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, Kevin Ivany, Amy LaBrie, Leo Ramos, 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.
JUNE 2017 VOLUME VI, ISSUE 11
THE RUNDOWN
FEATURED Estela Perez-Somarriba of the Miami women’s tennis team cemented her name in the record books this past month, as she became the first Hurricane freshman to advance to the Final Four of the NCAA Singles Championship. Relive her historic tournament journey.
16 // A RUN TO REMEMBER As senior Shakima Wimbley wraps up her collegiate career, the Miami All-American authors a letter to her 16-year-old self on what she can expect during her journey as studentathlete at The U.
18 // DEAR SHAKIMA They’ve taken thousands of selfies, they’ve fired up thousands of fans at Hurricane sporting events and they’ve even done some crowd surfing. For recent University of Miami graduates Kavan Kirk, Dylan Weems and Kevin Weaver, being Sebastian was a once in a lifetime experience. Check out their stories behind the beak.
40 // BEING SEBASTIAN 3
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5 LETTER FROM THE AD 7 BY THE NUMBERS 8-9 WRIGLEY FIELD TRIP PHOTO GALLERY 10-11 A MOTHER’S DAY MEMORY 12, 23 HURRICANES CLUB 13 MIAMI-FSU MATCHUP IS SET 14-15 ATHLETES OF THE MONTH 20 CANES FOOTBALL IN THE COMMUNITY 22 AROUND THE WEB 26 BEHIND THE MIC WITH JOE Z 28 FOUR TO KNOW 29 THREE ROWERS NAMED NATIONAL SCHOLAR-ATHLETES 36 MEN’S BASKETBALL RELEASES NON-CONFERENCE SLATE 37 MOMPREMIER JOINS CANES 38 WEBER EARNS ALL-AMERICA HONORS 42 THREE CANES SELECTED TO NFF HALL OF FAME BALLOT 44 CANES COMMUNITY CORNER 46 UM SPORTS HALL OF FAME
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS Hurricane Fans, We’re approaching the finish line of a remarkable 2016-17 season for Miami Athletics. Head coach Mark Richt led our football team to its first bowl win in 10 years and the Hurricanes finished the season ranked for the first time since 2009. Both our men’s and women’s basketball teams advanced to the NCAA Tournament. Our women’s track and field team defended its ACC Indoor Championship. We celebrated two individual national champions in David Dinsmore (men’s diving 10-meter platform) and Shakima Wimbley (women’s indoor track and field 400m). The success continued well into the spring. Our cover story highlights freshman Estela Perez-Somarriba’s remarkable run to the semifinals of the NCAA Women’s Tennis Championships. Estela rallied from a 1-5 deficit in the second set against sixthranked Belinda Woolcock of Florida before falling 1-6, 7-5, 3-6, ending her 15-match winning streak. Estela became the first freshman in Hurricanes history to advance to the semifinals, and the first NCAA player ranked 40th or lower to do so since 2011. She also clinched ITA All-America recognition. Congratulations to Estela on an amazing first season, and congratulations to head coach Paige Yaroshuk-Tews, who guided one of her players to the semifinals for the third year in a row – the longest active streak in NCAA women’s or men’s tennis. The Hurricanes finished 25th in the rankings, the 15th consecutive year Miami ended the season in the Top 25. Shakima is one of nine members of our track and field team who are heading to the NCAA Outdoor Championships this week in Eugene, Ore. Shakima and fellow senior Aiyanna Stiverne will compete in the 400m, while senior Ebony Morrison will compete in the 100m hurdles. In addition, Miami’s 4x100 and 4x400m relay teams both qualified. Good luck to head coach Amy Deem and all of our studentathletes! Patti Rizzo’s golf team qualified for the NCAA Championships for the second year in a row, and the Hurricanes finished 16th -- their best showing since 1992, and their 10th Top 20 finish in school history. Four of Miami’s five starters return next season, including sophomore Dewi Weber, who earned second-team All-American honors from the Women’s Golf Coaches Association. Miami’s baseball team closed the season strong, sweeping Virginia Tech in its final regular season series before defeating Georgia Tech and Wake Forest to win Pool C and advance to the semifinals of the ACC Tournament in Louisville. Unfortunately, Miami’s amazing, 44year NCAA Tournament streak came to an end on Selection Monday when the Hurricanes did not receive an at-large bid. The postseason streak was the longest in NCAA history – in any sport – and we are confident that this young, talented team will start a new streak next season. Our student-athletes continue to excel off the field as well. Ten Miami teams -- men’s cross country, men’s track & field, men’s tennis, women’s basketball, women’s cross country, golf, soccer, women’s tennis, women’s track & field and volleyball -- were recently recognized for perfect 2015-16 scores of 1,000 in the NCAA’s latest Academic Progress Report (APR). In addition, three teams (men’s cross country, golf and women’s tennis) were recognized for perfect multi-year APR scores. Construction has commenced on the Carol Soffer Indoor Football Practice Facility, a magnificent facility that will benefit our studentathletes and coaches in all sports for years to come. We have raised more money for this capital project than for any other in our athletic department’s history, so thank you, but there is still work to be done. For more information on how to make a gift in support of this project, visit hurricanesfootballfacility.com or call the Hurricane Club at (305) 284-6699. Naming opportunities located within the facility are still available. I hope you enjoy this month’s magazine as you kick off your summer. For the latest information on each of our varsity sports, please be sure to visit HurricaneSports.com or follow us on Twitter @MiamiHurricanes.
Go Canes!
