Miami baseball team. Morris became a coach at the young age of 24. He never realized how lucky he was until he looked back at all his accomplishments: playing professional baseball for the Boston Red Sox ’s minor league team, travelling around the world representing the USA team as head coach twice, receiving a master ’s degree in education, completing all the requirements for his Ph.D. except his dissertation, numerous “Coach of the Year ” honors, and coaching several top-ofthe-line college baseball teams, including UM. First-time father For 35 years, he has dedicated his life to coaching. Baseball is all he ’s ever known. But that all changed three months ago when his wife gave birth to his first child, William Morris IV. Morris didn ’t see this coming at age 62. “Having my first kid, at my age, it ’s amazing to me, ” he said. “He ’s the first boy in the family. All my brothers have daughters. My interests have changed a lot. Before, I would love looking at houses, drawing and riding my bike, where as today I ’m spending time with my son. ” In Morris ’ newly renovated office, he gets up from one of his two camel-leather love seats and pulls out a stash of more than 10 pictures from his desk. In every picture, Will is sporting a new look, but one picture stands out in particular. It ’s a close-up of baby Morris wearing a white onesie with the U. He is flashing a toothless smile with one dimple, and as his father pointed out, “He ’s got my hairline, which is scary. ” “I ’m sure people say, ‘You talk about your kid being 13 weeks old, ’ ” he said. “ ‘You ’re counting weeks? ’ Yeah, I ’m counting weeks now. I ’m changing dirty diapers. ” Leading his team Although Morris has found a new love, baseball is still on his daily agenda. After all, he has been the UM coach for 19 years and has a team of 33 players that respect and admire him, as he does them. He is with them seven April 2 - April 4, 2012
days a week and that doesn ’t include travel time. Out on the field, Morris drills them. Everyday is game day for the team. Practice is never just pitching and batting because “you ’ve got to practice the way you play. ” E.J. Encinosa, the team ’s closer, is in his third year and admires Morris ’ coaching. “Coach is the ultimate perfectionist when it comes to baseball, ” he said. “He expects things to be done the right way and does a great job motivating us. ” Once players are doing things the right way and are prepared for any situation come game day, he has two simple rules for them to follow: Play hard and have fun. He is not a fan of hardcore, ranting pregame speeches. He ’d rather use the relaxed and calm approach. “I admire what our players do, ” Morris. “The level of competition these players play at is very tough because we are expected to be the top team in the country. Our guys are also competing at a level academically at one of the top institutions and are pretty good at staying out of trouble. They know what ’s right and wrong. ” Junior Alex San Juan, who is a transfer student, is the Canes ’ catcher. Although a late signee, has grown to value Morris ’ knowledge and expertise. “Coach Morris knows what he ’s doing and has had a lot of success, ” San Juan said. “He knows how to talk to his players and maintains a steady balance. He ’ll crack a joke here and there, but he means business. He wants us to do our best and when we ’re not doing that, he ’ll let us know. He ’s definitely honest when we ’re not doing what we have to do, but when we are doing things right, he lets us play. ” Keeping in touch Many former players that Morris has coached have ended up signing contracts with the major leagues. Morris never forgets about his players, and he is happy when they graduate or leave to pursue their dreams. “You know, they ’re like my kids, ” Morris said. “They move on to bigger and better things and I don ’t hear from some of them very often. But, if you go through my day timer, I write down all my players ’ birthdays and I call them no matter where they are at. It ’s my way of keeping in touch. ”
FOR THE FULL VERSION OF THIS STORY VISIT THEMIAMIHURRICANE.COM
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Defense steals the show in second scrimmage MAKING AN IMPACT: Red shirt freshman linebacker Eddie Johnson tackles junior running back Eduardo Clements to stop a run during Friday’s scrimmage at Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers. During the scrimmage, sophomore defensive back Denzel Perryman had two interceptions and sophomore linebacker Anthony Chickillo recorded two sacks.
The Hurricanes travelled to
Bishop Verot High School in Fort Meyers on Friday night for the second scrimmage of the spring. Read about the action in David Furones’ recap at themiamihurricane.com.
