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.
MAY 2017 VOLUME VI, ISSUE 10
THE RUNDOWN
FEATURED The University of Miami Athletics Department broke ground on the Carol Soffer Football Indoor Practice Facility on May 4. Check out the complete recap from a historic day at The U.
6 // MIAMI BREAKS GROUND ON INDOOR FACILITY Miami baseball outfielder Michael Burns has been through a lot in his collegiate career. However, nothing compared to the news he received in the spring of 2016, when he learned he had cancer. We take a look back at his remarkable story and return to the diamond.
16 // BURNS STRIKES OUT CANCER Kyle Bellamy established himself as one of the Hurricanes’ top relief pitchers of all time, earning All-America honors in 2008. Today, the former Miami closer is making a name for himself once again as the Hurricanes’ Director of Football Nutrition and Performance.
40 // FORMER MIAMI PITCHER FUELS CANES 3
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LETTER FROM THE AD BY THE NUMBERS TALENT SHOW PHOTO GALLERY HURRICANE CLUB EVENTS THIS MONTH FOOTBALL CLOSES SPRING CAMP ATHLETES OF THE MONTH VOLLEYBALL FEATURE: DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK NFL DRAFT RECAP AROUND THE WEB BEHIND THE MIC WITH JOE Z FOUR TO KNOW MATCH MARCUS FOOTBALL: BY THE NUMBERS MEN’S BASKETBALL PROCANES KATIE MEIER EARNS CONTRACT EXTENSION MOTLEY DRAFTED CANES COMMUNITY OUTREACH RANKS IN THE TOP 25 CANES COMMUNITY CORNER UM SPORTS HALL OF FAME
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS Hurricane Fans, It has been a memorable start to May for Miami Athletics, as we not only celebrate the present but also acknowledge the future for our student-athletes, coaches and administration. Our spring sports are gearing up for their annual postseason runs. Women’s tennis fell to topseed North Carolina in the ACC Tournament semifinals but the Hurricanes’ six-match winning streak leading up to that match ensured that UM will advance to its 22nd consecutive NCAA Tournament. Paige Yaroshuk-Tews will now attempt to guide Miami to its 12th consecutive appearance in the Sweet 16! Track and field is coming off an outstanding showing at the Tom Jones Invitational in Gainesville. Carolyn Brown, Shakima Wimbley, Aiyanna Stiverne and Kristina Knott set a school record in the women’s 4x100m relay at 43.58 seconds, the eighth-fastest time in the NCAA this year. Wimbley also posted the second-fastest 200m time (22.47) in the NCAA this year. The Hurricanes now turn their attention to the ACC Championships in Atlanta May 12-14. Baseball just won two of three games at Boston College and has won seven of its last 10 games. The Hurricanes are pushing to extend their record of 44 consecutive NCAA appearances, and eight of their final 11 games will be at Mark Light Stadium so please come out to support Jim Morris’ club. Patti Rizzo’s golf team finished third at the recent ACC Championships -- the program’s best ever ACC finish – and now heads to Albuquerque, N.M., for the NCAA Regionals. Our football team wrapped up spring practice on April 22 and now the focus turns to the recruiting trail, where our coaching staff will look to build on what is shaping up to be one of the best UM classes in recent memory. Meanwhile, nine of our former players were selected in the NFL Draft this past weekend, including tight end David Njoku, who became the 64th first-round pick in Hurricanes history. Our nine draftees ranked third in the country – behind only Michigan (11) and Alabama (10) – and represented the most in the ACC and in the Sunshine State. All of us are looking forward to spring graduation ceremonies, which will take place May 12 at Watsco Center. We are proud that 49 of our student-athletes will be receiving their undergraduate degrees. Athletics has provided these gifted young men and women the foundation to earn a degree and to start pursuing their career goals. Congratulations to all of our new graduates—Hurricanes for life. Speaking of the Hurricanes family, we had a milestone moment this week as we officially broke ground on the Carol Soffer Indoor Football Practice Facility. Carol, whose family provided the lead gift, was present for the ceremony, along with UM President Dr. Julio Frenk, Coral Gables Mayor Raul Valdes-Fauli and head football coach Mark Richt. This amazing facility will benefit our student-athletes and coaches in all sports for years to come, and we couldn’t have reached this point without your help. We have raised more money for this capital project than any other in our 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. 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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MIAMI BREAKS GROUND ON CAROL SOFFER FOOTBALL INDOOR PRACTICE FACILITY The University of Miami held its official groundbreaking ceremony for the Carol Soffer Football Indoor Practice Facility on May 4 at the future site of the building on the Greentree Practice Fields. University of Miami President Julio Frenk, Director of Athletics Blake James, head football coach Mark Richt, Mayor of Coral Gables Raúl Valdés-Fauli and Carol Soffer, the namesake of the building, were among those who took part in the ceremony, which marked a major milestone in the project, expected to open in fall of 2018. As of May 4, just under $32 million of the $34 million needed for construction has been raised through the generosity of Hurricane supporters across the nation. The Soffer Family’s lead commitment of $14 million, the largest gift in University of Miami Athletics history, was announced in September 2016. ”The Carol Soffer Football Indoor Practice Facility will go a long way towards strengthening our commitment to building champions,” James said. “We are thrilled and humbled that so many Hurricanes alumni, fans and former players – and especially the Soffer Family -- have stepped forward to help fund this ambitious project.” The 81,800-square-foot facility will feature two field-turf fields – one 80 yards long, and an additional 40-yard field directly connecting to the Squillante Strength and Conditioning Center. The facility will feature interconnectivity to the Hecht Athletic Center. “The Carol Soffer Football Indoor Practice Facility will help support and strengthen our student-athletes’ ability to perform and compete at the highest levels,” said UM President Julio Frenk. “Hurricane Athletics’ quest of ‘Building Champions’ complements the University’s ‘Roadmap to our New Century’ and enhances our commitment to overall excellence.” Soffer is a lifelong champion of the University of Miami football program and athletics department, and an active member of the University community. Originally from Chicago, Soffer has been a Golden Cane Society donor for over 20 years and supported many Miami Athletics initiatives, most recently the Schwartz Center for Athletic Excellence project. ”The indoor practice facility is a major step forward for the University of Miami,” Soffer said. “It’s not only important for the football program but also for the athletic department as a whole. It’s going to be an amazing, state-of-the-art facility and I am proud and honored to have my name on the building.”
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BY THE NUMBERS A statistical look at the Miami Hurricanes
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Three teams from the University of Miami were among the 1,203 Division I sports teams honored by the NCAA with Public Recognition Awards for outstanding performance in the classroom
The Hurricanes had nine players drafted over the course of the 2017 NFL Draft, April 27-30 in Philadelphia. The nine Miami players selected were the most since 2006.
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The Miami women’s tennis team received a bid to the NCAA Team Championship for the 22nd year in a row. The Hurricanes have now reached the tournament 32 times in the 36-year NCAA era.