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10 MIAMI TEAMS EARN PERFECT 1,000 APR SCORES Ten University of Miami teams were recognized for perfect 2015-16 scores of 1,000 in the latest Academic Progress Report (APR) released by the NCAA on May 10. The Hurricanes men’s cross country, men’s track & field, men’s tennis, women’s basketball, women’s cross country team, golf, soccer, women’s tennis, women’s track & field and volleyball programs were among those honored for excellence in the classroom. The report comes one week after three University of Miami programs – men’s cross country, golf and women’s tennis– were recognized for perfect multi-year APR scores of 1,000. “Our student-athletes continue to excel both on and off the field,” Director of Athletics Blake James said. “This latest Academic Progress Report is a testament to their dedication in the classroom, as well as the hard work put in by our coaches and academic staff in helping them achieve these results.” In addition, the Hurricanes football team (965), men’s basketball team (974) and women’s basketball (985) team all bested their respective sports’ multi-year national average. The Academic Progress Rate, a multi-year rate based on the most recent four years of data, is a real-time measure of eligibility and retention of student-athletes competing on every Division I sports team. This report is based on NCAA Division I Academic Progress Rate (APR) data submitted by the institution for the 2012-13, 201314, 2014-15 and 2015-2016 academic years. In the fall of 2011, the Division I Board of Directors approved tougher academic standards, including setting a new standard that teams must meet to participate in postseason competition. The goal of the NCAA’s academic performance program is improvement, not punishment. Not only does the program ensure accountability for student-athletes, teams and institutions, but also it provides fairness by considering individual circumstances per team and school. Under the revised penalty structure, the Division I Board of Directors has set a cut score of 930 (out of 1,000) as a threshold for teams to meet or face possible sanctions. Team: Multi-Year Rate Baseball: 968 Football: 965 Men’s Basketball: 974 Men’s Cross Country: 1,000 Men’s Diving: 979 Men’s Tennis: 991 Men’s Track and Field: 979 Women’s Basketball: 985 Women’s Cross Country: 982 Golf: 1,000 Rowing: 983 Soccer: 997 Women’s Swimming & Diving: 988 Women’s Tennis: 1,000 Women’s Track & Field: 991 Volleyball: 994
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BY THE NUMBERS A statistical look at the Miami Hurricanes
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Estela Perez-Somarriba of the Miami women’s tennis team became the first freshman in Miami history to reach the Final Four of the NCAA Singles Championship.
The Miami women’s golf team’s finish in the NCAA Championship was its 10th top-20 finish in tournament history. The Hurricanes’ finish also was their best since the 1992 appearance when they placed 10th.
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The Hurricanes enter the 2017 NCAA Track and Field Championships as the No. 17 ranked team in the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Top 25 rankings.
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SCENES FROM WRIG JON JAY WELCOMES THE HURRICANES TO HIS NEW DIGS IN CHICAGO
GLEY FIELD
A MEMORABLE MOTHER’S DAY
Gracie Lachowecki takes her mother to Chicago for an unforgettable weekend courtesy of adidas
Mother’s Day 2017 for Gracie Lachowecki was similar to her collegiate journey at the University of Miami. It was unforgettable. “Choosing the University of Miami definitely changed my life,” Gracie said. Gracie’s journey at The U has featured incredible highs; some lows and some times that have tested her will as a person. Her ultimate test came when her mother Marian was diagnosed with breast cancer. Although her mother was fighting cancer, Gracie continued to excel both in the classroom and on the field, while inspiring her teammates and coaches with her family’s incredible inner strength. Adidas, Miami’s official apparel provider, also was inspired by the Lachowecki’s incredible inner strength and elected to roll out the red carpet for the family, which overcame numerous hurdles over the past four years. Mother’s day for Gracie’s mother Marian, featured a first class plane trip to Chicago for a weekend getaway in the Windy City, a shopping spree at the adidas outlet store, tickets to see the Broadway musical Hamilton and a trip to the spa. But that was just the beginning. On May 14, @adidasWomen announced the creation of the Marian Kay Lachowecki Scholarship Fund. The fund honors Marian’s tremendous courage in her fight against breast cancer and will recognize two students with $5,000 scholarships in the School of Nursing and Health Studies at the University of Miami. “This opportunity with adidas has been absolutely amazing,” Gracie said. “Just to get the opportunity to spend the weekend here in Chicago with my mom for mother’s day just because of all the things we’ve been through and being a Hurricane has been absolutely incredible.”
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ACC, ESPN ANNOUNCE KICKOFF TIME FOR MIAMI’S SEPT. 16 GAME AT FLORIDA STATE The University of Miami’s Week 3 game at in-state rival Florida State on Sept. 16 will be televised nationally by ABC at 8 p.m., the Atlantic Coast Conference and ESPN announced on May 25. This is the Hurricanes’ first ABC prime-time appearance since last year’s game against the Seminoles on Oct. 8, 2016, in Miami Gardens. Miami has played Florida State 61 times, more than any other opponent. The last year the Hurricanes and Seminoles did not meet was 1968. This year’s game is the earliest between the two teams since Sept. 7, 2009, when the Hurricanes opened the season with a 38-34 win at Doak Campbell Stadium. The kickoff times for the rest of the Hurricanes’ 2017 games will be announced at a later date. Miami’s 2017 schedule features seven games at Hard Rock Stadium, starting with Bethune-Cookman on Sept. 2. The Hurricanes return 18 starters from last year’s squad that finished 9-4, winning its final five games, capturing its first bowl win in 10 years and finishing the year ranked in the AP and Amway Coaches Polls for the first time since 2009. For the latest information on the Miami Hurricanes, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, @CanesFootball, or visit our website at HurricaneSports.com.
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JOHNNY RUIZ | BASEBALL Senior captain Johnny Ruiz closed out the month of May on a high note for the Hurricanes, as he batted .354 with four doubles, two home runs and a team-best 12 RBI as the team’s top hitter. Ruiz led the team with a .516 on-base percentage and compiled a .563 slugging percentage over the final month. In the Hurricanes’ three games at the 2017 ACC Championship in Louisville, Ky., Ruiz batted a team-best .385 with three RBI and four runs scored.
