UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS 5821 San Amaro Drive Coral Gables, FL 33146 305-284-3244 www.HurricaneSports.com Facebook: MiamiHurricanes Twitter: @MiamiHurricanes EDITOR Tom Symonds EDITORIAL ASSISTANCE Camron Ghorbi, Teodor Handarov, Alex Schwartz, Carter Toole, David Villavicencio
PHOTOGRAPHY JC Ridley, Richard Lewis, Steven Murphy COVER Kyle Stopperan
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI MISSION STATEMENT
The University of Miami’s mission is to educate and nurture students, to create knowledge, and to provide service to our community and beyond. Committed to excellence and proud of the diversity of our University family, we strive to develop future leaders of our nation and the world.
AUGUST 2017 VOLUME VII, ISSUE 1
THE RUNDOWN
FEATURED When fans file into Hard Rock Stadium this fall, they will see the third and final phase of a renovation project, which began back in 2015. Read more about the new premium seating areas available this fall at Hurricane football games.
12 // WHAT’S NEW AT HARD ROCK STADIUM Former Miami student-athletes Alexa McCanick and Amanda Ramsay have begun a mentorship program through Citi to help current Hurricane student-athletes make the move to the corporate business world. Read more about how these former student-athletes are making a difference with today’s Hurricanes.
41 // CANES HELPING CANES Meet the individuals behind the scenes in the equipment room, who outfit the Hurricanes on gameday and ensure that every Miami studentathlete has what they need to compete at the highest level.
46 // DELIVERING THE SWAG 3
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5 LETTER FROM THE AD 6 CANESFEST 7 BY THE NUMBERS 8-9 PARADISE CAMP PHOTO GALLERY 10, 26 HURRICANES CLUB 11 AROUND THE WEB 14 FOOTBALL SEASON PREVIEW 15 VOLLEYBALL SEASON PREVIEW 16 SOCCER SEASON PREVIEW 17 CROSS COUNTRY SEASON PREVIEW 18-25 WHO TO WATCH THIS FALL 31 BEHIND THE MIC WITH JOE Z 33 FOUR TO KNOW 34 DEEM NAMED TO USTFCCCA HALL OF FAME 42 MEN’S BASKETBALL TO TRAVEL TO HAWAI’I 43 MOMPREMIER Q&A 45 COACH RICHT GOES THROUGH THE CARWASH 50 UM SPORTS HALL OF FAME
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS Hurricane Fans, August has arrived, and if you walk around our campus in Coral Gables, one thing is clear -- the sights and sounds of Miami Athletics have returned. Football kicked off camp on August 1 at Greentree. Soccer plays its first exhibition game on August 9. Volleyball’s Orange and Green scrimmage is just over a week away. Cross country is training for its first meet of the season on Labor Day Weekend. The Hurricanes are officially off and running for what promises to be another memorable year. There is plenty of excitement surrounding our football team, and with good reason. The Hurricanes were picked to win the ACC Coastal Division by a poll of 167 media members held in conjunction with 2017 ACC Football Kickoff. In addition, four players were named first-team preseason All-ACC – running back Mark Walton, wide receiver Ahmmon Richards, linebacker Shaquille Quarterman and kicker Michael Badgley. This fall, the Hurricanes host seven games at newly renovated Hard Rock Stadium, starting September 2 against Bethune-Cookman. The home slate includes four ACC contests and Notre Dame’s first visit to Miami to play the Hurricanes since 1989. Thanks to our passionate and loyal fan base, we had the largest attendance percentage increase in all of FBS last season. We can’t wait to see all of you at Hard Rock again this season. Keno Gandara’s volleyball squad returns six starters, including honorable mention All-America outside hitter Olga Strantzali and twotime All-ACC setter Haley Templeton. Miami opens on August 25 at the Southern Miss Invitational, the first of three tournaments away from the friendly confines of Knight Complex to start the season. Mary-Frances Monroe’s soccer team returns seven starters from a team that finished last season with the third-most wins in program history. The Hurricanes open their 2017 campaign on August 18 against St. Francis (PA), the first of nine home matches. We hope to see you at Cobb Field all season long to support the Hurricanes! Our cross country squad starts its season September 1 at the FAU Invitational before hosting the Miami Duals the following week. The Hurricanes will be looking to advance to their second consecutive NCAA Regional Championships. Speaking of cross country, Miami’s Director of Track and Field/Cross Country Amy Deem received some exciting news last week as she was named to the 2017 Class of the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Coaches Hall of Fame. Coach Deem will join five others in Phoenix, Arizona, on December 13 for the induction ceremony. Congratulations to Coach Deem on this tremendous honor! Construction is underway on the Carol Soffer Football Indoor Practice Facility, which will be one of the finest athletic facilities in all of college sports. The outpouring of support for this project from alumni, fans and former players has been remarkable – more than 350 Hurricanes supporters have pledged $32 million of our $34 million goal. But we still need your help in outfitting the inside of the facility. For more information please contact the Hurricane Club at (305) 284-6699. I hope you enjoy this month’s magazine as we get ready to start our fall sports campaigns. For the latest information on each of our varsity teams, please be sure to visit our new, redesigned HurricaneSports.com or follow us on Twitter @MiamiHurricanes. Go Canes!
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HARD ROCK STADIUM TO PLAY HOST TO CANESFEST Miami Athletics will hold its 2017 CanesFest at Hard Rock Stadium on Sat., Aug. 12, from noon to 4 p.m. The annual, fan-friendly celebration is free and open to the public. Parking is also free. This year’s CanesFest features autograph sessions with current UM football student-athletes. The official CanesFest poster is the only item that student-athletes may sign during the autograph session. The event also includes: -Exclusive season ticket holder activities and experiences -Behind the scenes stadium tours -Select-a-Seat season ticket opportunities -Photo opportunities with cheerleaders, the Maniac & Sebastian the Ibis -Fan zone interactive activities
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-Giveaways for kids -Face Painter -Balloon Animals Fans who are looking to obtain autographs from this year’s football team must pick up a voucher to gain access for football autographs. Autograph voucher distribution will begin at 1 p.m. at the ticket office windows in the Southwest side of the stadium. Fans will have the opportunity to see Hard Rock Stadium’s newly renovated club and suite levels. Football season tickets will also be on sale throughout the stadium, starting at $160.
BY THE NUMBERS A statistical look at the Miami Hurricanes
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Miami’s Amy Deem was named as one of six coaches inducted into the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Coaches Hall of Fame as the Class of 2017.
Four Miami track and field alumnae will compete in the 2017 IAAF World Championships in London. Shakima Wimbley, Alysha Newman, Aiyanna Stiverne and Murielle Ahoure will represent their respective countries at the 10-day meet set to run from Aug. 4-13 at London Stadium.
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The Miami Hurricanes football team checked in at No. 18 in the preseason Amway Coaches Poll, which was released on Aug. 3.