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CANES GOT TALENT SCENES FROM THE 2017 MIAMI ATHLETICS TALENT SHOW
HURRICANES CLOSE SPRING FOOTBALL CAMP University of Miami head football coach Mark Richt was back where it all began on the afternoon of April 22.
Quarterback Cade Weldon found Langham in the end zone for his second score of the afternoon, completing a four-yard touchdown pass that put the White team ahead, 24-9.
Richt returned to his alma mater as the Miami Hurricanes wrapped up their 2017 spring season with a scrimmage at Boca Raton High School.
“Langham is a bully on the field, honestly,” wide receiver Ahmmon Richards said. “Any 5050 ball, he is going to come down with it. He made a huge jump and he is going to surprise everyone this year.”
“It was very nice to be here at Boca Raton Community High School, home of the fighting Bobcats,” Richt said. “I had some wonderful moments out here as a player. Great team. As a matter of fact, I ran into about four or five teammates before the game today and we all looked a little bit different. But everybody has got the same smile, same friendship, same bonds, so that was a blessing to see all those guys. You know, today I mean it was a good day in that you got to learn so much. There was a lot of plays that were made, a lot of plays that could have been made offensively. Defense early on was dominant and then before you know it they are giving up some big plays here and there, which we can’t do. We have to keep our focus the whole time.” There were highlights on both sides of the ball, as the White team came back to beat the Orange team, 24-16. The Orange team scored first, with Michael Badgley connecting on a 27-yard field goal to cap a nine-play, 63-yard drive in the first quarter. Malik Rosier found tight end Christopher Herndon IV over the middle for a 23-yard touchdown to put Orange up, 9-0. But the White team began its comeback when cornerback Malek Young jumped in front of a pass to the sideline and returned the interception 72 yards for a touchdown. Young added five tackles and a second interception to his pick six from the opening half, while linebacker Charles Perry and defensive back Romeo Finely each picked off a pass on Saturday. “The one that I scored, we were in zone,” Young said. “I was reading the quarterback. He took two steps and threw it and I broke on the ball. The other one, we were in man and I was reading the quarterback also and I undercut it and broke on the ball.” Quarterback Jack Allison connected with wide receiver Darrell Langham for a six-yard touchdown to close out the first half and send the White team into the intermission up, 14-9. “I felt like this spring I had to really push myself to do better and actually explode this year,” Langham said. “I have to do more.” Kicker Marco Baeza drilled a 25-yard field goal to close out a 15-play, 64-yard drive with three points for the White team.
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Richards put an exclamation point on Saturday’s scrimmage, as the freshman All-American hauled in a 72-yard touchdown from Rosier to bring the Orange within one score, 24-16. “I’m just trying to go out every day and try to be better,” Richards said. “I am not letting all that stuff go to my head like people telling me, ‘You had a great season.’ I just try to go out there and just work.” In addition to the scoring plays, Miami had several standouts defensively on Saturday afternoon. Freshman defensive back Amari Carter led all Hurricanes with 10 tackles, while linebacker Shaquille Quarterman and defensive back Sheldrick Redwine were co-leading tacklers for the White team with seven stops apiece. Defensive linemen Pat Bethel had six tackles and 1.5 sacks for the Orange team, while fellow defensive lineman Kendrick Norton had a sack and four tackles for the white team. Prior to the scrimmage the team’s 2017 Spring Awards were handed out. Below is a complete list. Most Improved Quarterback: Malik Rosier/Evan Shirreffs Most Improved Safety: Sheldrick Redwine Most Improved Running Back: Travis Homer Most Improved Linebacker: Mike Smith Most Improved Wide Receiver: Darrell Langham Most Improved Cornerback: Michael Jackson Most Improved Tight End: Michael Irvin II Most Improved Defensive Lineman: Pat Bethel Most Improved Offensive Lineman: Navaughn Donaldson Most Improved Specialist: Sam York Defensive Leadership Award: Shaquille Quarterman Offensive Leadership Award: Mark Walton
JEB BARGFELDT | BASEBALL As the Hurricanes come down the home stretch of their 2017 regular season campaign, Miami pitcher Jeb Bargfeld started to heat up. In five starts on the mound during the month of April, the junior lefthander posted a 4-1 record and a team-best 1.44 earned run average. Bargfeldt allowed just five runs in those five starts over the course of 31.1 innings. In addition, Bargfeldt fanned 28 batters and held opponents to just a .178 batting average – the lowest of any pitcher on staff.
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OF THE MONTH
ESTELA PEREZ-SOMARRIBA | WOMEN’S TENNIS Freshman Estela Perez-Somarriba has made an immediate impact for the Miami women’s tennis team all year long and this past month was no exception. The Hurricane rookie posted a perfect 8-0 record in singles competition, including a 6-0 mark at the No. 1 spot and a 4-0 tally against ranked players. She also went 6-2 in doubles play with a 6-1 record at the No. 2 spot. Most recently, Perez-Somarriba was one of three freshmen to earn First Team AllACC honors. Thanks to Perez-Somarriba’s stong play, the Hurricanes posted a 7-2 record in the month of April, which helped Miami to its 22nd consecutive NCAA championship appearance. 15
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BURNS STRIKES OUT CANCER By Andrew J. Freeman HurricaneSports.com Michael Burns knew he wanted to be a Miami Hurricane baseball player. “It was a matter of the people in the program,” Burns said. “I met all the people at Miami and it was just something I could see myself doing.” For Burns, playing at Miami meant playing against the best. “There are a lot of great players all over the country, but the ACC seems to have a lot of them concentrated within the conference,” Burns said. “ A lot of the schools around us have a lot of tradition and storied programs, and I enjoy playing against that.” After signing to play for the Hurricanes, it appeared as though Burns was about to live out his life-long dream. But before he could suit up for the Hurricanes and live out his life-long dream of playing big-time collegiate baseball, Burns endured a nightmare that no 20-something student-athlete should ever have to live. Burns had cancer. After noticing a bump on his leg in late 2015, Burns was diagnosed with Myxoid Liposarcoma in the spring of 2016, a serious form of cancer. “I didn’t know if I was ever going to play again,” Burns said. “Not knowing was pretty tough.”
