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University of Miami Athletics Annual Report 2008-09 CHAMPIONS ARE MADE HERE

2008-09University of Miami Athletics Annual Report

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This is the first University of Miami Athletics Annual Report, a yearly account intended to provide a look into the UM family.

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Page 1: 2008-09University of Miami Athletics Annual Report

University ofMiami

AthleticsAnnual Report

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Mission StatementThe University of Miami’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is dedicated

to developing and supporting its student-athletes in their efforts to achieve

personal, academic and athletic excellence; resulting in the highest standards of

achievement. Through its programs, the department will provide a foundation

which prepares student-athletes for future success.We are committed to:• Providing a culture of well-being for student-athletes

and staff• Complying with the rules and policies of all governing

bodies and the University of Miami• Conducting ourselves as representatives of the

University, its Board of Trustees, administration, faculty, students, staff, alumni and friends with integrity, class and distinction

• Supporting the mission of the University of Miami• Fiscal Integrity• Providing the opportunity and resources for

student-athletes to achieve excellence through growthand development academically and athletically

• Developing leaders in their fields and in their community

• Providing equitable opportunities regardless of race,color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, nationalorigin, disability or veteran status

Our Core Values are:• Integrity• Sportsmanship• Accountability• Pride • Diversity • Education• Professional Conduct• Ethics

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In my first year as the Director of Athletics at the University of Miami, I was both amazed and impressedat the commitment and desire of our student-athletes, coaches and staff to achieve success in all aspects oflife. I was equally impressed with the unyielding support our fans, alumni and donors have shown our program. Needless to say, it was truly a memorable 2008-09 season.

This is the first University of Miami Athletics Annual Report, a yearly account intended to provide you,our stakeholders a unique look into our UM family.

This report is a detailed, 40-page account of our 2008-09 season – in the classroom, in the community andin athletic competition. Inside you’ll find a comprehensive look into our athletic department, including team-by-team reports from this past season as well as inspiring stories of some of our impressive student-athletes.

The 2008-09 season saw a number of student-athletes, coaches and teams at UM achieve success on the national stage. Two head coaches –Paige Yaroshuk-Tews (women’s tennis) and Nicole Lantagne Welch (volleyball) – were named ACC Coach of Year after stellar seasons on thecourt. Our student-athletes earned a total of 15 All-America honors this past year, while junior Laura Vallverdu reached the NCAA singles finalin women’s tennis and senior track star Murielle Ahoure won the 200-meter event at the NCAA Indoor National Championship.

For as much athletic success as our teams had this past season, there is an exceptional amount of time and effort our Hurricane family putsforth outside the lines. In the classroom, our football team achieved the seventh-highest Academic Progress Report score in the country and graduated an impressive 14 student-athletes, a mark we believe was the highest in the country. Five of our teams achieved a perfect GraduationSuccess Rate (GSR) score last year and for the second season in a row, Jack McClinton was the only ACC basketball player to be named to boththe All-ACC First Team and the All-ACC Academic Team.

In addition to the hard work our student-athletes put forth in the classroom, our commitment as an athletic department to give back to theSouth Florida community was something I take a great amount of pride in. That undertaking was surely evident this past year, when our student-athletes, coaches and staff spent countless hours taking part in a number of community outreach programs.

One of the most important endeavors in my first year was the establishment of a master plan for major facilities improvements at theUniversity of Miami. The construction of a basketball practice facility on campus was recently completed as well as a number of other upgradesincluding Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field, the Neil Schiff Tennis Center and Cobb Stadium.

Our football team’s move into Land Shark Stadium was highlighted by the induction of a new Ring of Honor class, as we welcomed Hurricanegreats Edgerrin James, Jim Kelly, Cortez Kennedy, Jim Otto and Gino Torretta into the prestigious class of UM football stars.

For as rich as our history is here at UM, progress is an important part of our development as an athletic department. Going forward, thisannual report will provide you with a detailed year-by-year summary of how we as a department are growing, improving and thriving.

On behalf of the entire Hurricane family, we appreciate all that you do for us. Our success wouldn’t be possible without your steadfast loyaltyand support.

We look forward to another exciting year together in 2009-10.

Go Canes!Kirby Hocutt, Director of Athletics

Dear stakeholders and friends,

Page 4: 2008-09University of Miami Athletics Annual Report

that we want to share with all of our stakeholders. Our student-athletes, coaches and staff thank youfor your continued support.