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SCENES FROM PARA MIAMI FOOTBALL WELCOMES BACK ITS LEGENDARY PLAYERS
ADISE CAMP
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Carter Toole @CanesCarter Tom Symonds @Tom_Symonds Camron Ghorbi @CamronGhorbi Alex Schwartz @AlexJSchwartz David Villavicencio @DVillavicencio6 @TimdanBrog @KyleStopperan @canescohen @305fonzi @dboggs24 @emilycboone
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MEN’S BASKETBALL MEN’S BASKETBALL PLAYERS SHOW WHY MIAMI IS THE PLACE TO BE
Official: @CanesMensTennis
Official @TheUEqRoom Lindy Sparby Alejandro Rengifo Sebastian the Ibis
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Tim Brogdon Kyle Stopperan
BASEBALL
HURRICANE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2017
FOOTBALL CAMP HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT’S NEW AT HARD ROCK New premium seating at Hard Rock Stadium has the “wow” factor fans crave
By Tom Symonds HurricaneSports.com Luxurious, upscale, convenient and wow are just a few words that have been used to describe the new premium seating locations by the select few who have had the opportunity to visit the new areas inside Hard Rock Stadium. Whatever people want to say about the new premium seating areas, one thing is absolutely clear: the new locations will be a game-changer for how Miami’s diehard fan base will watch football games this season at Hard Rock Stadium. “When you are talking about a football game experience, we’re not talking about just three hours of game activity, we’re talking about a day that our fans dedicate to it,” Miami Director of Client Experience Dan Boyd said. “So now when you get inside, not only do you get to catch the action from four quarters of football, but you also get to take breaks and watch other games to see what else is going on while you are getting refreshed.” In the ever-changing stadium arms race of “can you top this,” the third and final renovation phase at Hard Rock Stadium has taken shape and this upcoming season fans will be treated to an experience that features a completely renovated suite level. “The stadium looks great,” Miami Associate Athletics Director for Ticket Sales and Operations Brent Crank said. “Everything seems truly first class and I think they did a great job with the renovations.” In addition to the renovations in every suite, fans also will have the opportunity to purchase tickets in the Cornerstone Clubs and Legends Sideline Suites, both of which are new this fall. The Cornerstone Clubs are located in each of the corners of the stadium underneath the corner scoreboards. “Out of all the premium seats that are now featured at Hard Rock Stadium, I think the Cornerstone Clubs is one of the most premium experiences,” Boyd said. “The sight lines
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are tremendous because it gives you that natural panoramic view.” The Cornerstone Clubs provide fans with easy sight lines to the video board and feature wider padded seats with high backs. The Cornerstone Clubs also provide fans with the convenience of refreshing drinks and food just steps away from their seating location. The debut of the Legends Sideline Suites will provide Hurricane fans with a first-class luxury suite in a very intimate setting. “This is a concept that we have had tremendous success within the endzones in years past,” Boyd said. “The location is perfect because it’s going to give you those perfect sideline views, which will be fully catered with food and beverage.” Coupled with the already impressive Field Club, 100 Level Sideline Club, 200 Level Club and Legends Endzone Suites, fans that attend Hard Rock Stadium will have what every South Floridian wants – options. “It’s South Florida and it’s hot, so you want to have some different options that are available and that’s the key - we have options,” Miami Assistant Athletic Director for Ticket Sales Mackie Feierstein said. “It’s a matter of finding out what works best for that individual. “South Florida is a destination town and it’s all about the event, so really what we are trying to do is create the best possible experience for our customers, so that they will come back year in and year out. It’s important for our fans to know that we are doing what we can to provide the best experience.” In addition to the complete renovation of all the premium seating locations, the Hard Rock Stadium parking lot received a complete facelift, which improves fans’ traffic flow in and out of the stadium to further enhance the gameday experience. “Parking is so easy at Hard Rock Stadium compared to most oncampus facilities,” Crank said. “A lot of on-campus facilities are located right in the middle of campus, so there isn’t a lot of places to go, but at Hard Rock Stadium there is tons of parking available, so people can get in and out very easily.” Boyd and his newly-formed team of client experience representatives indicate that there has been a tremendous amount of buzz regarding the new premium areas and he expects the new areas to be a popular sell to Hurricane fans. “This is one of best venues in the entire world and I think that Hurricane fans will be excited on what they see on gameday,” Boyd said. “It’s a completely redefined experience. People are going to walk in and it’s going to be jaw-dropping, but at the same time, you don’t lose the gameday atmosphere.” Fans will have the opportunity to see the new premium areas firsthand at CanesFest during the select-a-seat event. “People who come out to Canesfest will be blown away,” Feierstein said. “I can’t wait to see what our fans will think. A lot of colleges don’t provide the type of premium experiences that we have.”
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FALL SEASON PREVIEW
FOOTBALL
2017 NOTEBOOK • Coming off a 9-4 season and its first bowl win in a decade, the Miami Hurricanes enter the 2017 season ranked No. 18 in the preseason Amway Coaches Poll. In the final Amway Coaches Poll of 2016, Miami was ranked No. 23. • In a poll of media members at the 2017 ACC Football Kickoff in Charlotte, N.C., the Hurricanes were picked as favorites to win the ACC Coastal Division in a landslide vote, earning more than 100 of 167 first-place votes. • Eight Hurricanes have picked up accolades this preseason: senior kicker Michael Badgley, senior wide receiver / punt returner Braxton Berrios, senior tight end Christopher Herndon IV, junior defensive lineman Kendrick Norton, sophomore linebacker Shaquille Quarterman, sophomore wide receiver Ahmmon Richards, senior defensive lineman Chad Thomas and junior running back Mark Walton. • Miami had four players seleted to the All-ACC Preseason Football Team (Badgley, Quarterman, Richards and Walton), marking the second-most of any program in the ACC and trailing only reigning national champion Clemson (five). • Miami opens the season on Sept. 2 against Bethune-Cookman at Hard Rock Stadium, but will be on the road for three of its first five contests, including matchups at Arkansas State (Sept. 9), at rival Florida State (Sept. 16) and at Duke (Sept. 29). • Five of the Hurricanes’ final seven games in 2017 will be played at Hard Rock Stadium, which saw the third and final phase of renovations completed this past summer and is part of a $500 million project undertaken by the Miami Dolphins and owner Stephen Ross. • In his second year at the helm of his alma mater, head coach Mark Richt was named to the watch list for the 2017 Bobby Dodd Trophy, considered college football’s most coveted coaching award. Richt was one of just 19 coaches to be named to the preseason watch list.
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2017 SCHEDULE 9/2 BETHUNE-COOKMAN 12:30 p.m. 9/9 at Arkansas State 3:30 p.m. 9/16 at Florida State* 8 p.m. 9/23 TOLEDO TBA 9/29 at Duke* 7 p.m. 10/12 GEORGIA TECH* 8 p.m. 10/21 SYRACUSE* TBA 10/28 at North Carolina* TBA 11/4 VIRGINIA TECH* TBA 11/11 NOTRE DAME TBA 11/18 VIRGINIA* TBA 11/24 at Pittsburgh* TBA
Home games in CAPS | * ACC Games
FALL SEASON PREVIEW VOLLEYBALL 2017 NOTEBOOK • Senior Olga Strantzali and redshirt junior Haley Templeton were named 2017 Preseason All-ACC. This is the third straight year Strantzali and Templeton were selected to the preseason all-conference team. • Thirteen players from 2016 return, including six starters. Head coach Jose “Keno” Gandara will start the season with five seniors, three juniors, five sophomores and a freshman. • Outside hitter Cameron Dobbs from Douglasville, Ga., is Miami’s only newcomer for the 2017 season. • Miami was not the team opponents were looking forward to host last season, grabbing 11 victories away from its own Knight Complex. • The Canes proved that they can go the distance if need be, posting a 4-2 record in five-set matches in 2016. Those included road victories against ACC rivals Notre Dame (Oct. 28) and Louisville (Oct. 30) on the same weekend. • The U won three matches in a row on two occasions in 2016. • Four Hurricanes finished the 2016 season with triple-digit kills, including returners Olga Strantzali (586), Kolby Bird (192) and Lucia Pampana (180). • Setter Hannah Sorensen averaged 10.88 assists per set as a freshman last year, which ranked third in the ACC. • Miami’s 169 total service aces and 1.37 aces per set both ranked in the top three of the ACC in 2016.