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The tumor not only threatened his baseball career, but could also threaten his ability to walk for the rest of his life. After piecing together an incredibly successful 2016 baseball season at Cisco College, Burns didn’t realize how serious it was until after his first surgery. “I went and got it tested out, and the first couple tests, they didn’t come back as serious as it was,” Burns said. “When it actually did come back as serious, and I figured out the rest of the treatment was coming, I didn’t know what was going to happen.” Burns underwent multiple rounds of radiation treatment on the tumor, and in his final surgery, a metal rod was inserted into his leg to help maintain the structure and mass. “My parents were the two primary people, who were there with me,” Burns said. “They were down in the trenches with me, every day.” Despite the grave projections, Burns said he tried his best to remain positive and keep an upbeat attitude. “I wanted to the take the best out of every situation and that’s what I did day to day,” Burns said. One of the hardest things for Burns was the lack of control over the situation. He wanted to be the one to choose when to hang up his cleats and not let cancer choose for him. “I always thought I was going to walk away from the game when I felt it was right,” Burns said. Coupled with a positive attitude and a strong work ethic, Burns beat cancer and was ready to return to the field. In his first season at Miami and in the ACC, Burns has been one of the most consistent Canes, and attributes the elevation of his level of play to the competition around him. As the Hurricanes head down the final stretch of the 2017 season, Burns is focused on helping Miami finish the year on a high note and earn its 45th consecutive trip to the NCAA championship. “This team’s been battle tested, there is no doubt about that,” Burns said. “We’re just going to keep trying to win games.”
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DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK Miami volleyball standout Haley Templeton is on the road to recovery following a season-ending injury in 2016
By Michael Lopez HurricaneSports.com
“You know that a setter has a big influence on the team and Haley has had a really big influence to the team since day one,” Miami head coach Jose “Keno” Gandara said.
Going down unexpectedly isn’t easy.
One of the most heralded recruits that UM has ever brought in, Templeton has always been an outstanding talent on the court. But assistant coach Kasey Crider sees her growth beyond the game as something that could help her and her teammates flourish going forward.
Getting back up can be even harder.
After seeing her 2016 season cut short due to injury after just three matches, University of Miami volleyball standout Haley Templeton returned to the court this “She is pretty unique,” Crider said. “She will always be one of the most talented players and you add in this piece where she is evolving as a teammate and as a spring and is poised for a triumphant return to competition in the fall. person and she matters, it’s the best way to put it.” Templeton was one of the best setters in the ACC and NCAA through two seasons of college volleyball. She was named the 2014 ACC Freshmen of the Year after earning five ACC Freshmen Player of the Week awards. Her sophomore year featured more accolades, as she was named All-ACC for the second consecutive year, but a foot injury early in her junior season forced her to miss the majority of the 2016 campaign.
When the injury happened following the opening weekend of the season, the team was in a bit of shock. Templeton was one of the players that would lead on the court through her play and was someone that teammates could gravitate to in tough times. That was now gone, as she was forced to watch her team from the bench while she recovered from injury. Both the coaches and players had to adjust quickly to playing Instead of competing with her teammates, Templeton was forced to sit on the without one of the best players in the conference. sidelines and focus on her rehab. After months of hard work and training, her foot was healed and she participated fully in spring volleyball. Now she has her eyes set “What defines you is how you respond to it once you are in it and all I had to do was look around to the players and see how they were responding,” Gandara said. on big goals for the 2017 season. “Obviously they were paying attention to how we (coaches) responded.” “My goal this year is to be setter of the year,” Templeton expressed, “It’s a big thing I want for the ACC, but my goal for the team is to win the ACC Championship and then Players and coaches were forced to step up and rally together, as the season had 29 matches remaining on the schedule. Setters like Hannah Sorensen and Alyssa get in to the top 16 for the NCAAs.” Basdavanos would be tasked with filling in for Templeton and that would be no easy Some may say that those goals are lofty, especially considering how the Hurricanes task, especially in a competitive conference like the ACC. went 15-17 last season and missed the postseason for the first time since 2008 to The goal was to compete and improve every day. Every practice and match was a snap a streak of seven consecutive trips to the NCAA tournament. learning opportunity for everyone involved, even Templeton, as she would watch the But a player like Templeton can make a huge impact on a team’s success. With 2,499 game from the sidelines and pick up nuances that she had never noticed before while career assists, Templeton is already third on Miami’s career assists list with two playing. full seasons of eligibility remaining. Her ability to distribute the volleyball and run Miami’s offensive system should help the Hurricanes return to the upper echelon of While the 2016 season was lost, her career was far from over. The determination that she put forth in her rehab was inspirational. It was an effort that everyone noticed ACC volleyball. and appreciated.
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She took the injury which put her at the lowest point in her college career and turned it into one of her greatest strengths. Templeton exceeded what she previously thought were her limits. She pushed past all the pain that she was dealing with in what was a grueling rehabilitation process, making her presence in the training room known in the morning before practice and in the afternoon after practice. While all her teammates were running drills and adjusting to the new rotation, she would sit on her stationary bike and ride. From the beginning to the end of practice, she would pedal and build strength in her legs and her core. “I’d be on the bike the whole practice” Templeton said. “I’d be doing rehab for a part of practice, so that helped a little bit, but biking and running and jumping weren’t exactly the same.” On match days, Gandara made her promise to not be a sideline coach. He asked her to just simply watch and observe the game. Learn. Learn from a new angle and perspective that she had never seen before. Despite her diligent rehab and all her work on the stationary bike, Templeton admits it was not easy when she returned to the court for the first time this spring. She had to adjust to playing volleyball again. “I thought it was going to be easier to come and start playing volleyball right away and I realized that I was just physically out of shape and had to work out twice as hard as everyone else to get back to where they were,” Templeton said. Entering the spring, nothing was guaranteed for Templeton. Despite all of her previous accomplishments, she would have to earn her way back to the top of the setter depth chart and that is exactly the competitive environment she thrives on. Proving herself was going to be the only way to regain the spot she coveted on the team. “Just like Hannah, just like every other setter that comes in, nothing is going to be given to her and she knows that,” Gandara said. “She knows that all she has to do is be good at her job and earn her position.” The Hurricanes’ coaches were not surprised to see Templeton enter the spring eager to earn back her spot. They saw her drive to succeed and her evolving maturity as a teammate and leader throughout her time away from playing as signs of major success to come. “I was pretty impressed with how tough she was when it happened,” Crider said. “The real deal was not, ‘Hey it hurts and I had surgery’, but being tough a week later, two weeks later, and six months later. She was so good in the training room and rehab every day and that consistency was a big deal. I didn’t know she had that in her.” Another benefit that came from Templeton’s recovery is an increased mental toughness. “I just had to rest and so I lost all my jumping height and my running,” Templeton said. “But I’ve got that back now which is great but it has been fun to come back and be able to work hard and show that it is possible to come back from a hard injury.” Templeton has overcome her injury and is ready for a big season in 2017. Her Hurricane teammates have also overcome obstacles, enduring a challenging 2016 season that made them mentally and physically tougher. Now Gandara believes the Canes will be more confident when times get tough. “We dealt with adversity and are now looking to shine bright,” said Gandara, “there are other teams that have dealt with adversity and those who deal with it the best are going to be the last team standing.”