The 2008 football team had 14 graduates onthe roster, which we believe to be the mostof any school in the nation. In 2007, the UMfootball team had 12 graduates participate.

UM’s football and men’s basketball teamseach have an APR score that is at least 30points higher than the national average.

For the second year in a row, Jack McClintonwas the only ACC basketball player to benamed to the All-ACC First Team and the All-ACC Academic Team. Jack was alsonamed the 2009 Skip Prosser Award recipi-ent, given to the top scholar-athlete in ACCmen’s basketball.

According to the Division I 2008 GraduationSuccess Rate, the NCAA’s method of deter-mining academic progress, University ofMiami student-athletes achieved an overallscore of 81%. That same report showed 13 ofUM’s 14 sports achieving at least a 70%score with five teams having a perfect 100%mark.

In 2009, the Miami Hurricanes footballteam achieved the nation’s 7th highestAcademic Progress Rate (APR), exceeded onlyby Stanford, Air Force, Duke, Rutgers, Riceand Navy. The Hurricanes also had a top 10finish in the APR in 2007 and 2008.

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Throughout the year, the University of Miami’s student-athletes have achieved the highest standards of excellence in both the classroom and in competition. The following is a list of recent

Points of Pride

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Senior sprinter Murielle Ahoure ran this season’s fastest time in the world in theindoor 200-meter dash (22.80 seconds) andthe fifth fastest indoor 60-meter time (7.17seconds). Murielle won both events at theACC Indoor Meet and claimed the 200-meternational title at the NCAA IndoorChampionships. She also won the 100-meterand 200-meter titles at the ACC Outdoor Meetand the East Regionals. She was named theUSTFCCCA South Region Track Athlete of theYear for both the indoor and outdoor seasons.

Senior diver Reuben Ross was named the2009 ACC Men’s Swimming and DivingScholar Athlete of the Year. Reuben, who finished his career as a seven-time All-American, was also named to the All-ACCFirst Team and the All-ACC Academic Team.

In the five years that Frank Haith has beenhead basketball coach, 19 of 20 seniors haveearned their degrees.

UM women student-athletes have a cumula-tive grade point average of 3.11. Their Spring2009 semester GPA was 3.19.

For the fourth consecutive year, the UM soccer team has been named as a NationalSoccer Coaches Association of AmericaCollege Team Academic Award Winner.

Ten of 18 sports earned a 3.0 or higher gradepoint average in the 2009 Spring semester.

In the 2009 Pro Bowl, UM was represented byseven former players—the most of any university.

A league-high 46 former Hurricanes were onNFL rosters to begin the 2008 season. UMalso had the most players on NFL rosters tohave already earned their college degrees(32).

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Rowing grads (L to R) Olivia Arkell, Marleena Eyre, Laura Cordner and Rachael Sporko.

Former NCAA Tennis Singles Champion Audra Cohen throws up the “U” atgraduation. Cohen, who turned professional after three collegiate sea-sons, returned to UM to finish her degree.

Seniors from various sports gather for one last picture at Lake Osceola.

Football graduates (L to R) Demetri Stewart, Chris Barney, Spencer Adkins and Eric Houston.

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Academic AchievementsFootball achieved the 7th highest 2009 NCAAAcademic Progress Rate (APR) with a score of 977,improving from 8th place in 2008 and 10th place in2007. In ranking 7th, only Stanford, Air Force, Duke,Rutgers, Rice and Navy finished ahead of Miami.The APRs of football, men’s swimming and diving,men’s cross country, men’s indoor track and men’s outdoor track ranked in the 90th to 100th percentilewithin their sports nationally. Volleyball ranked in the80th to 90th percentile within its sport nationally.Football and men’s basketball scored at least 30 pointshigher than the national average in the APR (football:977 to 946, men’s basketball: 964 to 933). Baseballwas 24 points higher than the national APR average(970 to 946).Fourteen of 18 teams exceed the APR national average.Thirty-one students were named to All-ACC AcademicTeams, an award given for having a semester andcareer Grade Point Averages of at least 3.0.In 2008-09, the football team had 14 players on the roster that had already received their undergraduate degrees, a number we believe to be the most of any NCAA Division I team.