2017 SCHEDULE 8/25 Arkansas-Little Rock 1 p.m. 8/25 at Southern Miss 8 p.m. 8/26 Nicholls State 11 a.m. 9/1 FAU 4:30 p.m. 9/2 UCF 1:30 p.m. 9/2 at FGCU 7 p.m. 9/9 Delaware 3:30 p.m. 9/10 at Temple! 2 p.m. 9/15 JAMES MADISON 6 p.m. 9/16 AUBURN 10:30 a.m. 9/16 SOUTH ALABAMA 6 p.m. 9/22 VIRGINIA TECH* 7 p.m. 9/24 VIRGINIA* 1 p.m. 9/29 at Notre Dame* 7 p.m. 10/1 at Louisville* 2 p.m. 10/4 at Florida State* 6:30 p.m. 10/8 PITT* 2 p.m. 10/13 at Duke* 6:30 p.m. 10/15 at Wake Forest* 1 p.m. 10/20 LOUISVILLE* 7 p.m. 10/22 NOTRE DAME* 2 p.m. 10/27 NC STATE* 7 p.m. 10/29 NORTH CAROLINA* 1 p.m. 11/1 FLORIDA STATE* 7 p.m. 11/3 at Pittsburgh* 7 p.m. 11/9 BOSTON COLLEGE* 7 p.m. 11/12 SYRACUSE* 12 p.m. 11/17 at Virginia* 7 p.m. 11/19 at Virginia Tech* 12 p.m. 11/22 at Georgia Tech* 6 p.m. 11/24 at Clemson* 2 p.m.
Home games in CAPS | * ACC Games 15
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FALL SEASON PREVIEW SOCCER 2017 NOTEBOOK • Miami is coming off a 10-8-1 season in which it tied for the third-most wins in a campaign in program history and set a new record for most conference victories by finishing 5-5-0 in ACC play. • In 2016, Miami finished twice as high in the ACC standings as it was predicted to coming in seventh place and earning an ACC Championship berth after being picked No. 14 in the preseason poll. • The Hurricanes return seven starters from last year’s team, as well as another who started in 2015 before redshirting last season. • Miami added seven new players, including five freshmen and a transfer. • Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, who set a Miami record with a 0.84 goals against average, is back after conceding just 16 times in 19 starts in 2016. • Kristina Fisher, an ACC All-Freshman Team and All-ACC Academic Team pick last year, took part in three U.S. Women’s National Team youth training camps in the offseason, including two at the U-23 level. • The Hurricanes feature four seniors in Ronnie Johnson, Grace Rapp, Danielle Savage and Charlsey Zyne, the first two of whom are returning starters. • Miami’s roster includes players from five countries, with the American players hailing from 11 states.
2017 SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time 8/9 at UCF (Exhibition) 7 p.m. 8/14 FIT (EXHIBITION) 7 p.m. 8/18 ST. FRANCIS (PA) 7 p.m. 8/20 at FIU 6 p.m. 8/25 at Miami (OH) 7 p.m. 8/27 at Cincinnati 1 p.m. 9/1 at Yale 7 p.m. 9/3 at Quinnipiac 12 p.m. 9/8 COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON 7 p.m. 9/10 STETSON 1 p.m. 9/15 at Syracuse* 3:30 p.m. 9/21 at Virginia* 7 p.m. 9/24 at Louisville* 1 p.m. 9/29 CLEMSON* 7 p.m. 10/5 NORTH CAROLINA* 7 p.m. 10/8 BOSTON COLLEGE* 12 p.m. 10/15 at Duke* 12 p.m. 10/19 PITTSBURGH* 7 p.m. 10/22 NOTRE DAME* 12 p.m. 10/26 at Wake Forest* 7 p.m.
Home games in CAPS | * ACC Games
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FALL SEASON PREVIEW CROSS COUNTRY 2017 NOTEBOOK Men’s Cross Country • Miami has seven returners, including seniors Sean Grossman, Adam George and Luke Dublirer. • In 2016, the Hurricanes had five men compete at the 2016 NCAA South Regional in Tallahassee, Fla. • Miami’s men swept the top five places at the 2016 Miami Duals against FIU, earning the team victory with a perfect score of 15 and the individual win by Grossman. • The Hurricane men had five top five team finishes in 2016, including a second place finish at the FAU Invitational. • Sean Grossman set the school record in the men’s 8K at the 2017 ACC Cross Country Championships. • Grossman also ran the sixth-fastest men’s 10k time in school history at NCAA South Regional. • The men’s team was recognized as All-Academic by the USTFCCCA. Women’s Cross Country • Miami has seven returners, including juniors Anne den Otter, Carla Rodriguez, and Sarah Raboff • In 2016, the Hurricanes had five women compete at the 2016 NCAA South Regional in Tallahassee, Fla. • Miami’s women won the 2016 Miami Duals, sweeping the top four places by individual finishers. • The Hurricanes had four top five team finishes in 2016, including a pair of third place finishes at the FAU Invitational and Mountain to Sea Duals. • Anne den Otter was Miami’s second finisher in six of seven races in 2016, teaming with then-senior Gabrielle Hesslau as a formidable duo. • den Otter ranks seventh in school history in the women’s 6K and eighth all-time at Miami in the women’s 5K.
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2017 SCHEDULE - MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SCHEDULE Date Opponent 9/1 FAU Invitational 9/8 Miami Duals 9/23 Mountain Dew Invitational 9/30 Greater Louisville Classic 10/13 USF Invitational 10/27 ACC Cross Country Championships 11/10 NCAA Regional Championships 11/18 NCAA Championships
WHO TO WATCH FOOTBALL
Name: Mark Walton Class: Junior Height: 5-9 Hometown: Miami, Fla. What You Need to Know: One of the top running backs in America entering his junior season at Miami, Mark Walton was a third-team All-ACC pick a season ago after rushing for 1,117 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns as a sophomore. Walton, who has been named to the preseason watch lists for several major awards, has 25 career touchdowns in 26 career games. What They’re Saying: “If you give Walton some space, he’s going to get you the yards a great back can get. If you don’t get him some space, he’ll battle his butt off for 40 or 50 yards.” -Head coach Mark Richt The Number: 25 – Walton has found a penchant for the endzone since arriving on campus as a freshman in 2015, totaling 25 career touchdowns in 26 career games. Walton followed up a 10-score campaign as a freshman with 15 total touchdowns as a sophomore in 2016, and is 12 rushing scores away from tying Stephen McGuire’s all-time mark of 35, set in 1992. First Game This Season: Miami opens the regular season against Bethune-Cookman at Hard Rock Stadium on Sept. 2 at 12:30 p.m. ET.