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CANES SHINE ON DRAFT DAY The University of Miami football program had nine former players selected in the 2017 NFL Draft in Philadelphia. The nine Hurricanes chosen in the draft are the most since Miami had nine players selected in 2006. This year’s NFL Draft class marks the eighth time in the modern era that the Hurricanes have had nine-or-more players drafted (2017, 2006, 2004, 2002, 1993, 1991, 1990, 1988). The Hurricanes have now had five or more players taken in the NFL Draft 25 times since 1980. In addition, Miami has had 336 players (260 in the modern era) selected in the NFL or AFL Draft all time, a figure that leads the Atlantic Coast Conference. Tight end David Njoku’s selection by the Cleveland Browns on April 27 marked the 64th time a Hurricane had been taken in the first round. Miami has now had at least one player taken in the NFL Draft in 43 consecutive seasons. The Hurricanes third among FBS institutions with their nine NFL draft picks. RD PK NAME, POS. TEAM 1 29 David Njoku, TE Cleveland Browns 4 113 Rayshawn Jenkins, DB Los Angeles Chargers 5 152 Corn Elder, DB Carolina Panthers 5 180 Danny Isidora, OL Minnesota Vikings 6 196 Al-Quadin Muhammad, DL New Orleans Saints 6 215 Brad Kaaya, QB Detroit Lions 7 219 Stacy Coley, WR Minnesota Vikings 7 229 Adrian Colbert, DB San Francisco 49ers 7 240 Marquez Williams, FB Jacksonville Jaguars FREE AGENT SIGNEES: Jamal Carter (Denver Broncos), Justin Vogel (Green Bay Packers), Malcolm Lewis (Miami Dolphins)
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FUTURE #PROCANES
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David Njoku was selected with the 29th overall pick by the Cleveland Browns April 27 in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. The 2016 campaign was Njoku’s best as a Hurricane as he posted single-season bests in receptions (43), receiving yards (698) and touchdowns (8) en route to earning ACC all-conference honors. Njoku closed out his redshirt sophomore season on a high note as he scored touchdowns in five of his final six games.
Brad Kaaya was selected with the 215th overall pick by the Detroit Lions April 29 in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. The Los Angeles native started every game during the 2016 season and was a mainstay for the Hurricanes under center since stepping on campus in 2014 as a freshman. During his three seasons at Miami, Kaaya started 38 games and became the school’s all-time career leader in passing yards (9,968), completions (720) and attempts (1,188).
Rayshawn Jenkins was selected with the 113th overall pick by the Los Angeles Chargers April 29 in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. The St. Petersburg, Fla., native posted a breakout senior campaign for the Hurricanes in 2016, as he recorded single-season career highs in tackles (76), tackles for loss (4.5) and sacks (1.5). He also made 12 starts and appeared in all 13 games. Following his senior season, Jenkins received his first career ACSMA All-ACC honor.
Stacy Coley was selected with the 219th overall pick by the Minnesota Vikings April 29 in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Coley, a three-time All-ACC honoree, finished his four-year career with 166 receptions (second all-time), 2,218 receiving yards (fifth all-time) and 20 touchdown receptions (tied for fourth all-time). As a senior in 2016, Coley posted single-season career highs in receptions (63), yards (754) and touchdowns (9).
Corn Elder was selected with the 152nd overall pick by the Carolina Panthers April 29 in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. The Nashville, Tenn., native had a breakout senior season for the Hurricanes in 2016 as he started all 13 games and finished fourth on the team in tackles, closing the year with 76 stops (56 solo). Elder also had a team-best 12 pass breakups. Following the year, Elder was named All-ACC First Team by the league’s coaches and earned Second Team honors by ACSMA.
Adrian Colbert was selected with the 229th overall pick by the San Francisco 49ers April 29 in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Despite playing in just eight games this past season, the 6 foot, 2 inch graduate transfer from the University of Texas made a strong impact for the Hurricanes in 2016 as he posted a career-best 22 tackles (13 solo) and 2.5 tackles for loss. Colbert also made two starts.
Danny Isidora was selected with the 180th overall pick by the Minnesota Vikings April 29 in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Isidora, one of four Hurricane captains, was one of the most consistent Miami offensive lineman throughout the 2016 campaign. As a senior this past season, he helped pave the way for the Hurricanes to rush for 151.8 yards per game.
Marquez Williams was selected with the 240th overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars April 29 in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft. With his selection, Williams becomes the first Hurricane fullback drafted since the Cincinnati Bengals picked Nick Luchey in 1999. The Athens, Ga., native is just the second Miami fullback to be taken in the NFL Draft’s modern era.
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Joe Zagacki, The Voice of the Miami Hurricanes, chimes in on the Hurricanes’ quarterback battle, the offensive outlook, the defensive outlook and the groundbreaking of the Carol Soffer Football Indoor Practice Facility.
WITH JOE ZAGACKI
THE QUARTERBACK BATTLE The University of Miami concluded spring football as expected without a frontrunner at quarterback to replace Brad Kaaya. Evan Shirreffs and Malik Rosier did earn slight separation over Vincent Testaverde and Cade Weldon. Jack Allison decided to transfer and N’Kosi Perry will arrive this summer and jump into the competition. Shirreffs is a 6 foot, 5 inch sophomore, who has impressed the coaches with his toughness. He took a couple of knock out shots in the first scrimmage and got right back up. Rozier has experience and can generate big plays. Last year Miami turned the ball over only 10 times. That’s a championship number - think about how much that protects your defense. As much as Coach Richt loves his defense, he doesn’t want to have to send them out there 15-20 extra times next season, so whoever takes over at the quarterback, they’ll have to prove they can protect the ball and not make mistakes. The quarterbacks and the offense will get a big lift this summer with the arrivals of freshman wide receivers Mike Harley and Jeff Thomas. Both have breakaway speed and can turn short passes into long gains. THE O-LINE AND THE IMPORTANCE OF WALTON The offensive line also made significant progress in the spring. KC McDermott, Trevor Darling, Tyler Gauthier, Navaughn Donaldson and Tyree St Louis look like they have a chance to control the line of scrimmage. The competition will ramp up in the summer with the return of Nick Linder and Sonny Odogwu from injury. Linder has been a three year starter and is like a coach on the field. Donaldson is a massive man and whether he plays guard or tackle, he is so strong that when he gets his hands on a defender he dominates the play, plus in order to get around him a defender must take a wide path. The centerpiece of the offense will be running back Mark Walton. His toughness is contagious. Walton will have to carry the ball, catch the ball and protect the quarterback. I don’t see him spending much time on the sidelines.