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OF THE MONTH
ESTELA PEREZ-SOMARRIBA | WOMEN’S TENNIS
Estela Perez-Somarriba continued her storybook freshman season this past month as she became the first Miami freshman in women’s tennis history to advance to the Final Four of the NCAA Singles Championship in Athens, Ga. Perez-Somarriba earned a trip to the Final Four after she posted a 6-4, 6-3 victory over No. 26 Kate Fahey of Michigan. Perez-Somarriba became the eighth Miami player to reach the Final Four of the NCAA Singles Championship. Her appearance in the semifinals is the eighth under head coach Paige YaroshukTews, including the seventh in the last 11 years. Miami is the only team in the nation in women’s or men’s tennis to place a player in the Final Four each of the last three years. Perez-Somarriba follows Sinead Lohan (2016) and Stephanie Wagner (2015). 15
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A RUN TO REMEMBER
Relive Estela Perez-Somarriba’s run to the Final Four of the NCAA Singles Championship By Steven Preciado HurricaneSports.com University of Miami freshman Estela Perez-Somarriba has always admired women’s tennis star Serena Williams. “She plays really aggressive,” Perez-Somarriba said. Perez-Somarriba has always tried to model her game after Williams. It was that model that propelled her to an incredible 30-6 record prior to earning a spot in the NCAA Singles Championship. “When you come in, you work hard and you are just doing things right every day, good things happen,” Miami head coach Paige Yaroshuk-Tews said. Once the NCAA Tournament began, good things absolutely did happen for Perez-Somarriba, as she advanced to the Final Four of the Women’s Singles Championship. The Madrid, Spain native entered the championship ranked No. 40 nationally and was among 12 freshmen in the NCAA Singles Championship. “Obviously, I really wanted to make it to the NCAA’s,” Perez-Somarriba said. “When I knew that I had made it I was excited, but I really didn’t expect to do what I did.” Perez-Somarriba opened the tournament against No. 64 Ana Oparenovic of Arkansas and in the early going appeared to have some early tournament jitters. Perez-Somarriba dropped five games in a row to open the contest en route to losing the first set, 1-6. “In the beginning, I was thinking all the time,” Perez-Somarriba said. “I would see all the girls playing and would see their tennis level and I felt that I needed to play my best tennis. Obviously, before a few matches I was nervous, but as the tournament went on I think my tennis got better and that was the most important thing.” Following the first set, Perez-Somarriba’s jitters cooled. She took over the match, winning 12 of the next 14 games, including 10 of the final 11, en route to advancing. Perez-Somarriba’s next match placed her against No. 27 Arianne Hartono of Ole Miss.
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“She played a big hitter, a girl who had the ability to push her around the court and she was able to push back,” Yaroshuk-Tews said. Despite Hartono’s big hitting ability, Perez posted a 6-4, 6-3 victory to advance to the Sweet 16. Perez-Somarriba dropped the first two games in the match and then went on to win 12 of the final 17 points. “It was high-quality tennis [with] deep balls and playing the patterns that were really played well on both sides, by both kids,” Yaroshuk-Tews said. “Estela was just able to keep the quality of tennis going a little bit longer in each point.” In the Sweet 16, Perez-Somarriba defeated No. 47 Mia Horvit of South Carolina 6-4, 5-7, 6-1 in a match which spanned nearly three hours. Her three set victory made her the fourth freshman in program history to earn a spot in the NCAA quarterfinals. Perez-Somarriba would then cement herself into the University of Miami record books. With a two-set victory over No. 26 Kate Fahey of Michigan, she became the first freshman in Miami’s storied history to make it to the national semifinals following a 6-4, 6-3 win. Not only was it a great individual achievement for Perez-Somarriba, but it also made Miami the only team in the nation in women’s or men’s tennis to place a player in the Final Four in each of the last three years, after Sinead Lohan and Stephanie Wagner made it in 2016 and 2015, respectively. “[My coaches] told me that I needed to fight every single match,” Perez-Somarriba said. “[They said] that you need to fight and you need to believe that you can win. They told me that I was going to be fine, that I had done a very good job during the season and to just keep it up.” Unfortunately, the Final Four was where the Cinderella story ended for the lowestranked player to make the Final Four since 2011, as she dropped a 1-6, 7-5, 3-6 decision to sixth-ranked Belinda Woolcock of Florida. Perez-Somarriba, however, did not go out without a fight. After losing 11 of the first 13 games, she won six games in a row and fought back to force a third set. Although she fell, 3-6, in the finale, it capped an incredible tournament run. “I didn’t want to finish my season like that,” Perez-Somarriba said of how she stormed back from the 1-6, 1-5 deficit. “I wasn’t playing the right tennis and I knew that I needed to change something and I felt that I did that pretty well, but in the third set I needed to be better. Plus, Woolcock was playing very well.” The run will go down in the history books for Miami, but Perez-Somarriba and her coaches believe that the experience will also help her in the long run. “Definitely, I think that I’ve learned a lot,” Perez-Somarriba said. “I’ve seen these girls, I’ve seen how they prepare for every match, I’ve seen how they fight and believe they can win; that’s the most important thing. Tennis is about fighting. “It’s special for me,” Perez-Somarriba said of her run to Final Four. “I try not to think that much about that. All these things about rankings and results, to me, are not the best things about tennis. To me, it’s always about improving on the court.” Whatever comes next for Perez-Somarriba, it’s fair to say the future is bright for this freshman phenom.
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Miami senior Shakima Wimbley writes a narrative letter to herself on the challenges of being a Division I athlete
Keep going.
You are on the right path and you will stay on that path. Every decision you make is going to send you towards the experience of a lifetime.
Everything you will go through is going to pay off.
Don’t take everything personal.
Dear 16-year-old Shakima,
Everything that you will experience will set you up for who you Keep going. will become. Everybody has their ups and downs. Everyone goes through trials and tribulations. You will be so proud that you never gave up. You will be so proud that you stuck to your guns and fought Keep going. through every obstacle to better yourself and your future. You have to understand that your journey may be different from You will be so glad you went to night school, that you stayed others and nothing is going to come easy, but you need to keep consistent and dedicated your life to something that you didn’t moving forward. know would end up being so great.