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WHO TO WATCH VOLLEYBALL
Name: Olga Strantzali Class: Senior Height: 6-1 Hometown: Pylaia, Thessaloniki, Greece Major: Public Relations What You Need To Know: Strantzali comes into her senior year off of an AVCA All-America and AVCA All-East Coast Region season as a junior. She was one of the best players in the Atlantic Coast Conference, earning First Team All-ACC honors after being named to the Preseason All-ACC team. She finished the 2016 regular season seventh in the country in kills per set (4.76) and ninth in points per set (5.37). During her final season with the Canes, the outside hitter will renew her productive partnership with two-time All-ACC setter Haley Templeton, as the 2014 ACC Freshman of the Year returns from injury. Strantzali already has 1,145 kills in her career, which started at UCLA. Her 30 kills in a five-set win at Louisville last season rank second in a single match in Miami history.
What They’re Saying: “Olga is an elite offensive player. She hits
with good range and you see that in her statistics. She also has a dangerous and effective jump serve that makes her a threat to score not just from the net but also from the serving line. Olga also has improved a lot in her passing and her defense and blocking and that is because she worked at it. She loves the game and has played it for a long time. She plays with an incredible joy that is contagious. The love she has for the game drives her to continue to develop and she is always eager to work to get better.” – Miami head coach Jose “Keno” Gandara The Number: 3 – The number of statistical categories in which Strantzali ranked among the top 20 players in Div. I for 2016: kills per set, points per set, and service aces (48). The Greek-born pin hitter led the ACC in all three categories. First Game This Season: Miami opens the 2017 campaign against Little Rock on Friday, August 25. The contest in Hattiesburg, Miss., will be a part of the Southern Mississippi Invitational.
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WHO TO WATCH SOCCER
Name: Kristina Fisher Class: Sophomore Height: 5-5 Hometown: Jupiter, Fla. Major: Business What You Need To Know: The NSCAA College Player of the Week after her very first weekend of competition, Fisher turned in a scintillating first campaign at Miami. She concluded the season with ACC All-Freshman Team and All-ACC Academic Team honors after leading the Hurricanes in assists (six), tying for the lead in game-winning goals (three) and placing second in both goals (seven) and points (20). In the offseason, Fisher was invited to a trio of U.S. Women’s National Team youth training camps, two of which were with the U-23 side. What They’re Saying: “Kristina had a tremendous freshman season and has only continued to work hard and improve since then. Taking part in multiple USWNT youth camps this year was great for her development and will help her take the next step as a player. Kristina has a bright future ahead as a Hurricane.” –Head coach Mary-Frances Monroe The Number: 10 - In addition to being the number on her back, Fisher finished her freshman season in the top 10 of five ACC statistical categories, ranking seventh in assists per game (0.32), tied for seventh in points per game (1.05), eighth in points (20), tied for ninth in assists (six) and No. 10 in goals per game (0.37). First match this season: Miami opens the season at home on Aug. 18 vs. St. Francis (PA).
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WHO TO WATCH MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY Name: Sean Grossman Class: Senior Hometown: Dix Hills, N.Y. Major: Architectural Engineering What You Need To Know: Sean Grossman is the man to watch in 2017. The Dix Hills, N.Y., native flashed as a sophomore two years ago and established himself as Miami’s top distance runner a year ago. Now a senior, Grossman will look to build off an impressive 2016 campaign. Grossman set the school record in the men’s 8K at the 2016 ACC Championships and followed that performance with the sixth-fastest men’s 10K time in school history at NCAA South Regional. Grossman was Miami’s top male finisher in six races a year ago, including earning the victory at the Miami Duals. What They’re Saying: “Sean is ready to take the next step as a runner this season. He has the chance to do something special at the conference and regional meets.” – Miami distance coach Damon Griffiths The Number: 24:35.4 – Sean Grossman’s time of 24:35.4 at the 2016 ACC Cross Country Championships set a new UM record. Then a junior, Grossman bested Jeff Gaulrapp’s record time of 24:37.00 set at the 2000 Big East Championships. First meet this season: The Hurricanes open the cross country season on September 1 at the FAU Invitational.
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WHO TO WATCH WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY Name: Anne den Otter Class: Junior Hometown: West Lawn, Pa. Major: Marine Science/Biology What You Need To Know: Anne den Otter is ready to step up and lead the Hurricane women. Now a junior, den Otter is in position to be Miami’s top female runner after proving herself to be the number two runner on the team in her first two seasons behind veteran Gabrielle Hesslau. A native of West Lawn, Pa., den Otter ranks eighth in school history in the women’s 5K and seventh all-time at Miami in the women’s 6K. What They’re Saying: “I look forward to seeing what Anne is able to do this season. She has had a great summer of training and will be relied on to lead this young women’s group this season.” -Miami distance coach Damon Griffiths The Number: 22:19.23 – Anne den Otter’s time of 22:10.23 at the 2015 NCAA South Regional closed out her freshman campaign with a bang, ranking seventh all-time at UM in the women’s 6K. After a solid sophomore season that saw her continued success behind Hesslau, den Otter is primed for a big junior season. First meet this season: The Hurricanes open the cross country season on Sept. 1 at the FAU Invitational.
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HURRICANE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2017
WHO TO WATCH MEN’S TENNIS
Name: Piotr Lomacki Height: 6-1 Hometown: Warsaw, Poland Major: Business What You Need To Know: University of Miami rising senior Piotr Lomacki enters his fourth season ranked No. 30 on the all-time singles list with 55 career victories. Selected to the All-Atlantic Coast Conference Second Team in back-to-back seasons, Lomacki led the Canes with 12 singles victories during the spring, earning a quintet of victories against fellow ranked opponents. The native of Warsaw, Poland, was nationally ranked in the ITA singles polls throughout the entire 2016-17 season, closing the year ranked No. 63. In doubles, Piotr and fellow classmate, Nile Clark, will return to the courts looking to improve upon an impressive 2017 season as a duo. The pair finished the year with a team-high 11 doubles victories in 14 completed matches. As a sophomore Lomacki became the first Hurricane to be selected to the NCAA Singles Championship since 2009 and will look to return to the tournament in his final season at The U. What They’re Saying: “I love playing with Piotr, but I’ll be fine with whatever parings work best for the team. However, if we do play together, we’ll be a tough team to play against and we’ll fight hard in every match.” - Men’s tennis senior Nile Clark The Number: 37 - Lomacki is one of 37 players in program history to surpass 50-career singles victories, and enters the 2017-18 season ranked No. 30 with 55.
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WHO TO WATCH WOMEN’S TENNIS
Name: Estela Perez-Somarriba Class: Sophomore Height: 5-5 Hometown: Madrid, Spain Major: Economics What You Need To Know: After an opening campaign during which she went 34-7 in singles play, including posting a 27-4 mark in the spring, Perez-Somarriba finished the 2016-17 season ranked No. 26 nationally, sixth-best among freshmen. An NCAA Singles Championship semifinalist, ITA AllAmerican, First Team All-ACC honoree and All-ACC Academic Team selection, Perez-Somarriba turned in one of the finest freshman campaigns in program history. The Spaniard tallied a 12-2 record against ranked players during the spring, notching five top-30 victories, and went 16-1 when playing in the top two spots in the lineup. What They’re Saying: “Estela has transitioned to collegiate tennis at an extremely fast pace. Her priorities and focuses are on academics and tennis, and she is relentless in pursuing her goals. She will be an incredible leader and role model for our program in the future.” –Head coach Paige Yaroshuk-Tews The Number: 4 - Last season, Perez-Somarriba became the first freshman in program history to reach the Final Four of the NCAA Singles Championship.