ZACH BEEKER // Staff Photographer
SPORTS BRIEFS FOOTBALL Following the two scrimmages that have been open to the public, the football team will hold its last open session of the spring with the spring game on April 14. The event will be held at Sun Life Stadium beginning at 2 p.m., although stadium gates will open at 11:30 a.m. The event is free to the public and there will be no charge for parking at the stadium. The event will also feature an autograph session and opportunities to purchase season tickets for the 2012 season.
BASEBALL The Hurricanes were able to take advantage of a three-run seventh inning to take Sunday afternoon’s contest against the Clemson Tigers 4-2, but it was not enough to win what would have been their fourth consecutive ACC series in a row to start conference play. On Sunday, Steven Ewing gave up one run while striking out five in 5 2/3 innings pitched en route to a nondecision. After Clemson took the 2-1 lead, a Dale Carey double and Stephen Perez triple in the seventh gave Miami their first lead of the weekend. After E.J. Encinosa walked two in the eighth, Eric Nedeljkovic 10
SPORTS
came in relief to finish the final two innings, picking up the save in the process. On Friday night, the offense struggled against the Tigers, recording only one run on four hits while striking out 13 times in a 3-1 loss. The Tigers scored quickly in the first, and after Jarred Mederos was able to drive in Esteban Tresgallo in the second inning to tie things up at 1-1, the offense could not muster any runs. Saturday was much of the same for Miami, with Clemson getting off to a quick start once again and the Canes unable to muster enough offense to fight back in a 3-1 loss that also featured three errors by UM. Miami will return to Coral Gables to take on the No.19 UCF Knights on Wednesday night. The Canes traveled up to Orlando earlier this year, where they escaped with a 3-2 win. They will then take on the No.4 ranked North Carolina Tar Heels over the weekend. Each game can be heard live on 90.5 FM or on wvum.org. Information compiled from hurricanesports.com. Ernesto Suarez may be contacted at sports@themiamihurricane.com.
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dear ...
Dear V: Lonely and looking for love, but not really... Dear Plays World of Warcraft,
I ’m getting close to the end of my freshman year. However, I seem to still not have a group of best friends. While I am naturally a shy person, I feel like I ’ve really tried to put myself out there with no response. I ’ve joined clubs, tried talking to people in my classes and have tried to be friends with girls on my f loor. While I was “friends ” with people for a short time, I slowly felt I didn ’t really fit in when I hung out with them so I drifted away. Everywhere I look, people have made close friends. Is it too late to still make those close friends? Is there some secret? I really want to turn this around so the next three years here aren ’t completely lonely. Signed, Friendless and Hopeless
You seriously need to stop sitting in the dorms in a snuggie eating bonbons and watching “The Price is Right ” reruns or you ’re going to become a cat lady. And quit it with the “movie perfect ” ideals. If your life was a movie, you ’d be in a movie. But you ’re not. Life isn ’t a manufactured series of scenes where in the end the barely attractive girl always gets the quarterback; the Decepticons are always defeated and Regina George gets hit by a bus. You know those groups of friends that you longingly stare at in that borderline-creeper-status kind of way? Where do you think they came from? “And on the sixth day, God made the perfect group. ” People come and go out of social circles constantly. You could easily be someone ’s new best friend, but it just happens by chance. You can ’t force these things. In fact, the more
you try to, the less successful you ’ll probably be be. The water will never boil if you ’re watching it. There isn ’t always a magic blue pill that will lead you to what you want. The entire premise of your question may be the problem. You may never have the “perfect group of best friends, ” but instead just one really close friend like plenty of people do. Even if that friend is just a pillowpet. Honestly, sometimes that is the better option. I know many groups of friends that secretly all just hate each other. They only hang out to have someone to drink with so they don ’t feel like an alcoholic. Of course, if all else fails, you could just join a nudist colony. Or a cult. People in cults are never lonely (and usually insane). Now finish your Kool-Aid, V
GOT AN ACHY, BREAKY HEART? WRITE TO DEARV@THEMIAMIHURRICANE.COM FOR ADVICE.
THE MIAMI HURRICANE IS HOLDING ELECTIONS! The positions of EDITOR-IN-CHIEF and BUSINESS MANAGER for the Fall 2012 semester are up for election. will take place through the Board of Publications on Thursday, April 12 at 7:30 a.m.
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