Anything worth having is going to have a little pain come with All the hard work you put in, all the long nights, all the ridicule it. It won’t come easy, but keep fighting and working because people gave you, all the growth spurts you had to go through, you will get there. all the negatives that came your way, I am so proud that you will be strong enough to fight through all of that and do what Just keep going. you love. When things are tough and someone else is getting something and you don’t get it as quickly and you feel odd and feel I know you worry and I know you stress, but you shouldn’t. different, understand that it’s okay. 18
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Being odd and different is what sets you apart from the rest of the world. When you want to be the number one athlete and you want to be the first to graduate in your family, it’s okay to be odd and different as long as you keep fighting through it and understand that you’re working towards a bigger picture in your life. Keep going because one day you’re going to break the 1:01 barrier in the 400 meters. Keep going because one day you’re going to catch the attention of one of the best coaches in track and field history. Keep going because you will receive your first scholarship offer to a Division 1 program. Keep going because you will become an ACC Champion. Keep going because you will break 52 seconds. Keep going because you will make your first nationals. Keep going because you will run 50.4 seconds. Keep going because you will race against your heroes. Keep going because you will be an ACC legend. Keep going because you will break records. Keep going because you will be a national champion. Keep going because you will graduate college. Keep going because your future is so bright and no one can stop you. Keep going, Shakima. Keep going. -Shakima
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HELPING OUT
Miami football’s community outreach program shines throughout South Florida By Kevin Ivany HurricaneSports.com It’s 8:30 a.m., Wednesday morning and a group of University of Miami football players grab their uniforms and walk onto the bus. Their destination isn’t Hard Rock Stadium, and they will not have to answer questions from media members about a touchdown they scored, or the outcome of a game. Instead, these student-athletes will stand in front of a crowd of elementary school students from Tucker Elementary School, answering jarring questions about life. The football team’s trip to Tucker Elementary School served as one of four community outreach visits the Hurricanes have taken part in this spring. “I got asked what my favorite cereal was [chuckles]. That was my favorite question,” senior offensive lineman Nick Linder said. “I told them Reese’s Puffs, but Cinnamon Toast Crunch is a close second.” Linder’s fellow classmate, kicker Michael Badgley also recalled what he thought was the most memorable question of the day. “A lot of kids asked us what our majors were, and I only said that was interesting because I didn’t even know what a major was when I was 10 or 11,” Badgley said. “It may have been the teachers telling them to ask that, but it is kind of cool hearing those kids ask, what are you studying in college?” In the weeks leading up to Wednesday, letters were exchanged back and forth between the members of the Hurricanes football team and the elementary students at Frances S. Tucker. 20
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“Having the players here today, academically it is a positive thing for our boys and girls. They have been writing back and forth; they have been perfecting their writing skills. And for them to actually meet and put a face to the paper, that to them is what they have been waiting for,” Principal Annette Degoti said. “So as a principal, it gives me a great honor, to have role models such as the UM football players who not only excel in the classroom but also in sports. And then they come here, meet our boys and girls and give them a reason, a reason to keep fighting and to succeed.” Since his arrival on the UM campus in 2015, head coach Mark Richt has placed a strong emphasis on community engagement and giving back to the South Florida area. In a recent ranking from the NCAA Team Works Helper Helper Community Service Competition, the Canes placed first in the nation amongst FBS schools, and were the highest amongst Atlantic Coast Conference institutions. “I think that just represents what kind of guys we really are. Just being No. 1 in community service throughout the entire ACC is something to be proud of,” Badgley said. “Coach Richt takes a lot of pride in us giving back and it is one of the main things of being successful. Not only knowing how to handle success but also to give back to what you think and know is right.” Redshirt sophomore defensive lineman Scott Patchan added, “Just blessing kids. The way Coach Richt explains it to us, and that’s honestly what it is. I am just thankful. I want to do more, I wish I could do more, but with our schedules it is kind of hard too. But it just goes to show how much we really do care.” After spending an hour answering questions and discussing how important
it is to continue to work hard in both the classroom and on the field, the students and players rushed to the playground. On one end, a three-point competition was underway between members of the offensive line and a group of boys and girls, while on the other end, a kickball game had begun. In between a pair of palm trees stood a boy who had found his inner Tim Howard, a goalkeeper on the United States national soccer team, rejecting shot after shot from fellow classmates and sophomore quarterback Evan Shirreffs. Then on a grassy patch alongside the basketball courts, football players were trying to keep up with a group of girls showing off their skills with a jump rope. Not only was this a time for the elementary students to have the time of their lives, but the players were also enjoying the time away from their everyday grind in the weight room and on the practice field. “I think it is huge,” Linder said. “We try giving them a little advice in terms of working hard and staying in school. But I think it was just good for these kids to come out here and have fun. When we have opportunities like this to come out here and play basketball, play soccer, play football and all that kind of stuff with these kids, it really brightens our day to see the amount of joy they get out of it.” In addition to giving back to the community, a couple of players reminisced on their own childhoods, knowing they never had collegiate student-athletes or professionals visit their classrooms, but they wish they had. “We never had any players come and talk to us,” Badgley said. “So getting a chance to show these kids some cool stuff is an opportunity I am grateful for. For instance, if Rutgers kids came to our school it would have been awesome, but it was too far. Just being right here, near this elementary school, it is fun to be able to talk to these kids.” After an hour spent outdoors, the whistle blew and all of the boys and girls lined up with their teachers. A group photo was taken before final goodbyes were exchanged, but the memories that had been created that morning, were memories these kids can carry with them for the rest of their lives. “I think that they saw dreams come true,” Degoti said. “Dreams were created today. They are reaching out for that impossible star now because it is possible, they saw it here today.”
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WOMEN’S TENNIS ESTELA PEREZ-SOMARRIBA’S RUN TO THE FINAL FOUR
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GOLF NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
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Joe Zagacki, The Voice of the Miami Hurricanes, chimes in on the memory of the Hurricanes’ 44-year NCAA Tournament streak.
WITH JOE ZAGACKI
When the final team for the NCAA baseball tournament was announced and the Hurricanes were not in the field for the first time since the 1972 season, it was crushing. There was shock, tears and disbelief. That was the hard part, but a look back eases the pain. The Hurricanes’ 44-year NCAA Tournament streak is the longest in any Division I sport. The next closest still has four years to catch Miami and even if they do it’s unlikely anyone will match what Miami accomplished in those 44 years. The numbers during this historic run are truly staggering - four national championships, 25 trips to the World Series, 126 regional wins and 48 wins at the College World Series and the greatest play in the history of college baseball even if it was an illusion. Here is the impact Hurricanes baseball has had on South Florida over the last 44 years. Without its success, we don’t have major league baseball. Mark Light Stadium gave a home to thousands of kids, who dreamed one day of playing for the Canes and many did. The only
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summer playoffs we had before the Heat or Panthers was Hurricanes baseball. Through those 44 years of NCAA Tournaments, the Canes have given their fans more joy than probably any fan base could ever ask for. Wherever you may have joined the streak from the beginning or at the end, the Miami baseball team provided some kind of magic moment. Whether it was Edgar Michelangeli’s grand slam to a dropped ball by Rodney Brewer to walk off winners by Jason Michaels and Ryan Braun. The Canes have always delivered. Hurricanes baseball has been a model of consistency and nobody has had more fun than us.
The last time the Canes didn’t make a regional the Dolphins went undefeated. That 1972 Dolphins team will always be revered in South Florida. The Dolphins won it again in 73, but South Florida didn’t have another championship until Canes baseball won it all in 1982. And the town celebrated like it was 1972. So, the streak ended. Streaks always do. What doesn’t end are the great stories, the historic performances and the cherished memories. Thanks Canes baseball for a 44-year action thrill ride. Cheers to another 44. If they do that I’ll be almost 100.
We’ll Get
EASTERN & There!