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HURRICANE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2017
WHO TO WATCH WOMEN’S GOLF
Name: Dewi Weber Class: Junior Height: 5-9 Hometown: Groningen, Netherlands Major: Communications and Advertising and Motion Pictures Production What You Need To Know: Weber enters her junior season following an impressive 2016-17 campaign where she earned WGCA Second Team All-America honors and was selected to the All-ACC team. Weber finished the 2016-17 season with nine top 15 finishes and tied for 14th at the ACC Championship. What They’re Saying: “Dewi has truly established herself as one of the top players in women’s college golf and I can’t wait to see how her game evolves this year.” -Head coach Patti Rizzo The Number: 14 – The number of top 15 finishes for Weber over the course of her two-year career at Miami. First Tournament This Season: Miami opens the fall portion of its 2017-18 schedule on Sept. 23-25 at the Schooner Fall Classic in Norman, Okla.
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Joe Zagacki, The Voice of the Miami Hurricanes, chimes in on the high expectations for the Miami football team this fall.
WITH JOE ZAGACKI
Year two of the Mark Richt era begins with the mouthwatering prospect that The U will be back. Of course, with University of Miami football there are always high expectations, but with Richt as the coach there is a belief and trust that championship opportunities will soon come knocking on the door. Last season the Canes finished with five straight wins including a dominant Bowl victory over West Virginia. This year Miami returns 16 starters eight on offense and eight on defense. Combined with a top 15 recruiting class and the preseason consensus is that Miami will challenge for the ACC title. At the recent ACC kickoff, the Canes were the overwhelming favorite to win the Coastal Division as voted upon by the media. Most believe the Hurricanes will be favored in every game except one and most think despite the loss of quarterback Brad Kaaya, Miami has the most talent in the Coastal Division and should tussle with Florida State in the ACC Championship game. As Miami starts training camp, the defense seems like it will be the calling card. Last season, Miami ranked 20th nationally in total defense (up from 69th in 2015), ninth in yards per play (up from 86th), 12th in scoring defense (up from 77th), fifth in tackles for loss (105th) and 22nd in sacks (from 70th). The Canes want to get better at forcing turnovers. Last season Miami caused 19 turnovers, recovering 11 fumbles and intercepting 8 passes. Takeaways will be a major emphasis for the defense during camp. Giving the ball more often to the offense on a shorter field is one way to help an offense with a first-year starting quarterback. Look for Miami to really celebrate when taking the ball away. The strength of the defense should be the front seven. A year ago, we were learning to be 31
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dominant. It felt like the bowl game was the first time, from a player’s mentality, they felt they could dominate somebody and they went out and did just that. “There have been people who have expressed the opinion that it looks more like the Miami Hurricanes that they remember. Special players make special plays in special games. That’s the type of player we’re recruiting to UM. That is the legacy of all the guys before: it’s not just that they’ve been talented. They made the gamewinning plays. And that’s our challenge for this bunch.” Those were the words of defensive coordinator Manny Diaz, who will be in his second year. The big question is who will be the quarterback. Coach Richt will decide between Malik Rosier, Evan Shirreffs, Cade Weldon, Vincent Testaverde and N’Kosi Perry. The winner of the job most likely will be the player that protects the ball and moves the offense consistently versus the defense. Remember last year Miami turned the ball over only 10 times.
Junior running back Mark Walton will be the heartbeat of the offense and he knows it. I love what he said while representing Miami at the ACC Kickoff. “It’s time to get it now. It’s my show, it’s my team. I am the leader now.” Miami has more speed at receiver and that should lead to more explosive plays. I am looking forward to more breathtaking catch and runs from Ahmmon Richards. Freshmen Mike Harley and Jeff Thomas could be dazzling. Tight end Chris Herndon is a pro with his approach and attitude. The offensive line is expected to be stronger. It should be fun to watch freshman guard Navaughn Donaldson, who Coach Richt said has reshaped his body down from 380 pounds to 340. The journey begins with a long training camp and then it all kicks off at Hard Rock Stadium on Sept. 2 at 12:30pm vs Bethune-Cookman. I can’t wait for the adventure.
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DEE DELANEY FOOTBALL
FAVORITES Professional athlete: Randy Moss Food: Pork and Beans and Rice Movie: “House Party” Professional sports team: Pittsburgh Steelers Part about living in Miami: The beach
Song to listen to before a game/match: Young Jeezy’s Thug Motivation 101 Sport other than football: Baseball TV show: “Martin” Vacation spot: Home
BAYLEIGH CHAVIERS SOCCER
FAVORITES Food: Steak Movie: “Identity Thief” Professional sports team: Dallas Cowboys Part about living in Miami: The beach
Sport other than soccer: Basketball TV show: “Grey’s Anatomy” Vacation spot: Anywhere near the beach
ANDREW GARVEY CROSS COUNTRY
FAVORITES Athlete: Alex Morgan Professional sports team: US Men’s and Women’s soccer teams Meal: Meatloaf Candy: Dark Chocolate Pomegranate
Movie: The Shawshank Redemption TV Show: “Big Bang Theory” Music Artist: 21 Pilots Sport to watch on TV is: “Basketball|
SARA DUQUE VOLLEYBALL
FAVORITES Athlete: Lionel Messi Professional Sports Team: Barcelona FC Meal: Sun-dried tomato pasta Candy: Snickers Movie: “The Wedding Ringer” 33
HURRICANE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2017
TV Show: “The 100” Music Artist: Coldplay Place on Campus: Starbucks by the lake Favorite sport to watch on TV is: Beach Volleyball and Soccer
DEEM NAMED TO USTFCCCA HALL OF FAME The University of Miami’s Amy Deem was named as one of six coaches inducted into the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Coaches Hall of Fame as the Class of 2017. Deem, along with Peter Farwell, Jack Hazen, Bob Kersee, Fred Samara and Patrick Shane, will be honored at the 2017 USTFCCCA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Wednesday, December 13, at the USTFCCCA Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. “When I received the letter, I was completely overwhelmed and honored,” Deem said. “With so many great coaches who have done so much for our sport, I never considered myself as someone to receive this honor. It is a tribute to the wonderful assistant coaches and student-athletes that I have been blessed to work with and coach.” A native of West Virginia, Deem’s coaching career began in June 1990 when she was named the women’s head coach while serving as an intern in the compliance department. By 2008, Deem was named the Director of Track & Field/Cross Country, becoming just the sixth woman to oversee both the men’s and women’s track and cross country programs at an NCAA Division I institution. In her 27 years at the helm, Deem turned the Hurricanes into a national powerhouse. Prior to her appointment as the head coach in 1990, no Hurricane had recorded an NCAA qualifying mark. Since then, however, Deem and the Hurricanes are a regular fixture at NCAA Championships, as her athletes have laid claim to 14 national championships and nearly 200 First Team All-America honors. Under her guidance, the Hurricanes’ hurdlers have dominated the national scene. Seven of the aforementioned 14 national championships have come in the hurdles, including an astounding five from Gillian Russell. As a team, Miami has finished as high as third during the indoor campaign and seventh on the outdoor circuit. Deem saw her women dominate the Big East during the early portion of her career, capturing two indoor conference championships (2003 and 2004) while laying claim to six outdoor titles (1998-99, 2001-04). Despite leaving the conference shortly after the 2004 title, Miami still owns a pair of conference championship records (4x100 and 4x400). And since joining the ACC in 2004, Deem has won more ACC Women’s Indoor Championships (four, including the 2017 title) than all but one coach in conference history. She also has led the Hurricane women to a pair of ACC Outdoor Championships. In total, Miami has won 14 conference team titles under Deem’s guidance. Deem has also made her mark on the sport outside of her tenure as coach of the Hurricanes. She served as the President of the United States Track Coaches Association from 2003-05, in addition to serving as the head coach of the United States team at the 2007 World Championships and the 2001 USATF Junior National team that competed in England and Scotland. Deem’s success