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The Canes were smart with him in the spring as they will be in the summer, but when the season starts, it’s Mark Walton’s show. THE CANES DEFENSE This is the most excited I have been about the University of Miami defense in a long time. They have talent and depth in the front seven. This front seven will create havoc. In the secondary, Sheldrick Redwine showed flashes at safety. Jaquan Johnson is the glue. Malik Young is acrobatic and fast. More secondary help arrives this summer with Trajan Bandy and Jhavonte Dean. If those two play up to the expectations Miami should be solid in the secondary. The time between the end of spring and the beginning of training camp is a chance for the team to get better, but the players have to put in the work. That’s where all those old Hurricane teams excelled. It was the sweat that nobody could see that led them to championships. THE CAROL SOFFER FOOTBALL INDOOR FACILITY A game changer for the University of Miami is the Carol Soffer Football Indoor Practice Facility. The Hurricanes are the only school in the ACC that has not had an indoor facility. This isn’t about the rain and
to a much lesser extent about the heat. It is needed because of the lightning. Back in the 80’s and 90’s lightning detectors didn’t exist, but today they’re mandatory and when there is a lightning strike within range of the University practice is pretty much over. This indoor facility will solve that problem. Miami Director of Athletics Blake James is responsible for getting this and many other projects done. I consider this the most challenging times in college athletics. James has positioned Miami to be very competitive and I think will go down as the greatest Athletic Director in the history of the University of Miami. He took the job at a turbulent time and has been a calming force. He has modernized Miami’s facilities and thinking. Under James’ leadership, the Canes are truly Building Champions.
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NILE CLARK
MEN’S TENNIS FAVORITES Non-tennis athlete: Lebron James/Allen Iverson Ice cream: Praline Midnight snack: Yogurt Cereal: Peanut Butter Puffins Cereal Movie: White Chicks
Place on campus is: The Rat or the hammocks when they are up during finals. I wish I could travel to (where?): West Africa Meal: My mom’s fried fish Song right now: XO Tour Life by Lil Uzi Vert.
MAISIE BAKER
WOMEN’S SOCCER FAVORITES Soccer player: David Beckham Food: Seafood Movie: “Superbad” Professional sports team: Aston Villa Place to eat on campus: Lime Part about living in Miami: The weather
Sport other than soccer: Track and field on TV TV show: “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” Vacation spot: Sicily Clothes store: Topshop Color: Pink
CAROLYN BROWN
WOMEN’S TRACK AND FIELD FAVORITES Professional Sports Team: Dallas Cowboys Meal: Chicken Alfredo Candy: Jolly Ranchers Movie: 13 Going On 30 TV Show: Pretty Little Liars Music Artist: Ed Sheeran
Place on campus is: My dorm room Favorite University of Miami alumni is: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Favorite Vacation spot: The Bahamas Sport to watch on TV is: Track and field
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 | MAY 2017
Music genre: Rap Color: Blue Baseball player: Yordano Ventura Pitch: Fastball ACC park to pitch in: Mark Light Field Roommate on road trips: Albert Maury, Jr.
University of Miami Athletics, in partnership with Miami native and the star of CNBC show “The Profit,” Marcus Lemonis, announced the ‘Match Marcus’ fundraising campaign for Student-Athlete Excellence at a Hurricane Club pregame celebration before Miami’s appearance in the Russell Athletic Bowl on Dec. 28. The ‘Match Marcus’ campaign challenges the University of Miami community and Canes fans to raise a total of $2 million to support UM student-athletes in their pursuit of excellence. For every donation to the campaign, Lemonis will match half of the total - resulting in up to a $1 million gift from Lemonis. “I’m a big believer that as you experience success in life, you really have to remember where you came from and how you got there, and the people that got you there,” Lemonis said. “That’s very important to me. I’ve always been grateful to the University of Miami for years for really giving me something to look forward to.” All funds will be directly used by the athletics department to enhance the student-athlete experience and resources in the classroom, in competition and in life skills and career development. Lemonis jumpstarted the ‘Match Marcus’ campaign with a $250,000 check presented to Director of Athletics Blake James at the celebration outside Camping World Stadium. “On behalf of our 400+ talented student-athletes, we truly appreciate Marcus’s commitment and leadership to give and inspire others to get involved with our program and supporting student-athlete excellence,” James said. “Marcus has motivated and inspired countless people through his business career, and we are honored to have his partnership in Building Champions at the University of Miami. For information on how to make a gift in support of the MatchMarcus Campaign or to track our progress, visit MatchMarcus.com or call the Hurricane Club at (305) 284-6699.
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To Fans and Friends of the University of Miami Athletics, Now that our University of Miami teams have concluded their seasons, it is important to remember that NCAA rules still affect our student-athletes, coaches, institutional staff members and fans throughout the year, not just during the playing season. That being said, we wanted to review a few guidelines that our fans should keep in mind. Use of student-athletes name, image or likeness: NCAA Bylaws also prohibit boosters, local business and corporate entities from using a student-athlete’s name, picture or likeness to promote any commercial product. A student-athlete’s name or picture may also not appear on commercial items Employing student-athletes: Student-athletes must only be paid the going-rate in the locale for their employment. This means, for example, that if the going rate for employment in a certain field is $20 an hour, it would be impermissible to pay a student-athlete $50 an hour for the same job. Additionally, student-athletes may only be paid for work actually performed. There have been many NCAA violations concerning student-athletes receiving money without actually performing the work they are being paid to do. This means that studentathletes should also not be paid in advance of performing work, to ensure the work is actually completed before receiving payment. Student-athletes who receive payment without performing work jeopardize their eligibility and UM would need to seek reinstatement among other potential penalties. Extra Benefits: An extra benefit is any special arrangement by an institutional employee or a representative of the institution’s athletics interests to provide a student-athlete or a prospective student-athlete or their friend or family member a benefit not authorized by the NCAA. The receipt of a benefit is not in violation of NCAA legislation if it can be demonstrated that the same benefit is available to the general student population or a particular segment of the student body. Recruiting: 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. Please contact the University of Miami Compliance Department with any questions regarding NCAA or ACC rules or regulations at athleticscompliance@miami.edu or 305-284-2692. 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
THREE MIAMI TEAMS EARN APR PUBLIC RECOGNITION Three teams from the University of Miami were among the 1,203 Division I sports teams honored by the NCAA with Public Recognition Awards for outstanding performance in the classroom, the NCAA announced on May 3. The University of Miami men’s cross country team, women’s golf team and women’s tennis team each posted perfect scores on their most recent multiyear Academic Progress Rate (APR). The APR is an annual scorecard of academic achievement calculated for all Division I sports teams nationally. The scores required to be in the top 10 ranged from 984 to a perfect 1,000, depending on the sport. There were 1,090 teams that earned a perfect APR score. “Our young men and women at the University of Miami continue to define what it means to be a student-athlete,” said Miami Athletics Director Blake James. “I could not be more proud of the academic excellence our teams demonstrate in the classroom.” Hurricanes men’s cross country received its fourth consecutive and eighth overall Public Recognition Award, while women’s golf collected its third consecutive and seventh total honor. Women’s tennis was recognized for the first time. The Canes have won at least three Public Recognition Awards in each of the last seven years. “I would like to recognize our men’s cross country, women’s golf and women’s tennis teams for achieving national excellence with a perfect APR score,” James added. “In addition to our student-athletes’ dedication in the classroom, I also would like to thank our coaching staff and academic staff in guiding our student-athletes to be the very best in the classroom, community, competition and in life.” Miami has received 41 public APR awards in 12 sports since the program was instituted 12 years ago – baseball (2011, 2012) women’s golf (2006, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017), indoor men’s track & field (2009), outdoor men’s track & field (2006, 2008, 2009), men’s cross country (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), women’s cross country (2012, 2013, 2014), women’s swimming (2014, 2015), women’s tennis (2017), men’s diving (2006, 2007, 2009, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016), football (2010, 2011, 2012), men’s tennis (2011) and men’s basketball (2013, 2014, 2015). Each year, the NCAA honors select NCAA Division I sports teams by publicly recognizing their latest multiyear NCAA Division I Academic Progress Rate. This announcement is part of the overall Division I academic reform effort and is intended to highlight teams that demonstrate a commitment to academic progress and retention of studentathletes by achieving the top APRs within their respective sports. Specifically, these teams posted multiyear APRs in the top-10 percent of all squads in each sport. The APR provides a real-time look at a team’s academic success each semester by tracking the academic progress of each student-athlete on scholarship. The APR accounts for eligibility, retention and graduation and provides a measure of each team’s academic performance. Multiyear APRs for all Division I sports teams, including the teams receiving public recognition, will be announced May 10.