Proud to be the Official Airline of U Miami Athletics
ANA MADCUR
WOMEN’S TENNIS FAVORITES Tennis player: Roger Federer Food: Meat Milanesa Movie: “Taken” Professional sports team: FC Barcelona Part about living in Miami: You always have something to do.
Song to listen to before a match: Depends on what the hits are in that moment haha, but most likely I listen to reggaeton or electro music. Sport other than tennis: Field hockey TV show: “Grey’s Anatomy” Vacation spot: Australia
PAT BETHEL FOOTBALL
FAVORITES Athlete: Michael Bennett Food: Whatever my mother cooks Movie: “Transformers” Professional sports team: Miami Dolphins Candy: Jolly Ranchers Sport other than football: Basketball
Part about living in Miami: The endless opportunities TV show: “Spongebob Squarepants” Vacation spot: Bahamas Clothes: Gym wear Color: Red and black
HANNAH SORENSEN VOLLEYBALL
FAVORITES Athlete: Ben Patch Meal: Cookie Dough Ice Cream Candy: Almond Joy Movie: “She’s the Man” TV Show: “The Bachelor” Music Artist: Dierks Bentley
My favorite place on campus to eat is: Tossed. Their Chinese chicken salad is UNREAL. If I could take a vacation anywhere in the world, I would travel to: Bora Bora Sport to watch on TV is: Baseball
GREG VELIZ BASEBALL
FAVORITES Sport (non-baseball): basketball Movie: Hands of Stone Junk Food: Snickers Actor: Will Ferrell Social Media App: Twitter 28
HURRICANE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017
Music: Rap Color: Blue Baseball Player: Yordano Ventura Major: Pre-Med track Minor: Sports Admin
THREE CANES NAMED CRCA NATIONAL SCHOLAR ATHLETES Three members of the University of Miami rowing team were named National Scholar-Athletes by the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA). Alexa Aguilar, Taegan Lynch and Lily Wittle were among 62 ACC rowing student-athletes selected by the CRCA. Lynch earned her second CRCA National Scholar-Athlete, while Aguilar and Wittle are first time selections. To be eligible to be honored as a CRCA Scholar-Athlete, the student-athlete must have met all eligibility rules as defined by her institution, be in her second, third, or fourth year of eligibility have rowed in her institution’s NCAA or IRA eligible boat(s) for a minimum of 75% of the current spring races or racing in a regional conference and have had a 3.5 cumulative GPA or higher for her career (through the fall semester/quarter for the current competition year). Aguilar is a junior creative advertising major that helped the Canes go undefeated at the Knecht Cup and earn ACC Crew of the Week honors for their performance. A native of West Palm Beach, Fla., she helped Miami win the Petite Final at the ACC Championships and was part of the Varsity Eight that earned a pair of wins at the Sunshine State Cup. Aguilar is a six-time Book Buster and has earned Athletic Director’s Honor Roll and Dean’s List five times. A team captain, Lynch was a Second Team All-ACC selection in 2017. She was a member of the Varsity Eight all season, helping the Canes go undefeated at the Knecht Cup and earn ACC Crew of the Week honors for their performance. The junior from Vashon, Wash., also was on the Varsity Eight boat that won the Petite Final at the ACC Championships and earned two wins at the Sunshine State Cup. A physiology major, Lynch is a six-time Book Buster and Athletic Director’s Honor Roll selection, while making the Dean’s List four times. Wittle is a sophomore majoring in marine science that served as the coxswain for Miami’s Second Varsity Eight in 2017. She guided the 2V8+ to top three finishes at the Governor’s Cup and second place finishes at the Sunshine State Invitational. An outstanding student, Wittle has earned Book Buster honors, Athletic Director’s Honor Roll, Dean’s List, Provost’s Honor Roll and President’s Honor Roll in all four of her semesters at Miami.
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@MIAMIHURRICANES | #BUILDINGCHAMPIONS
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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@MIAMIHURRICANES #BUILDINGCHAMPIONS HURRICANE MAGAZINE | |APRIL 2017
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MIAMI UNVEILS 2017 NON-CONFERENCE SLATE
The University of Miami men’s basketball team will host five non-conference games at the Watsco Center this fall, head coach Jim Larrañaga announced on June 1. “I think we have a great non-conference schedule with several games and events that will have both us and our fans excited,” Larrañaga said. “The first being the ESPN exempt event in Hawaii, the Diamond Head Classic, where we are likely to face some of the best teams in the country on national television.” After starting the campaign with an exhibition game against Newberry College on Nov. 1, the Hurricanes will open the regular season with the Gardner-Webb on Nov. 10. The Canes will then welcome the Navy to the Watsco Center on Nov. 12. In the fourth consecutive home game, newly hired director of basketball operations Lamont Franklin and the Hurricanes will welcome his former squad, Florida A&M, to Coral Gables on Nov. 16. “We have two games that we have scheduled for particular reasons with this group. First, we are going to be traveling to Reading, Pa., to play La Salle University out of Philadelphia, to bring Lonnie Walker IV, one of our outstanding incoming freshmen, back to his hometown,” Larrañaga said. “We will also be playing in Washington, D.C., against George Washington University. That is the hometown of another outstanding [incoming] freshman, Chris Lykes.” After facing FAMU, Miami will battle the Explorers on a neutral court setting in Reading, Pa., on Nov. 22. Walker IV, who is expected to arrive on the UM campus in time for the Summer B session of classes, will be making a return to his hometown where he recently led Reading High School to its first PIAA Class 6A championship. The Hurricanes will once again compete at a neutral site when they return to South Florida on Dec. 2, as they face Princeton in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s third annual Hoophall Miami Invitational, a premier college basketball showcase held at AmericanAirlines Arena. Miami will later conclude its non-conference home slate against Boston University on Dec. 5, before traveling to the nation’s capital on Dec. 16. In the only true road game scheduled during non-conference play, the Canes will face the Colonials. The Hurricanes are also set to join seven other schools in the 2017 Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic, which will be played Dec. 22, 23, and 25, 2017 at Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu. Miami will also take part in the 19th annual ACC-Big Ten Challenge, a 14-team event to be played on campus sites Nov. 27-29, with its opponent still to be announced. The Canes will enter the challenge riding a three game winning-streak, most recently defeating Rutgers, 73-61. Season tickets for the 2017-18 men’s basketball season went on sale Friday, June 2 at 9 a.m. After back-to-back season ticket sellouts in 2015-16 and 2016-17, the demand for season tickets is at an all-time high. “We have sold out our season tickets for the