at Miami landed her the duty of serving her country during the 2012 London Olympics, where she was the head coach of the United States women’s team where her team posted one of the most dominating performances in USA Olympic track and field history. The team won 14 medals, including six gold, four silver and four bronze. Three of her former Miami athletes Murielle Ahoure, T’erea Brown and Lauryn Williams - competed in the Games. In addition to Ahoure, Brown and Williams, a slew of Hurricanes have gone onto Olympic success during and after learning under Deem, including Patrina Allen and Yolanda McCray. Deem has been named USTFCCCA South Region Coach of the Year several times, notably in 2016 and 2017 for indoor track & field. Deem and her fellow Class of 2017 inductees will be enshrined in the Hall of Fame for not only their incredible and historic accomplishments as track & field and cross country coaches, but also the long-lasting impact their contributions have had and will continue to have on the sports. Started in 1995, the USTFCCCA Coaches Hall of Fame exists to recognize coaches who have brought great distinction to themselves, to their institutions and to the sports of cross country and track & field. Each of the honorees exemplifies the qualities of dedication to the sport, leadership and passion for their profession that serve as an inspiration to coaches everywhere.
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With the proliferation of social media, and the ease of access to prospective student-athletes and current student-athletes, the internet has provided the opportunity for Canes fans and supporters from all over the world to communicate with each other in ways not possible before. The following regulations regarding the internet are very important for all Canes to know in regards to prospective student-athletes: While we appreciate our fans support of our teams, fans are not permitted to use social networking websites such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to contact or otherwise attempt to correspond with prospects. This includes, but is not limited to, posting on a wall, using the inbox/e-mail feature, instant messaging, "@replies", "mentions", or direct messaging. As electronic communication technology continues to advance, the opportunity for the supporters of an athletics program to have impermissible contact with a prospect or that prospect's family is greatly increased, however, the institution’s responsibility for that contact remains the same. As a reminder, off-campus and in-person recruiting may only be completed by our certified coaching staff members. Boosters should not be contacting any prospects or their family members in person in attempt to solicit their commitment to UM. If you are aware of a prospect that you feel would benefit our athletics program, please reach out to our department and notify us of such a prospect. From there, those coaches who are certified and permitted to contact such prospects will be aware. Please continue to leave the recruiting to our coaches. We ask that all Canes fans and supporters who have access to the type of social media sites described above assist us in following the guidelines that govern those sites. As always, your efforts to help the University of Miami maintain a culture of compliance are greatly appreciated. Please contact the University of Miami Athletics Compliance Department with any questions regarding NCAA, ACC or University of Miami rules or regulations at athleticscompliance@miami.edu or 305-284-2692. Also, please remember to always ASK BEFORE YOU ACT! Sincerely,
Craig Anderson Senior Associate Athletic Director for Compliance Athletics Compliance Office | University of Miami Athletics Schwartz Athletic Center | 5821 San Amaro Drive | Coral Gables, FL 33146 Direct: (305) 284-2692 | Fax: (305) 284-2276
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CANES HELPING CANES
Former Hurricane student-athletes help position current Miami student-athletes for success after graduation By Tom Symonds HurricaneSports.com
entry-level life in the corporate business world. During phase two of the process, the studentathlete is paired with a senior mentor, who focuses in on a specific area of corporate business.
It’s been said that when student-athletes decide to enroll at the University of Miami, it’s not just a four-year decision; it’s a 40-year decision.
“Most of the D-1 mentors are former student-athletes, which is great because they understand the dynamic and the challenges that a lot of these current student-athletes face in terms of having to worry about developing themselves to win games and succeed, while also developing for their potential professional career in financial services once they retire from sports or once they graduate,” Ramsay said.
Although some may see that statement as a simple recruiting hook, student-athletes at Miami can already see that their four-year decision truly is a 40-year decision through the athletic department’s partnership with Citi and the CitiCanes mentorship program. Citi employees and proud University of Miami alumnae Amanda Ramsay and Alexa McCanick run the CitiCanes mentorship program. Both Ramsay (women’s swimming, 2012-13) and McCanick (women’s rowing, 2007-10) are former Hurricane student-athletes who have successfully made the transition from collegiate athletics to the corporate professional world while working in New York City. Both know that making that transition from the field of competition to the corporate world is a process which can take years of planning. To combat that transition to the professional world, Ramsay and McCanick co-founded the CitiCanes mentorship program so that they could work with current Miami student-athletes to aid in their transition after their playing careers are complete. “This is a program that Amanda and I did not have access to when we were student-athletes, so it was really a struggle to go from the life of a student-athlete to a professional environment,” McCanick said. “We structured this program on what we would have wanted to have when we were in their shoes.” Although CitiCanes is just in its pilot phase, the program has already attracted the attention of Miami student-athletes Brian Polendey (football), Silvia Fuentes (women’s tennis), Katarzyna Pasternak (women’s rowing), Mike Robinson (men’s basketball), Robert Burns (football), Chris Stowell (men’s basketball), Claire McGinnis (women’s swimming and diving), Dane Dunlap (men’s tennis) and Ronnie Johnson (soccer), all of whom are participating in the program this fall. “As a former student-athlete, we can give back to the school by mentoring these kids and tailoring this mentorship program to their needs with the understanding that they have a sport that takes up a lot of time,” Ramsay said. The program is broken down into phases. Phase one pairs the student-athlete with a representative from Citi who is classified as a D-1 mentor and introduces the individual to
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The program, which also is being implemented at Princeton and Columbia, began in August and will run until May. “We are trying to put together more of a success plan that is achievable for someone like a student-athlete, who has very little time during the day for networking and professional development,” McCanick said. “It’s really a resource that I wish I had when I was a studentathlete.” During the process, the program is tailored to the student-athlete and their career aspirations within the financial services industry. “The discussions are based off a check list that we put together (with the student-athlete) and each week we go through them, so each week I am meeting his or her needs and meeting them at their level and essentially providing a professional development perspective to his academic career at the University,” Ramsay said. In addition, the CitiCanes program also provides a quarterly seminar, four of which occur during the academic year and focus on specific topics which relate to the student-athlete population. Since graduating from Miami, both Ramsay and McCanick have seen the value first-hand of what being a student-athlete brings to the corporate world. They also know that businesses across the country are always in search of the skill set student-athletes provide. “Every team I’ve been on at Citi has required the skill set of being a great team member and the ability to work in teams and athletes exhibit the trait,” Ramsay said. “They exhibit the ability to work well on teams, they know how to persevere, they have grit, they know what it’s like to be juggling multiple commitments and they have to deliver on many fronts.” “We’re grateful that the athletics department saw the value that we brought to the studentathletes,” McCanick said. “To speak to the University of Miami, I think it shows that they are looking ahead in the sense that they see the value of giving student-athletes the opportunity to develop professionally, while they are developing as athletes.”