Over the last five years, UM student-athletes have averaged at least a 2.84 Grade Point Average (GPA)each semester. In Fall 2008, UM had a 2.88 GPA. Inthe Spring of 2009, the athletes had a collective 2.89Grade Point Average, the highest spring semester markin school history.Student-Athletes were named ACC Scholar Athletes ofthe Year in three sports—Jack McClinton in men’s basketball, Reuben Ross in men’s swimming and divingand Laura Vallverdu in women’s tennis.Eleven of 18 teams earned at least a 3.0 semester GPA in Spring 2009.The Athletic Department had an 81% GraduationSuccess Rate (GSR) for all student-athletes in 2008.Thirteen of 14 teams achieved a 70% or higher 2008Graduation Success Rate (GSR).Five teams had a perfect 100% score on the GSR –women’s basketball, golf, men’s track, men’s divingand women’s tennis.Football and men’s basketball both achieved a 70%GSR, placing them in 18th place out of at least 65teams among the major athletic conferences.

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HighlightsOn February 13, Alex Rodriguez Park was formally dedicated.Reached postseason play for the 37th straight year, thelongest postseason streak in the history of collegiatesports.For the 39th straight year, won at least 30 games.In the season opener against Rutgers on February 20,head coach Jim Morris won the 1,200th Division I gameof his career. He won his 700th game at Miami whenthe Hurricanes defeated the Florida Gators 2-1 on February 28.The team was ranked as high as No. 2 and was in thetop 20 all season.Reliever Kyle Bellamy earned numerous first team All-America honors and was named All-ACC First Team.Second baseman Scott Lawson, catcher YasmaniGrandal and pitcher Chris Hernandez earned All-ACCSecond Team honors.Bellamy was also named a finalist for the NCBWAStopper of the Year Award and a semifinalist for theGolden Spikes Award, the Dick Howser Award and theCollege Baseball Foundation National Pitcher of theYear Award.

YASMANI GRANDALSophomore catcher led UM and was amongthe ACC leaders with 14 home runs.

HEAD COACH JIM MORRISWon his 700th game at Miami when theHurricanes defeated the Florida Gators 2-1 on February 28.

CHRIS HERNANDEZSophomore starter led the team inwins (7) and strikeouts (93).

SCOTT LAWSONJunior second baseman led the ‘Canes in hits(75), doubles (21) and stolen bases (10).

KYLE BELLAMYJunior closer was named a First Team All-American by Baseball America in2009.

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HighlightsReached postseason play for the fourth time in fiveyears advancing to the second round of the NIT.The team set a school record for three point field goalsmaking 251 on the year.The Hurricanes played on network television a schoolrecord 13 times.Miami’s 27-point win over No. 6/7 Wake Forest onFebruary 4 was the largest margin of victory over aranked opponent in school history. It was also thebiggest margin of victory over an ACC opponent.The Hurricanes played five games against teams thatwere ranked number one sometime during the season.Jack McClinton was selected First Team All-ACC for thesecond straight year and Academic All-ACC for the thirdconsecutive time. Wrapped up his Hurricane career asthe ACC’s all-time leader in three-point field goal per-centage (.440). Led the ACC averaging 3.2 made three-point shots per game. Finished his career as UM’s all-time leader in three point field goals (286) and careerthree-point field goal percentage (.440).

HEAD COACH FRANK HAITHHas the most postseason wins in Miami basketball history.

JACK McCLINTONSenior guard tapped into Iron Arrow in 2009.

ADRIAN THOMASJunior forward received the ACC’s BobBradley Spirit and Courage Award.

McClinton was the recipient of the ACC’s Skip ProsserAward as the top basketball scholar-athlete and wasone of six ACC athletes selected as winners of theWeaver-James-Corrigan Award which also recognizesscholarship and athletic accomplishment.Adrian Thomas was chosen as the winner of the ACC’sBob Bradley Spirit and Courage Award given to a maleor female basketball student-athlete who has overcomesignificant injury, illness or adversity to become a valuable contributor to his or her team.McClinton was drafted in the second round by the SanAntonio Spurs, becoming the 17th Hurricane basketballplayer and the fourth since 2002 to be selected in theNBA Draft.

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HighlightsHead coach Katie Meier won her 50th game at UMwhen the Hurricanes defeated Virginia Tech 59-56 inBlacksburg on February 12.Shenise Johnson was named to the All-ACC RookieTeam and earned Honorable Mention All-ACC honors.She led all ACC freshmen in points (12.8), free throwpercentage (.825), steals (2.66) and assist/turnoverratio (1.3).Johnson was one of 12 players selected to the USA U19team which won the Gold Medal at the Women’s WorldBasketball Championship in Bangkok, Thailand.