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HURRICANE MAGAZINE | MAY 2017
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NBA James Jones (1999-03): Cleveland Cavaliers James Jones is playing in his 14th NBA season for the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers as they head to the postseason hoping for another deep run. Jones is a veteran leader on the Cavs and shot a scorching 47 percent from three on the year. Sheldon Mac (2014-16): Washington Wizards Sheldon Mac is playing his first NBA season in the capital city with the Washington Wizards. He shot an efficient 85 percent from the free throw line in his rookie season, and now hopes to be a valuable role player in his first playoff run with the Wizards. NFL Jimmy Graham (2005-09): Seattle Seahawks Former Canes hooper Jimmy Graham will begin his eighth season in September with the Seattle Seahawks. The fourtime pro bowler caught six touchdowns during the season, while adding another touchdown in the Seahawks road playoff loss to the Atlanta Falcons. He also racked up 923 yards on 65 receptions, the second most on the team. Erik Swoope (2009-14): Indianapolis Colts Erik Swoope completed this past season with the Indianapolis Colts. Appearing in all 16 games last season, four as a starter, he caught 15 passes for 297 yards. He also averaged 19.8 yards per catch and caught his first career touchdown week 15 against the Vikings. NBA D-League Trey McKinney-Jones (2011-13): Fort Wayne Mad Ants (D-League) Trey McKinney Jones started on the wing at the small forward position for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants this season, the Indiana Pacers D-League affiliate. Averaging 35.7 minutes per game, Jones recorded 16.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.1 assists per contest. He hit 47.2 percent of his shots from the field and 84.5 percent from the line. Overseas Rion Brown (2010-14): Joensuun Kataja Basket (Finland) Rion Brown is in the starting five for Joensuun Kataja Basket in Finland. Brown is leading the team with 18 points per contest. Brown is contributing 6.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists while also
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leading the team in three-point percentage, converting on a scorching 46 percent of his attempts. Ivan Cruz Uceda (2014-16): Cafes Candelas Breogan Lugo (Spain) Ivan Cruz Uceda is a key contributor for Cafes Candelas Breogan Lugo in Spain. Cruz Uceda has played in 32 games this year averaging 10 points and six boards in 18 minutes per contest. Breogan currently sits in second of the LEB Gold Standings. Guillermo Diaz (2003-06): San Lorenzo de Almagra (Argentina) Guillermo Diaz is part of the lethal backcourt for San Lorenzo de Almagra in Argentina, who are currently in first place in the South division of the Liga A standings. Diaz is averaging 10.5 points per game and is shooting over 60 percent from the floor, an impressive mark for a guard. Julian Gamble (2008-13): Telekom Baskets Bonn (Germany) Julian Gamble starts at center for Telekom Baskets Bonn based in Germany. Gamble anchors the middle for the squad, averaging 12.6 points while also ripping down 6.2 rebounds per contest. Malcolm Grant (2009-12): KK Tajfun Sentjur (Slovenia) Malcolm Grant started at small forward for KK Tajfun Sentjur in Solvenia. Grant has averaged 13.3 points per game while also shooting a searing 51 percent from distance. Tonye Jekiri (2012-16): Bandirma Kirmizi (Turkey) Tonye Jekiri is playing his first pro year for Bandirma Kirmizi in Turkey. Starting at center, Jekiri is all over the glass, posting an average of 8.8 rebounds per game, a mark that leads the team. Jekiri has played in all 34 games this season adding 10.6 points per game on 62 percent shooting. Reggie Johnson (2009-13): Mono Vampire Bangkok (Thailand) Reginald Johnson starts at the five for Mono Vampire Bangkok. Averaging a double-double with 21.3 points and 13.9 boards per contest, Johnson is a force to be reckoned with in the paint. DeQuan Jones (2008-12): Lille Metropole Basket (France) DeQuan Jones started at the small forward position for Lille
Metropole Basket in France. Jones led the team in scoring with 17.1 points per game, while adding five rebounds per game. He played in 21 games this past season. Kenny Kadji (2011-13): Trabzonspor Medical Park Basketbol (Turkey) Kenny Kadji has played in 24 games this year for Trabzonspor Medical Park Basketbol in Turkey, starting at the power forward position. Kadji contributes 14.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per game while shooting 59 percent from the field. Donnavan Kirk (2009-11, 2013-14): Fukuoka Rizing (Japan) Donnavan Kirk played 32 games at the power forward position posting 10.4 points per game while adding 5.9 boards. Kirk was lethal from downtown converting on 42 percent of his three pointers attempted. Shane Larkin (2011-13): Saski Baskonia Vitoria (Spain) Shane Larkin started at point guard for Saski Baskonia Vitoria in Spain for the 2016-2017 season. A true floor general Larkin leads the team in both scoring and assists with 14.2 points and 5.4 dishes per contest, respectively. Larkin has also converted on 101 of his 110 free throw attempts marking a stellar 92 percent from the line. Angel Rodriguez (2014-16): Cholet (France) Angel Rodriguez was the backup point guard for Cholet, a French Team. Rodriguez was a spark plug off the bench and averaged 10 points per contest. Rodriguez also did significant damage from the charity stripe as he led the team in free throws made, shooting an impressive 86 percent from the line. Durand Scott (2009-13): Enel Basket Brindisi (Italy) Durand Scott started at the three for Enel Basket Brindisi in Italy. Scott dropped 15.0 points per game on the season, the second highest total on the team. In addition, he is totaling 5.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists.