MIAMI TO FACE HAWAI’I IN DIAMOND HEAD CLASSIC
The University of Miami will face host Hawai’i in the first round of the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic this December, ESPN Events unveiled on July 26. The Hurricanes and Rainbow Warriors will face off at 1 a.m. ET Saturday, Dec. 23 (8 p.m. HST Friday, Dec. 22) at the Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu. The game will be aired on ESPNU. The Canes’ second game will be against either Davidson or New Mexico State on Saturday, Dec. 23, and the final round will be played Monday, Dec. 25. Miami could face Akron, Middle Tennessee, Princeton or USC in that game. The Hurricanes last competed in the Diamond Head Classic in 2012-13, when Miami went 1-2 in the event, but then went on to play in the NCAA Sweet 16 at the end of the year. In 2012, the Canes downed Hawai’i, 73-58, but then lost to No. 4/5 Arizona, 69-50, and Indiana State, 57-55, in overtime. Miami is 3-1 all-time against Hawai’i, with a home victory in 1969, and a split outcome in two road games in 1967, to go along with the 2012 tournament win. The 2017 edition of the classic features five NCAA tournament participants in Miami, Middle Tennessee, New Mexico State, Princeton and USC. The Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic, an eight-team men’s college basketball tournament, will feature 12 games through three days. Each team will compete in one game per day, advancing through the bracket. The two teams that remain undefeated throughout will face off in the championship game on the final day of the tournament. Previous tournament champions of the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic include USC (2009), Butler (2010), Kansas State (2011), Arizona (2012), Iowa State (2013), George Washington (2014), Oklahoma (2015) and San Diego State (2016). The family-friendly tournament includes three days of tournament play, practices, events and travel experiences unique to the islands of Hawai’i. Additional information can be found on the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic’s official Web site at www. HawaiianAirlinesDiamondHeadClassic.com. The Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic is one of 11 owned-and-operated basketball events by ESPN Events, a division of ESPN.
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Q&A: TRANSFER BEATRICE MOMPREMIER A McDonald’s All-American coming out of Miami Senior High School in 2015, Beatrice Mompremier spent the first two years of her college career at Baylor before joining the University of Miami women’s basketball team as a transfer this summer. A 6-foot-4-inch junior forward who hails from the city of Miami, Mompremier chatted with HurricaneSports.com about her decision to return to college in South Florida, her game and more . . . Q: You have been at UM for over a month now. What has it been like for you thus far? A: It’s been pretty good. I’ve been adjusting to a couple things so far, like finding my classes, going to study hall and stuff like that. Q: What has been your favorite part? A: Just being around the team, like being able to talk to them, being able to talk to the coaches whenever I decide I need them or I need their help, or going to them just to have a talk. Just hanging out, it’s pretty chill this summer. Q: How has it been being in school and being so close to home, where you can go back and visit your family? A: Just being close to them, I have the freedom to decide when I want to go home . . . compared to Baylor, [where I was so] far away from home and I had to plan to go home or they had to tell me when it was a good time for me to go home. I can just drive 30 minutes and I’m home. I get to see my parents, brothers, sisters and family all the time. So, that’s pretty nice. Q: After you decided to transfer, what made you decide that Miami was the place for you? A: When I decided to transfer, throughout the time I was taking visits to other schools, I pretty much knew where I wanted to go and that was just closer to home, closer to a couple people. Being that I’m from Miami, I know a couple people I can work out with. Q: What do you see as the strongest part of your game? A: The strongest part of my game is, I guess, defending. I have a couple things to work on. Sitting out this year, I have the chance to get better at the things that I want to get better at and the things that [will help me because] I want to be an all-around player. I have the chance to work on this throughout the year, just becoming the player I want to be. Q: How would you describe your style of play? A: I’m really competitive and I’m passionate about the game. I always want to win, so if you see me frustrated, there is something not going my way or we’re losing. I’m really competitive about every situation, whether it’s a close game or a blowout, it doesn’t matter. Q: One of your first games as a collegian was against Miami. What do you remember about that game and playing against UM? A: They were pretty tough. Even though, being at Baylor [and them seeing] the name Baylor, they didn’t give up. They fought to the end. It was just a really close game. We barely came up with the win, but at least it was competition . . . At Miami, they had heart to come out and compete. Q: Do you know what you want to major in? A: I’m a business major . . . in business technology. Q: What does it mean now to you to be representing your city at the hometown school in front of your family and friends? A: It means a lot. I’m excited to be here and I’m happy with the decision I made. Just being close to my family, wherever everyone can come and see me play [is great]. Being in Miami all over again is exciting.
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COACH AT THE CAR WASH
Miami head coach Mark Richt made his annual trek to ESPN headquarters in Bristol, Conn., for the network’s “car wash” on July 25. For eight hours Richt and some of his ACC coaching counterparts made the rounds through The Worldwide Leader’s vast campus, sitting for TV, radio, website and promotional interviews. Richt started the day on the “SportsCenter” set, talking football (and, yes, sandwiches) with Jay Harris and Kevin Negandhi. Richt also made an appearance on the sets of “First Take” and “College Football Live,” where he convinced his former Georgia counterparts David Pollack and Maria Taylor to throw up the “U.” Richt also chatted with, among others, Heather Dinich, Ivan Maisel, Dan Le Batard and Ryen Russillo.
MARK RICHT AT THE WORLDWIDE LEADER
ESPN’S FIRST TAKE RICHT DISCUSSES THE FUTURE OF MIAMI FOOTBALL
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HURRICANE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2017
SPORTSCENTER RICHT TALKS ABOUT THE ART OF THE 10-BITE SANDWHICH
DELIVERING THE SWAG Outfitting the Hurricanes is a job that never sleeps at The U
By Tom Symonds HurricaneSports.com It’s early June and sitting outside the Hecht Athletic Center equipment room is the envy of every Miami Hurricane student-athlete. It’s a trailer full of new adidas gear for the upcoming 2017-18 season and although it’s not Christmas, it may as well be for more than 400 student-athletes, coaches and administrators who will eventually wear this gear and represent The U. For the Miami equipment staff of David Case, Brad Anderson, Mike Salemi, Daniel Bogenschutz, Kevin Collins and an army of student workers, a truck full of gear means one thing.
that sit on an equipment staff’s plate on a day-to-day basis. “It’s a big responsibility, but it’s pretty easy to do, especially when you have a great staff,” Case said. “It is a place that because of the history, you want to do the best job and present everything great, so that everyone is appreciative and enjoys what you are putting out.” THE CAMP LIFE It is well-known that student-athletes and coaches in college football get up early, report to the football facility and do not leave until well after the sun goes down. However, these individuals may not have the longest days as the calendar flips to August and another college football season gets set to kick off. That might belong to the college football equipment managers and their staffs.