HEAD COACH KATIE MEIER Won her 50th game at UM in 2009.

SHENISE JOHNSON Freshman guard/forward led the 2009 U19 World Championship Team to aGold Medal in Bangkok, Thailand.

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HighlightsThe women’s team won the Greentree Invitational onSeptember 6 as Emma Steppe was the third collegiaterunner to finish the race.The men’s team won the UCF Invitational on September13 with Ryan Woodlee claiming the overall individualtitle.The men’s team posted a perfect 1000 in the AcademicProgress Report.

The 2008 men’s and women’s cross country teams. RYAN WOODLEE Senior was the overall individualchampion at the UCF Invitational inOrlando.

EMMA STEPPE Sophomore was the Hurricanes’ top finisher in three races last fall.

DIRECTOR OF TRACK AND FIELD/CROSSCOUNTRY AMY DEEMOne of just six women to run both the men’sand women’s programs at the Division I level.

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Matt Bosher was a semifinalist for the Lou Groza Awardand named Second Team All-ACC.Jake Byrne was named a semifinalist for the DraddyAward, the academic Heisman.The team ranked 8th in the 2008 Academic ProgressReport and improved that ranking to 7th in the 2009report.Xavier Shannon, LaRon Byrd and Brandon Harris werenamed to the All-ACC Academic Team.Antonio Dixon was one of six recipients of the WilmaRudolph Achievement Award given out by college academic advisors to honor student-athletes who havepersevered and made significant personal stridestoward success.

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HighlightsThe team made its 34th bowl appearance playing theUniversity of California in the Emerald Bowl.The Miami-Florida game on September 6 recorded a5.0 rating which was the third most-watched collegefootball game ever on ESPN. The Emerald Bowl record-ed its highest rating ever, 4.63, which was the secondhighest rated bowl game of the season.Linebacker Sean Spence was named the ACC DefensiveRookie of the Year.Spence, Marcus Forston, Marcus Robinson and TravisBenjamin earned Freshman All-America honors.Benjamin led the ACC in punt returns with an 11.3 average.

TRAVIS BENJAMINWide receiver named a 2008 Rivals.comFreshman All-American.

SEAN SPENCEFreshman linebacker was selected2008 ACC Defensive Rookie of theYear.

MATT BOSHERSophomore kicker selected 2008 Lou GrozaAward Semifinalist, Jack Harding Team MVPand Second Team All-ACC.

MARCUS FORSTONDefensive tackle selected to 2008 CollegeFootball News.com, Rivals.com and FWAAFreshman All-American teams.

MARCUS ROBINSONDefensive end chosen to the 2008 CollegeFootball News.com Freshman All-Americanteam.

HEAD COACH RANDY SHANNON

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HighlightsThe team won the largest collegiate women’s golf tournament capturing the title at the 43-team EdwinWatts/Kiawah Island Classic on February 24.Sophomore Maria Ronderos recorded four top-20 finishes and three top-10 finishes, while ranking in thetop 25 in the ACC in stroke average.Sophomore Christina Hirano tallied three top-20 finishes and one top-10 finish. Her sixth- place finish atthe Edwin Watts/Palmetto Intercollegiate tied for thebest on the team.Freshman Jennifer Hirano recorded three top-20 finishes and one top-10 finish. She ranked in the top 25 in the ACC in stroke average.Maria Ronderos was named to the 2009 All-ACCAcademic Team.

(L to R): Brooke Stuart, Christina Hirano, Jennifer Hirano, Head Coach Lela Cannon, Begoná Sarabia, Anabelle Paulino, Maria Ronderos

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HighlightsFinished third at the ACC meet, matching the highestfinish in school history.Laura Cordner and Emily Wingrove were named to theAll-ACC Team.Opened the spring season with wins over Big Eastpower Connecticut, Rochester and Dowling College.Varsity Eight crew defeated the Brazilian National Teamat the Windermere Cup/Opening Day Regatta inSeattle, Wash.Rachael Sporko was named to the 2009 CollegiateRowing Coaches Association (CRCA) All-South RegionSecond Team.Rachael Sporko, Laura Cordner, Allyson Hodgkins,Sarah Medland, Monika Sajincic and Emily Wingroveearned All-ACC Academic Team honors.Laura Cordner and Emily Wingrove earned back-to-back All-ACC Academic Team honors.Monika Sajincic was tabbed a CRCA scholar-athlete.