MEIER INKS CONTRACT EXTENSION THROUGH 2023-24 University of Miami Director of Athletics Blake James announced on April 11 a three-year contract extension for head women’s basketball coach Katie Meier. The new contract for Meier, who just completed her 12th season at the helm of the Hurricanes, will run through the 2023-24 campaign. “Coach Meier has demonstrated the excellence that Miami pursues every day and she is a valued member of our family,” James said. “We look forward to her leading our women’s basketball program for years to come and to continue building champions, on the court and off.” A 16-year head coaching veteran with a career record of 307-197, Meier has guided Miami to a 231-152 mark during her time in Coral Gables. She is set to be inducted into the UM Sports Hall of Fame on April 18. The AP National Coach of the Year and ACC Coach of the Year in 2011, as well as the USA Basketball Coach of the Year in 2013, Meier has led the Hurricanes to unprecedented heights. Miami has made eight consecutive postseason berths under Meier’s direction, reaching 20 wins in seven of those campaigns. Over the past seven years, the Hurricanes have earned six NCAA Tournament berths, rank third in the ACC in conference victories and are tied for third in overall victories. “After the season, when Blake approached me with the extension, I was humbled and extremely grateful. I was also very excited,” Meier said. “Through my conversations with Blake and Deputy AD Jennifer Strawley, it became clear that we all want this program to operate at the highest possible level. I feel so strongly that I want to be a part of that continued growth. “I’m proud of what my staff has been able to accomplish so far, and yet we all are pushing for that next level. Commitment and continuity are major factors in a program’s development and this extension provides that. Personally, I am so deeply rooted here at The U and in the Miami community, which makes this even more special.” In 2016-17, Miami finished the season 24-9 (10-6 ACC), advancing to the ACC Tournament semifinals and the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Hurricanes finished the year No. 19 in the USA TODAY Coaches Poll, the fourth time in the past seven campaigns they have ended the season ranked. A native of Marietta, Ga., Hayes concluded her career tied for third on Miami’s all-time games played list with 129. She was also fifth in field goal percentage (.511), ninth in rebounds (754) and No. 21 in scoring (1,141). Thomas, who hails from Gainesville, Fla., finished second in games played at Miami with 130. In addition, she was third in both 3-pointers made (179) and attempted (586), as well as No. 10 in assists (374) and No. 16 in scoring (1,281). Motley finished in the top 10 on nine career leaderboards at Miami, including four in the top five. She ranked second in games started (126) and tied for third in games played (129), while placing fourth in 3-pointers made (169) and fifth in 3-point attempts (477). Motley also finished sixth in scoring (1,844), sixth in field goal attempts (1,537), seventh in field goals made (689), eighth in 3-point percentage (.354) and No. 10 in free throw percentage (.750). Hayes, Thomas and Motley became just the second teammate trio in program history to have 1,000 points at the same time, joining Kym Hope, Jennifer Jordan and Cassaundra Wimes in 199899. The Miami senior class of Hayes, Thomas, Motley and guard Nigia Greene was one of the very best to ever don the orange and green at Miami. In the two seasons (2015-16 and 2016-17) during which all four played, the Hurricanes went 48-18, good for the fifth-most wins and seventh-best winning percentage in a two-year span in program history. Additionally, both the single-game overall attendance and student attendance records were broken in the Hurricanes’ first year playing at the newly-named and recently-renovated Watsco Center. In 2017-18, Miami will return six players who have started multiple games as Hurricanes. Meier, who eclipsed 300 wins in her 16-year coaching career this season, is also set to welcome a top-20 recruiting class that features a quintet of nationally-ranked, four-star prospects.
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@MIAMIHURRICANES | #BUILDINGCHAMPIONS
@CanesWBB Hosts 2016-17 Team Banquet The University of Miami women’s basketball team held its 2016-17 team banquet May 1 at the Newman Alumni Center. Players, coaches, support staff and faithful fans were all on hand to celebrate a fantastic season that saw the Hurricanes finish with a 24-9 (10-6 ACC) record. Miami made the postseason for the eighth year in a row, reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament and made the semifinals of the ACC Tournament. Miami’s outstanding senior class was recognized and seven awards were handed out to five players, with two individuals earning multiple accolades. Sarah Mortensen, a freshman guard/forward from Copenhagen, Denmark, was recognized with the team’s Academic Award. Keyanna Harris, a junior forward who hails from nearby Riviera Beach, Fla., garnered Miami’s Most Improved Player award. Senior guard Jessica Thomas earned the Strongest Player award for the third consecutive year. The Gainesville, Fla., native also picked up the Assists Leader honor for the third straight season. Redshirt senior forward Keyona Hayes was awarded with the Hurricanes’ Most Intense Player distinction. In addition, the Marietta, Ga., native earned Miami’s Windex Award as the top rebounder. Adrienne Motley, a senior guard from Newport News, Va., was named the team’s Co-Most Valuable Player for the fourth season in a row, sharing the honor with Thomas, who collected the accolade for the first time. The Hurricanes will welcome back several key players in 2017-18, as well as bring in a top-20 recruiting class to Coral Gables. To keep up with the University of Miami women’s basketball team on social media, follow @CanesWBB on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. AWARD RECIPIENTS Academic Award: Sarah Mortensen Most Improved Player: Keyanna Harris Strongest Player: Jessica Thomas Assists Leader: Jessica Thomas Windex Award: Keyona Hayes Most Intense Player: Keyona Hayes Co-Most Valuable Players: Adrienne Motley and Jessica Thomas
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HURRICANE MAGAZINE | MAY 2017
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Former Miami pitcher Kyle Bellamy serves as the Canes nutritionist By Amanda Alvarez HurricaneSports.com
Providing student-athletes with a resource he wishes he had as an athlete.
University of Miami Director of Nutrition and Performance Kyle Bellamy knows what being a student-athlete is all about. After all, he used to be one at The U.
“For the guys who do like cooking and go grocery shopping on their own I like to take them and teach them what they need to do,” Bellamy said. “I teach them how to eat healthy on a budget and how to make their groceries last two weeks,”
As a student-athlete at Miami, Bellamy made a name for himself on the mound for the Hurricanes’ baseball team, earning second team All-America honors before beginning a professional baseball career in the Chicago White Sox organization. Bellamy eventually came back to school to complete a Bachelors of Science in exercise physiology. His initial plan was to be a strength coach, and he interned with both the football and baseball teams to help guide him down his path. However, while completing his masters his love for nutrition blossomed. His goal; to combine strength and conditioning with nutrition to help student-athletes perform to the best of their ability. Having played at the Division I and professional levels, Bellamy noticed the lack of guidance he received in times when he needed the most help. Today Bellamy works closely with the football team, managing, guiding and educating 114 players how to eat and when to eat.