last two season and we anticipate that this will be the third year in a row that you will not be able to buy a ticket, once our season begins in November,” Larrañaga said. “With the preseason polls picking us in the top 25, with one poll picking us top-5 in the country, and with our recruiting class being selected the sixth best recruiting class in the country by ESPN, there is a lot of genuine excitement for our basketball program. It might be at an all-time high to start the season. So, we encourage all of our season ticket holders to be sure they sign up now, don’t wait, because there won’t be any available soon.” A limited amount of season tickets are now available to purchase beginning at only $150. Call 1-800-GO-CANES (Option No. 1) and speak to a seating specialist today. Nov. 1 – Newberry College (Exhibition) Nov. 10 – Gardner-Webb Nov. 12 - Navy Nov. 16 – Florida A&M Nov. 22 – vs. La Salle (Reading, Pa.) Nov. 25 – North Florida Nov. 27-29 – ACC-B1G Challenge Game Dec. 2 – vs. Princeton ^ Dec. 5 – Boston University Dec. 16 – at George Washington Dec. 22, 23, 25 – Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic ^ Hoophall Miami Invitational, American Airlines Arena, Miami
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HURRICANE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017
@CANESWBB ADDS BAYLOR TRANSFER MOMPREMIER University of Miami head women’s basketball coach Katie Meier announced on May 16 the signing of Beatrice Mompremier, a transfer from Baylor. A 6-foot-4-inch forward from Miami, Mompremier made both the 2015 McDonald’s All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic. A unanimous Big 12 All-Freshman Team pick in 2015-16, Mompremier has two seasons of eligibility remaining following a pair of standout seasons for the Lady Bears. “We are thrilled to welcome Beatrice back home to Miami. She is such an accomplished player who has already achieved so much,” Meier said. “She was very productive in her time at Baylor and, although we have to wait a year, her experience will really help elevate our program to even greater heights.” Mompremier played in 70 games and logged 36 starts in her two seasons at Baylor. She averaged 7.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game, while shooting 54.2 percent from the field. The Miami native helped the Lady Bears compile a 69-6 mark the past two years, including a 34-2 record in Big 12 play, a pair of Big 12 regular season titles, one Big 12 Tournament championship and two Elite Eight berths. Over the first two years of her collegiate career, Mompremier recorded 10-plus points 22 times and 10-plus rebounds 13 times, leading to 10 double-doubles. As a freshman, Mompremier led the Lady Bears in both rebounding and blocked shots, garnered a pair of Big 12 Freshman of the Week accolades and won the team’s Academic Award. She scored a career-high 22 points against Texas Southern in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament. “Beatrice’s length and athleticism combined with her size make her an extremely special player,” Meier said. “She changes the game on both ends of the floor. I love the passion and intensity she plays with.” As a senior at Miami Senior High School, Mompremier averaged 25.2 points, 15.2 rebounds, 5.0 blocks, 3.5 steals and 2.6 assists per game to lead the Stingarees to a 29-3 record and their second straight 8A state title. A two-time Gatorade State Player of the Year and three-time first team all-state pick, Mompremier earned the 2015 Miss Florida Basketball distinction. A Miami Herald 6A8A Girls’ Athlete of the Year honoree, Mompremier helped lead the USA U18 National Team to a FIBA Americas Championship gold medal in 2014. ProspectsNation.com ranked Mompremier as a four-star recruit and the No. 11 player in the country, as well as the top prospect in Florida and the third-best post player. In addition, espnW HoopGurlz tabbed her with five-star status, listing her No. 20 overall, including second among Floridians and third among post players. Mompremier, who will sit out the 2017-18 campaign in accordance with NCAA transfer rules, will be one of six newcomers on the Miami roster next season. The Hurricanes are also set to welcome a quintet of four-star high school recruits. To keep up with the University of Miami women’s basketball team on social media, follow @CanesWBB on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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@MIAMIHURRICANES | #BUILDINGCHAMPIONS
WEBER EARNS SECOND TEAM WGCA ALL-AMERICA HONORS University of Miami women’s golf sophomore Dewi Weber was selected as a Second Team All-American on May 23 by the Women’s Golf Coaches Association (WGCA). This is the second time Weber has been honored by the WGCA. In 2016, she received WGCA All-America Honorable Mention recognition. “I could not be happier to see Dewi earn All-America honors,” head coach Patti Rizzo said. “Dewi was so consistent for our team throughout the year and she really set the standard for our team. This is such a tremendous honor for her and it is very well deserved.” Weber’s second team recognition from the WGCA adds to a postseason list of accolades, which includes being named to the All-ACC team. “There are so many talented players in women’s college golf and to be recognized as an All-American is really special,” Weber said. “I am fortunate to have great teammates and coaches that push me to be the best.” This past year, Weber posted a team-best six top-10 finishes and placed in the top 15 in nine events. She also won two tournaments. The Groningen, Netherlands native also recorded a team-best 71.9 strokes per round average. In addition, Weber posted nine rounds of 70-or-less during the year. Weber posted her best finish at the ACC Championship this past season, as she tied for 14th, tallying a three-round total of 218. Most recently, Weber led the way for the Hurricanes at the NCAA Championships, as she tied for 24th. For the most up to date information on the Miami women’s golf team, follow @HurricanesGolf on Twitter.
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HURRICANE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017
WE’LL GET YOU BACK IN THE GAME.
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OFFICIAL SPORTS MEDICINE PROVIDER FOR THE MIAMI HURRICANES, MIAMI MARLINS, AND THE U.S. SAILING TEAM
BEING SEBASTIAN
Kavan Kirk, Kevin Weaver and Dylan Weems share their experience behind the mask By Amanda Alvarez HurricaneSports.com He is a ladies’ man, he is the life of the party, he is the bird that speaks a million words without saying a single word. He is Sebastian the Ibis. You have seen him at every sporting event, walking around with undeniable swagger. You have probably stopped for a picture or two and have expressed your love to him. He is the University of Miami’s—and, let’s face it—the entire nation’s most beloved mascot. However, have you ever stopped to think…who is Sebastian the Ibis? To wear the feathers and beak is truly an honor at Miami. Recent University of Miami graduates Kavan Kirk, Dylan Weems and Kevin Weaver are just a few who have occupied the suit.