The Varsity Eight crew finished third at the 2009 ACC Championships.

EMILY WINGROVESophomore namedto 2009 All-ACCAcademic Team.

LAURA CORDNERSenior was two-timeAll-ACC AcademicTeam honoree.

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HighlightsRecorded 10 wins for the fourth time in program history.Reached the NCAA Tournament for the second consec-utive season.The defense posted the best goals against average inschool history, giving up less than a goal per game(0.88).Freshman goalkeeper Vikki Alonzo set a school recordwith 11 shutouts.Alonso was named Third-Team Freshman All-America bySoccer Buzz.Five team members—Corynn Carino, BrittneyMacdonald, Julianne Rickers, Lauren Singer andBrittney Steinbruch—were named to the All-ACCAcademic Team.

BRITTNEY MACDONALD Sophomore defender was named to the ACC All-Academic Team for the second time.

HEAD COACH TRICIA TALIAFERROHas led the Hurricanes to the NCAA Tournament two consecutive seasons.

BRITTNEY STEINBRUCH Sophomore foward led the Hurricanes in scoring for the second-straight season.

VIKKI ALONZO Freshman goalkeeper set the schoolrecord with 11 shutouts in 2009.

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Despatie representing Canada on the synchronized 3-meter springboard at the FINA World Championshipsin Rome.Brittany Viola won the 1-meter and platform events atthe ACC Championships and was named the meet’sMost Valuable Female Diver.Viola was named to the USA World Championshipsteam at the FINA World Championships.Swimmer Annika Saarnak competed for Estonia at theFINA World Championships.Jenna Dreyer finished second in the 1-meter and 3-meter events at the ACC Championships. She earnedAll-America status with an 8th place finish in the 1-meter at the NCAA Championships.

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HighlightsThe team had 10 dual meet victories for the first timesince the 1995-96 season.UM swimmers turned in seven school-record perform-ances at the ACC Championships. (Britta Boesing in200 yard breaststroke and 100 yard backstroke, DeidreNovotny in the 200 yard backstroke, Dana Hatic in the100 yard breaststroke, 400 and 200 medley relayteams and 800 yard freestyle relay team).Reuben Ross won the 1-meter, 3-meter and platformtitles at the ACC Championships. Named the ACCChampionships Most Valuable Male Diver and the ACCMale Diver of the Year. He also earned All-America sta-tus in all three events at the NCAA Championships.Ross collected a bronze medal with partner Alexandre

BRITTA BOESINGSenior was a part of five school-record break-ing performances in 2009.

BRITTANY VIOLAJunior named ACC ChampionshipsMost Valuable Diver.

JENNA DREYERSenior earned 2009 All-America honors in the1-meter.

HEAD SWIMMING COACH CHRISTIE SHEFCHUNAS

HEAD DIVING COACH RANDY ABLEMAN

REUBEN ROSSSenior claimed three All-America diving honors at the 2009 NCAAChampionships.

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HighlightsMade its fourth straight postseason appearance.Defeated the Florida Gators in Gainesville to winRegional play and advance to the Sweet 16 in CollegeStation, Tex.Finished the year ranked 19th.Compiled a UM record tying 9-2 win-loss mark in ACCplay.For the fourth consecutive year, senior Daniel Vallverduwas selected to compete in the NCAA Tennis SinglesChampionships. He finished the 2009 season ranked13th among singles players.Daniel Vallverdu and Carl Sundberg were selected tothe All-ACC Team.Carl Sundberg had a team best 9-1 mark in ACC play.Ignacio Taboada recorded 23 wins to become just the 9th player in program history to win 20 or morematches in their freshman year.Sophomore Keith Crowley finished the 2009 seasonwith a 23-9 record in dual matches.

DANIEL VALLVERDUSenior was program’s first five-time All-American.

HEAD COACH MARIO RINCON (R) with ASST. COACH C.J. WEBER

CARL SUNDBERGSophomore selected to All-ACC Team.

KEITH CROWLEYSophomore posted team-best 23-9singles record in 2009.