It’s go time. “Everybody looks forward to camp because you start getting the new stuff, new shoes, new clothes and stuff to wear around campus,” Case said. Case, who serves as the Assistant Athletics Director for Equipment Operations, leads the Hurricanes’ equipment staff. He and his staff are responsible for the distribution of over 1,000 boxes worth of adidas gear that arrives at the beginning of June each year. It marks the conclusion of a process that began nine months ago when the equipment staff placed its order for the upcoming year. “Usually with uniforms and apparel, we are about two years ahead of the curve, so we’re already seeing some stuff for the fall of 2019,” Case said. “It’s about a twoyear-in-advance process for everything.” Planning is the name of the game for an equipment staff, and placing orders for apparel nine months in advance of a season is just one example of the many tasks
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HURRICANE MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2017
“A lot of people just take for granted that the stuff gets there, especially on practice and gamedays where players just show up and play the game, but there is a lot of behind-the-scenes work,” Case said. For a typical 8:45 a.m. practice, Case and his crew get to Coral Gables between 5:45 and 6 a.m. to get the field ready and stay until the final jerseys are hung the lockers after many loads of laundry. “The amount of setup that goes into practice is pretty involved,” Case said. “We have 14 students that help us and they are running drills, spotting balls and pulling chains and doing whatever they need to do for their position coach to make practice run and keep things going so that we stay on schedule. With practice there’s a lot going on with nine different position coaches and doing stuff for them during team periods.” During a typical week, the equipment staff will log 60-70 hours in and around the Hecht Athletic Center.
PREPPING FOR GAMEDAY Once the calendar flips to September and the football season begins, the equipment staff begins its preparation for gameday – a process that begins seven days before kickoff on Saturday. Leading up to kickoff on Saturday, the equipment staff is tasked with getting the helmets and uniforms ready and packing the equipment truck so that everything can be delivered to be set up in the locker room at Hard Rock Stadium. “Usually on a gameday, we usually get there five hours ahead of the team, getting stuff set up, so basically all the players have to do is get dressed and go play,” Case said. “Gameday is a lot easier than a regular practice day because we’ve spent the whole week preparing for the game, so basically when we get there and get set up, we’re just maintaining during the game.” As soon as the game is over on Saturday, the staff is already getting ready for the following week by doing laundry and repacking the trunks for the next game. “Obviously it’s a big job and it’s one that I don’t take lightly,” Case said. “Growing up I really liked college football and you always knew of Miami and I don’t know if I ever expected to be working at a place like this. But now that I am, with the history of this place and the former players and coaches, it gives you a little more sense of urgency when you are doing work here to make it right and make it perfect and keep the current players happy and the former players happy and keep the fans happy.” TAKING CARE OF THE #PROCANES If ordering gear for more than 400 student-athletes, coaches and staff, preparing for games and making sure practice goes off without a hitch wasn’t enough, Case and his staff also place a strong emphasis on taking care of former Hurricane football players so that they are outfitted with the freshest gear for the start of their respective NFL training camps. “We always set aside money in our allotment to get stuff for the former players,” Case said. “It ends up being a good amount of work, but it’s worth it because a lot of the guys when they end up getting the box they’ll send us a text or an e-mail or they’ll send out a tweet that they are happy to have the gear. Most of those guys love having that stuff and they look forward to getting it every year.” Every year, Case and his staff send Miami #ProCanes a box full of goodies, which include a couple of hoodies, t-shirts, shorts, polos, hats and anything that they can wear around their facility to promote the university. “This really is one of the schools where it’s kind of different than any other place that you go where all these former guys come back,” Case said. “We’re lucky to have a bunch of really good former players that are playing in the NFL at a high level, so we end up seeing them a pretty good bit throughout the year, so you build a connection with a lot of these guys. The great thing is that we know a lot of the former guys and there’s a few that come in and hang out every couple weeks or so and just stop in and talk with us and hang out in the equipment room, so it makes it a really fun place to work when you got those guys coming through all the time.” THE THREE STRIPE LIFE A lot has changed within the collegiate athletics landscape over the years, including the importance an institution places on apparel deals. Over the past couple of years, collegiate athletic departments are signing mega deals with apparel companies so that student-athletes have the best gear to compete at the highest level. Miami Athletics’ highly-publicized switch from Nike to adidas as the institution’s primary apparel provider is a move which has proven to enhance one of collegiate athletics’ most recognizable brands. “They (adidas) definitely want to make Miami their premier school,” Anderson said. “We are constantly on the cutting edge of every technological advancement that they have when it comes to clothing, shoes and uniforms, so when you see adidas you think Miami and when you see Miami you think adidas.”
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UM SPORTS HALL OF FAME
UM SPORTS HALL OF FAME YEAR IN REVIEW The 2016-2017 year was a successful one for the UM Sports Hall of Fame and the future looks even brighter as the Hall continues its mission to celebrate the finest students-athletes, coaches and administrators who represented the Orange, Green and White. The Hall’s membership grew to 314 former Hurricanes greats with its marquee event, the 49th Annual UMSHoF Induction Banquet, held April 18, 2017. With more than 500 attendees, including nearly 40 UMSHoF members, it was a night to remember for the inductees and guests. On June 23 and 24, 2017, the Seventh Annual Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys / UMSHoF Celebrity Fishing Tournament was held in Islamorada, hosted by legendary Cane Ted Hendricks and attracted more than 60 boats, making it the largest fishing tournament in the Florida Keys for the fourth consecutive year. With nearly 500 people attending the weekends events, including Coaches Mark Richt and Jimmy Johnson, along with 25 Hall of Famers and 50 former Hurricanes athletes, it was truly the “Fishing Event of the Year”! A portion of the proceeds benefitted the Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys and the Coastal Conservation Association. The Fall 2017 semester features the introduction of our Class of 2018 Inductees during the Syracuse football game on October 21st and the 25th Annual UMSHoF Golf Tournament, scheduled for Friday, November 10th at the beautiful Biltmore Golf Course. In late February of 2018, the Seventh Annual UMSHoF Celebrity Bowling Tournament will be held at Splitsville in South Miami. The Spring, 2018 semester will be highlighted by the Golden Anniversary 50th Annual UMSHoF Induction Banquet, where the Class of 2018 inductees will join the greatest names to have participated in intercollegiate athletics for The U. The UM Sports Hall of Fame is housed in the Tom Kearns Sports Hall of Fame Building located next to the Hecht Athletic Center on the Coral Gables campus. With its four major events, the Hall raises needed funds to continue its operations and outreach to the South Florida community and its goal of showcasing the artifacts and memorabilia from over 90 years of Hurricanes athletics for fans to enjoy for generations to come. As a 501c3, non-profit organization, all donations are tax deductible. The Hall is open 12-5 weekdays, or call 305-284-2775 for group tours.
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HURRICANE MAGAZINE | JULY 2017
UM SPORTS HALL OF FAME
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@MIAMIHURRICANES #BUILDINGCHAMPIONS HURRICANE MAGAZINE | |APRIL 2017