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When Brad Paisley came out with the hit single “Country Nation,” the music video featured many college mascots, including Sebastian. Kirk, a Florida native and country music enthusiast, had the chance to perform on tour with Paisley in West Palm. He admits that it is one of his favorite memories inside the suit. “Being on stage with Brad Paisley is not something I thought I could ever accomplish in my lifetime,” Kirk said. With the perks come challenges, as being an icon is not easy. “It can be hard to stay calm in intense situations like being caught in a crowd,” Weems said. “Half the time you can’t see what is around you and then you have people pulling and tugging on you and you just have to stay calm and collected and it really isn’t easy.” The three Ibises all agreed on the harsh conditions inside the suit. The heat and humidity they feel inside, on top of the blaring Miami sun, is no joke. Keeping hydrated throughout their events and making sure they get a few minutes to relax is crucial to getting though a game.
Their stories all start out the same; they arrived to campus in the fall of 2013 for freshman year. Little did they know a white flyer with orange text that said “Tryout to be Sebastian the Ibis” would open the door to an unimaginable college experience.
“It is like running in a sauna,” Weems said. “The suit raises the outside temperature by 40 degrees and keeps all the humidity in.”
Admitting to having little to no experience on how to be a mascot, the decision to try out was a chance worth taking.
Regardless of the heat, nothing is more satisfying than being able to entertain and perform the spell out in front of a crowd of thousands.
From the adidas event at LIV to being in an LG commercial, these guys have been a part of events that no other University of Miami student would have access to.
“I get chills every time I do the spell-out,” Weems said. “Knowing that you’ve got a packed house to yell C-A-N-E-S with you is truly satisfying.”
“Being Sebastian has given me the opportunity to make the most out of bad situations,” Kirk said. “If there was an event that wasn’t going as expected, it was always my job as Sebastian to try to turn it around and make it fun.”
Becoming Sebastian the Ibis means becoming a different person.
HURRICANE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017
“You have to act like a celebrity and you approach everything differently,” Weaver said.
Weaver takes with him confidence and enhanced public speaking skills. As an Orientation Program leader, he was able to address 5,000 people without fear. Having performed in front of large crowds as Sebastian, he has improved his ability to be comfortable with himself outside of the suit and has carried that attribute throughout his daily life. Alejandro Rengifo, whom they affectionately like to call dad, has overseen the mascot program for three years now. He concedes that these three outgoing seniors were excellent and each bird contributes something to the program. They are also responsible for teaching the next generation of mascots. As their coordinator, Rengifo was able to challenge and watch his team grow up in the process. Weaver’s leadership and passion for the program was evidently what made him such a great Sebastian. “He would meet with me to work on enhancing the experience of being a Sebastian and creating a true sense of camaraderie between the guys,” Rengifo said. Kirk was the more creative of the flock, coming up with new kooky ideas to entertain the crowd and the kids. He was also in charge of Sebastian’s Instagram account. “Kavan deserves all the credit for the Instagram posts,” Rengifo said. “His witty captions and artsy photos top anything I could’ve done. He was always up-to-date with the trends.” Like any well-oiled machine, there is a catalyst and Weems assumed that role as the responsible bird. He excelled at keeping his fellow mascots on time and holding them accountable. “You can always count on Dylan to be on top of everything,” Rengifo said. “If you ever gave him a longer project or event he was always a team player too.” Non-verbal communication is a skill not many people can say they have mastered. His ability to animate human characteristics while in suit are what make Sebastian come to life. “It took me a while to get used to using my hands and expressing myself without being able to speak,” Weems said, “It is honestly a more useful tool than you would think.” On behalf of Sebastian, Dylan would like to apologize to any fan he has ever avoided or ran away from. “If I didn’t take a picture with you, I am truly sorry. I was probably trying to get to a different area for promotional reasons,” Weems said. Sebastian appreciates his fans as they are the ones that make his job a lot more fun. Very few people can say they were Sebastian the Ibis. A tradition that has developed over the years is the big reveal on graduation day, as the mascots walk across the stage in their big, yellow Ibis feet and jersey. “That is one of my favorite memories as Sebastian,” Weems said. “I got to do the C-A-N-E-S spell-out in front of my graduating class. I had so much adrenalin and it was just awesome.” Once a flock, always a flock. The three graduates are on their way to pursuing the next chapter of their lives, but they take with them a bond, a lifetime experience and endless memories of being the University of Miami’s Sebastian the Ibis.
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@MIAMIHURRICANES | #BUILDINGCHAMPIONS
THREE HURRICANE LEGENDS NAMED TO THE NFF AND COLLEGE HALL OF FAME BALLOT A trio of legendary Miami Hurricanes are among the 75 players from the Football Bowl Subdivision who have been selected to the official ballot for induction into the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. First-team All-Americans Warren Sapp (1994), Ray Lewis (1995) and Ed Reed (2000 and 2001) have each been chosen for the 2018 national ballot. They will have the opportunity to join the 10 Hurricanes that have been previously selected to the NFF and College Hall of Fame. The announcement of the 2018 Class will be made Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta. The city is serving as the host for the CFP National Championship, which will be played later that day at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Some of the inductees will be on site during the announcement to represent the class and share their thoughts on being elected. The Jan. 8 announcement will be televised live, and specific viewing information will be available as the date draws near. A few inductees will also participate in the pregame festivities and the coin toss before the championship game. Sapp was a consensus All-American in 1994 and was the first Miami player to win the Lombardi Award and the Bronko Nagurski Trophy. During his All-American season in 1994, Sapp had 84 tackles and led the team with 10.5 sacks. Following the regular season, he was one of six finalists invited to the Downtown Athletic Club for the Heisman Trophy presentation. Lewis, who was selected as a First-Team All-American in 1995 by the Associated Press, was a three-year starter for the Hurricanes. He led Miami in tackles during his sophomore and junior seasons, setting consecutive records for solo tackles by a middle linebacker with 91 in 1994 and 95 in 1995. Following his 1995 season, Lewis was a finalist for the Butkus Award. Reed was a two-time consensus All-American for the Hurricanes in 2000 and 2001. He is one of just nine Miami players to earn All-America honors in back-to-back seasons. Reed played a key role in helping the Hurricanes to their fifth national title in 2001. During his career at Miami, Reed set career records for interceptions and interception return yards. Reed’s nine interceptions in 2001 rank as the second-best single-season total in program history. To be eligible for the Hall of Fame ballot, players must have been named a first-team All-America by a major/national selector as recognized and utilized by the NCAA for their consensus All-America teams; played their last year of intercollegiate football at least 10 years prior to nomination; played within the last 50 years and cannot be currently playing professional football. Once nominated for consideration, all player candidates are submitted to one of eight District Screening Committees, which conducts a vote to determine who will appear on the ballot and represent their respective districts. University of Miami National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Inductees Andy Gustafson (1985 inductee) Don Bosseler (1990 inductee) Jack Harding (1980 inductee) Ted Hendricks (1987 inductee) Bennie Blades (2006 inductee) Arnold Tucker (2008 inductee) Gino Torretta (2009 inductee) Russell Maryland (2011 inductee) Jimmy Johnson (2012 inductee) Vinny Testaverde (2013 inductee)