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HighlightsReached the quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament.Bianca Eichkorn, Julia Cohen and Laura Vallverdu wereamong the final 16 players in the NCAA SinglesChampionship. Cohen advanced to the semifinals andVallverdu reached the Championship match.Ended the regular season with a 21-3 record, the bestmark since 1984.Head Coach Paige Yaroshuk-Tews won the 150th matchof her career with a win over North Carolina on March20.Ranked as high as No. 5 in the nation and finished seventh.Won the regular season ACC title and advanced to theconference title match.Paige Yaroshuk-Tews was honored as the ACC Coach ofthe Year.Four players—Julia Cohen, Bianca Eichkorn, MichaelaKissell and Laura Vallverdu—were named to the All-ACCTeam.Had a school-record four players selected to the NCAASingles/Doubles Championships—Julia Cohen, BiancaEichkorn, Michaela Kissell and Laura Vallverdu in singles, and the doubles team of Kissell and Vallverdu.

JULIA COHENSophomore was an NCAA SinglesSemifinalist.

BIANCA EICHKORNSophomore advanced to the NCAASingles Sweet 16.

LAURA VALLVERDUJunior finished runner-up in the NCAA SinglesChampionship.

HEAD COACH PAIGE YAROSHUK-TEWS2009 ACC Coach of the Year.

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Track and Field

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HighlightsSenior Murielle Ahoure won the 200 meter event at theNCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in a timeof 22.80 seconds and earned All-America honors inboth the 60 and 200 meter events.Ahoure won the 60 and 200 meter dashes at the ACCIndoor Track and Field Championships. Ahoure set a school record in the indoor 60 meter dashwith a time of 7.17 seconds.Ahoure won the 100 and 200 meter events at the ACCOutdoor Track and Field Championships.Ahoure was named the ACC Indoor Track Performer ofthe Year and the United States Track and Field andCross Country Coaches Association South RegionPerformer of the Year.At the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships,sophomore Ti’erra Brown was the runner-up in the 400-meter hurdles, earning All-America honors.Katharine Woodard set a new school record in the3,000 meter steeplechase with a time of 12:08:78.Junior Cory Nelms won the 60-meter hurdles at the ACCIndoor Track and Field Championships.Junior Mikese Morse set a new school record in theindoor long jump with a mark of 7.90 meters. KATHARINE WOODARD

Sophomore set the school record in the steeplechase in 2009.

DIRECTOR OF TRACK AND FIELD/CROSSCOUNTRY AMY DEEMOne of just six women to run both the men’sand women’s programs at the Division I level.

MURIELLE AHOURE Senior won the 200-meter NCAA IndoorNational Championship in 2009.

MIKESE MORSE Junior set a new school record in the indoorlong jump.

CORY NELMS Junior was the ACC Champion in theindoor 60-meter hurdles.

TI’ERRA BROWNSophomore was the runner-up in the 400-meter hurdles at the NCAAChampionships.

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Volleyball

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HighlightsCompleted the best season since joining the ACC, finishing in a tie for third place.Won 26 matches on the year, including 13 straight tostart the season.Won three tournaments during the year—Century TelPremier, the Hurricane Invitational and the Asics/Coca-Cola Invitational—to tie a school record.Cassie Loessberg set a new individual single-seasondigs record (554), breaking her own mark set in 2007.Head coach Nicole Lantagne Welch won her 150thcareer match when the team defeated NC State onNovember 21.Lantagne Welch was named ACC Coach of the Year andAVCA East Region Coach of the Year.Lane Carico was chosen the ACC Rookie of the Year,selected to the All-ACC Freshman Team and earned aspot on the All-ACC Academic Team.Carico, Angelica Ellis and Genny Mayhew were namedto the All-ACC Second Team.

ANGELICA ELLISSenior middle blocker was named 2008 AVCAEast Region All-America Honorable Mention.

GENNY MAYHEWJunior outside hitter was selected tothe 2008 All-ACC Second Team.

LANE CARICOFreshman outside hitter earned 2008 ACCFreshman of the Year and 2008 AVCA EastRegion Freshman of the Year honors.

HEAD COACH NICOLE LANTAGNE WELCH2008 ACC Coach of the Year and AVCA East Region Coach of the Year.

CASSIE LOESSBERGJunior libero is UM’s all-time single-season digs leader.

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Baseball

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KYLE BELLAMYWas among the NCAA’s leaders with 16 saves in 2009.