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Bellamy understands the day-to-day schedule and the demands on the body, both mentally and physically. He finds himself sitting down with the players during meal times to understand how their day went and puts himself in their shoes to effectively compromise instead of pushing eating habits. “Their schedules are filled all day long, they sit down at dinner and as a human you want to relax and the last thing a lot of them want is for me to come over and tell them what to eat” Bellamy said, “So it is a lot of compromise. I tell them to at least add a spoon full of broccoli if they are going to eat anything remotely unhealthy.” Each and every athlete has an individual goal. Bellamy with the help of the football coaching staff is responsible for making sure the athletes meet them. For some that involves eating 4,000 to 5,000 calories a day; for others that might mean to cut back on caloric intake. “It is a nonstop job,” Bellamy said. “They are constantly consuming and I am constantly communicating with them. I have guys text me
while they are at dinner to ask me if they can eat certain things on the menu.” While Bellamy hopes to change the way they all eat, he knows that it is not possible. His main efforts are on educating and hoping that they make their choices based on what he tells them. “Some guys are more motivated than others. Some see me as any other coach they have on the field and really absorb and practice what I have to say,” Bellamy said. In the year that he has been in this role, Bellamy has seen positive transformations, rangining from changes in body fat percentage and weight to the energy on the field. “They understand what types of food improve what aspects of their performance and you see them get excited about that,” Bellamy said. It’s reaching the professional level that Bellamy emphasizes to his players. He mentions that work ethic and skill can get you there but nutrition will keep you playing longer. For some, nutrition is the missing puzzle piece to what will make them that top tier athlete. “In college you begin to develop strengths and conditioning and notice how important it is to feel strong. It is not until the professional level where you ask yourself what you are missing and that’s when eating better and eating clean being to form in your mindset,” Bellamy said. There is more to nutrition than just the fact that it can make you look good. Bellamy explains that it is a fundamental in the way your body recovers, feels and performs. Simply eating well can set up any student-athlete for positive results, whether it’s their next workout, game or practice, the effects are greater than one would think. “People in the United States are generally confused about what they should be eating. I do hope one day that changes. But for now I am going to use my knowledge to help the football program.” Bellamy said. Bellamy says that there are some very simple guidelines that anyone can follow to help achieve their goals. He recommends cutting out unnecessary sugar like candy, brownies, cookies. Cut off fast food because it us generally low in nutrients and quality and cut out fried food. “Just taking these steps and eliminating those things from your diet can help improve your health dramatically,” Bellamy said. “I love everything I do and it just adds a little bit of extra fuel to my fire just because it is my school. I know what bringing a national championship title would mean to the university, fans, the students, so I love where I’m at,” Bellamy said. “I don’t see myself going anywhere anytime soon.”
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Miami Among The Nation’s Best in Community Engagement The University of Miami Department of Athletics continued to earn high praise with its student-athlete community outreach program, as it earned a No. 3 ranking in the NCAA Team Works Helper Helper Community Service Competition. The Hurricanes’ No. 3 ranking in the NCAA Community Service Top 25 is the highest among Atlantic Coast Conference institutions. “University of Miami student-athletes are committed to serving our community - and the world,” Miami Director of Athletics Blake James said. “To be ranked as the No. 1 institution in the ACC for community service says a lot about our student-athletes, our coaches, our support staff and the values of our University, and I could not be more proud.” NCAA Team Works, which coordinates community service efforts at NCAA championships, and Helper Helper, a volunteer management and tracking platform, launched the community service competition to recognize student-athletes who give back to their communities. The competition ran from January through March. The winning schools were determined based on the amount of service hours completed and the participation of student-athletes. Over the course of the past three months, Miami student-athletes participated in 75 events with 16 nonprofit organizations and tallied 1,531 service hours since the competition began. “This is such a tremendous accomplishment for our student-athletes,” assistant athletics director for student-athlete development Shirelle Jackson said. “Our student-athletes truly care about helping others and making their community a great place to live.” In the team-specific competition, the Hurricanes tallied the most community service hours among all Division I men’s tennis programs. In addition, the Miami athletics community outreach programs also ranked in the NCAA’s top five in each of the following sports: men’s basketball (No. 3), football (No. 2), women’s rowing (No. 4), women’s soccer (No. 3), men’s track and field (No. 5) and women’s track and field (No. 5). Rounding out the top five schools in Division I competition were George Washington (No. 1), Fairfield (No. 2), North Carolina Central (No. 4) and Louisville (No. 5).
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CANES COMMUNITY CORNER Miami soccer standout Ronnie Johnson has established herself as a leader in the South Florida community
University of Miami senior Ronnie Johnson is living proof that a studentathlete’s activities never really end. However, this Canadian overachiever would not have it any other way. In addition to double majoring in international finance and marketing and playing a key role on the Miami women’s soccer team, Johnson has established herself as a leader on campus and in the South Florida community. “There are a lot of different things that I am involved in and they all bring different things to the table,” Johnson said. In the month of April alone, Johnson has volunteered over 15 community service hours, working with the Miami Mission, the Best Buddies program and visited young children at Holtz Hospital. “It’s been so rewarding to work with those in need and from a leadership standpoint, I feel like I have gained a lot of experience through working in the community,” Johnson said. Johnson believes that her community work has set a good example for her teammates, who are looking to get involved in other activities outside of going to school and soccer. “There are a lot of freshmen that come in and they don’t really know how to get involved when they are here, but if they see someone, who is doing more than just soccer then they think that they can get involved and do all of these things as well,” Johnson said. “I think it opens a lot of people’s eyes once they get on campus.”
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HURRICANE MAGAZINE | MAY 2017
UM SPORTS HALL OF FAME
Nine Hurricanes Inducted Into UM Sports Hall of Fame The University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame held its 49th Annual Induction Banquet April 18 at Jungle Island and welcomed nine new members to its prestigious club. The Class of 2017 included football’s James Jackson, Jeremy Shockey and Darryl Williams, baseball’s Ryan Braun and Dan Davies, men’s basketball’s Steve Edwards, women’s tennis’ Audra Cohen, women’s basketball coach Katie Meier and Valeria Tipiana, the first volleyball player ever inducted. The evening began with former Hurricane offensive lineman Joaquin Gonzalez being presented with his Hall of Fame jacket. The South Florida native was inducted to the UM Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2016, but elected to wait until 2017 to receive his hall of fame jacket, as he was unavailable to attend the 2016 banquet. With the newest additions to the Hall of Fame, there are now 309 members. The induction ceremony included over 450 guests, including UM Sports Hall of Fame members, Brett Romberg, Charles Johnson, K.C. Jones, head golf coach Patti Rizzo, head women’s tennis coach Paige Yaroshuk-Tews and director of track and field/ cross country Amy Deem. The class of 2017 spans over 30 years of Hurricane athletics, ranging from Davies, who played from 1983-1986, to Meier, who currently serves as the Miami women’s basketball coach. In addition to honoring its new members, the Hall of Fame also honored kicker Michael Badgley as the 24th recipient of the Walter Kichefski Endowed Scholarship.
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HURRICANE MAGAZINE | MAY 2017
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