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HURRICANE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017
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CANES COMMUNITY CORNER Miami Begins Student-Athlete Admissions Ambassador Program
When prospective University of Miami students visit campus to determine their respective collegiate future, Hurricane student-athletes will be some of the first individuals to welcome them to school. In partnership with the Miami Office of Admissions, the Hurricanes’ Office of Student-Athlete Development announced that nine student-athletes will serve as Student-Athlete Admissions Ambassadors. “This is a wonderful opportunity for our current student-athletes to connect with the prospective Hurricanes that come to campus this fall and make them feel welcome,” Assistant Athletics Director fro Student-Athlete Development Shirelle Jackson said. “We want our students to know that when you become a Miami Hurricane whether you are a student or student-athlete, you are apart of family.” Each of the admission ambassadors will take part in 13 events over the upcoming year where they will speak with perspective students, admitted students and take part in speaking panels to showcase their respective Miami student experience. For the latest information on the Hurricanes’ Office of Student-Athlete Development follow @MiamiSAAC on Twitter and visit HurricaneSports.com. Student-Athlete Admissions Ambassadors Michael Burns-Baseball David Dinsmore- Swim & Dive Jaalen Jones- Track & Field Ronnie Johnson- Soccer Zach McCloud- Football Michael Robinson- Men’s Basketball Sidney Sterling- Cheer and Dance Phallon Tullis-Joyce- Soccer Ainsly Wolfinbarger- Soccer
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HURRICANE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017
UM SPORTS HALL OF FAME
NFL and UM Hall of Famer, Ted Hendricks to Serve as 2017 Tournament Host of the Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys/University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame Celebrity Fishing Tournament Ted Hendricks, a member of the UM and Pro Football Hall of Fames will serve as the celebrity host for the Seventh Annual Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys / University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame (UMSHoF) Celebrity Fishing Tournament, presented by Yamaha and Caribee Boat Sales, June 23 and 24 at Founders Park at Mile Marker 87 on the Overseas Highway in Islamorada, Fla. “I’m excited to host the Seventh Annual Miami Sports Hall of Fame Celebrity Fishing Tournament this year. Come join me and some of my UM friends in Islamorada”, said NFL and UM Hall of Famer, Ted Hendricks. “It is one of the best charity events anyone can participate in and your opportunity to mingle with UM greats is awesome. A Reel expert can tackle anything with UFISH.” The tournament weekend begins Friday evening with a kick-off party, final boat registration, silent auction and captains’ meeting followed on Saturday by a full day of fishing. On Saturday afternoon, the tournament will host its official weigh-in, followed by the Grady White Boats Dinner, awards ceremony and silent auction. New to the tournament this year, Flanigan’s Seafood Bar and Grill will be hosting the food throughout the weekend and Warbird Apparel is the official angler shirt sponsor. All events are open to the public. This is the only fishing event of its kind that matches participants with former Miami Hurricanes sports stars for the competition. Cash prizes and trophies will be presented to anglers in various inshore and offshore categories. A portion of the tournament proceeds will go to Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys, Coastal Conservation Association and the UMSHoF. Former Hurricanes sports stars who have participated in the past include NFL Hall of Famer and 2012 Tournament Host Warren Sapp (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Oakland Raiders), Clinton Portis (Denver Broncos, Washington Redskins), Brett Romberg (Jacksonville Jaguars, St. Louis Rams, Atlanta Falcons), Gary Dunn (Pittsburgh Steelers), Damione Lewis (St. Louis Rams, Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots, Houston Texans) and 1992 Heisman Trophy winner Gino Torretta (Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Indianapolis Colts). Tournament Information The Seventh Annual Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys/UMSHoF Celebrity Dolphin Fishing Tournament is presented by Yamaha and Caribee Boat Sales and brought to participants by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. For information about tournament participation, including boat entry or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.canesfish.com. (305) 667-0399 or contact the Tournament Director, Judy Layne at judy@canesfish.com. Follow the tournament on Facebook at www.facebook. com/canesfish and Instagram at www.instagram.com/canesfish . About the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame (UMSHoF) Nestled on the Coral Gables campus of the University of Miami, the UMSHoF is a 501(c)(3) corporation whose main purpose is to recognize those student athletes, coaches and administrators who have brought acclaim to the university through their accomplishments and championships. The showcase for the UMSHoF and the repository of the great sports traditions of the University of Miami is the Tom Kearns Sports Hall of Fame Building, located next door to the Hecht Athletic Center on San Amaro Drive. On display are photos and memorabilia representing the 300 inductees, National Championship Trophies, and artifacts that span the 90 year athletic history of the university. The UMSHoF displays include memorabilia from all of the university sports programs. For information about planning a visit, participating in one of the annual fundraising event or contributing to the UMSHoF, visit www.umsportshalloffame.com, send an email to umsportshallfame@aol.com or contact Executive Director John Routh directly at (305) 284-2775.
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HURRICANE MAGAZINE | JUNE 2017
FOUNDERS PARK ISLAMORADA FLORIDA REGISTER ONLINE NOW @ www.canesfish.com
Offshore Entry Fee - per Boat (includes 4 anglers)
Offshore Boat - Early Bird $500 by June 1st ($650 After June 1st) Additional Anglers - $125 Each
Inshore Entry Fee - per Angler (up to 3 anglers) $150 Each Inshore Angler
Hosted by
UM & NFL Hall of Famer Ted Hendricks
Fish with Your Favorite Canes All-Stars! ALL Tournament Events Take Place at
Founders Park MM 87
Official Tournament Host Hotel -
PostCard Inn Resort & Marina MM 84
Proceeds to Benefit Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys, The Buoniconti Fund, UMSHoF and CCA.
For More Info Contact:
Judy Layne
305.667.0399 judy@canesfish.com
John Routh 305.284.2775
Info@UMSportsHallofFame.com
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canesfish.com •
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facebook.com/canesfish
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