Almost never happenedHis sophomore season he was known as one of the top set-up men in college baseball. A year later, he was fearedby opponents and recognized by nearly every national pub-lication as the top closer in the country. All of that almostnever happened.

Using the traditional over-the-top delivery when he cameto UM the fall of 2006 as a recruited walk-on, KyleBellamy – a Davie native and graduate of Cypress BayHigh School – was nearly cut twice by pitching coach J.D.Arteaga. But Arteaga couldn’t pull the trigger.

That decision turned out more than beneficial for bothsides. But it wasn’t until Arteaga saw Bellamy experi-menting with his now famous side-winding delivery thatthe move would prove to be the right choice. The towering6-foot-5 Bellamy spent the next year honing his newdelivery and after an impressive summer in the New YorkCollegiate Baseball League, returned to Coral Gables andhis resume since speaks for itself.

As a sophomore, Bellamy went 6-0 with a 1.86 ERA asthe set-up man to an eventual first-round draft choice.

Then as a junior, Bellamy turned in arguably the bestseason of any reliever in the nation. Among the nationalleaders with 16 saves, Bellamy went 3-1 with a miniscule0.97 ERA, allowing just five earned runs while striking out63 in 46 1/3 innings. His performance would earn himFirst Team All-America honors by Baseball America, theNCBWA and Rivals.com. Then on June 10, Bellamy wasselected in the fifth round of the 2009 MLB Draft by theChicago White Sox.

Persistence and hard work surely paid off. In looking backon a career that almost wasn’t, Bellamy is appreciative.

“I didn’t know how close I was to getting cut until J.D. toldme last year,” said Bellamy. “I pretty much owe my base-ball career to him for keeping me. I’m pretty sure he’sthanking himself for making that decision, too.”

Coach Jim Morris is equally grateful for Bellamy’s career.

“We didn’t have any idea that he was going to turn out likethis,” Morris said. “But neither did anybody else. I sure amthankful he wanted to be a Hurricane and we stuck withhim.”

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JACK McCLINTONAlso excelled in academics andwas honored at graduation.(Shown with President Donna E.Shalala).

The hard work never ends, just ask Jack McClinton.

Miami’s first two-time First Team All-ACC selection – andarguably the best Hurricanes basketball player since RickBarry’s heyday, this Baltimore native has already wrappedup his collegiate career as the ACC’s all-time most accu-rate three-point shooter.

But the work is far from over as McClinton makes hisway to the gym everyday, regardless of where he is, inpreparation for professional basketball.

“I’ve done this my whole life,” said McClinton. “That’s justwho I am – always working to be perfect. I know you can’t

be perfect, but you can keep preparing yourself. Be preparedor prepare to fail. That’s how I look at it.”

Often overshadowed and considered undersized coming upthrough the basketball ranks – from high school to prepschool, from Siena to the ACC and the University ofMiami, McClinton has taken the long road to success,spending countless hours in the gym along the way.

“I was always picked last because people thought I wassmall,” said the 6-1 guard. “But that has motivated me,and since then I always try to prove the doubters wrongwhenever I step onto the court.”

After leading the team in scoring for three-straight sea-sons, getting tapped into Iron Arrow – the highest honorattainable at the University of Miami – and winning themen’s three-point contest at the 21st Annual College SlamDunk and Three Point Championships as a final exclama-tion point to his storied collegiate career, McClinton willtell you there’s more to do, more to accomplish.

And so he heads back to work.

Working class

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SHENISE JOHNSONLed the Hurricanes in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals in 2009.

Whatever it takesExpectations are high for any McDonald’s All-American.But all too often those expectations are too much for a college freshman to bear.

That is not the case with Shenise Johnson. TheRochester, N.Y. native led her high school team to three-straight state championships and came to Miami with awinning attitude.

“I love Miami and I want to get UM women’s basketball onthe map,” said Johnson. “I’ll do whatever it takes.”

The freshman phenom did not disappoint. All she did waslead the Hurricanes in every single major statistical cate-gory including points, rebounds, assists and steals. Shealso led the team to a four-game improvement in the wincolumn.

In addition to being named the Atlantic Coast ConferenceRookie of the Week on three occasions, Johnson was cho-sen All-ACC Honorable Mention and to the ACC All-Freshman Team.

This summer, she had the opportunity to represent hercountry as a member of the USA Under-19 World

Championship Team. As one of the 12 players selected tocompete for this elite team in Bangkok, Thailand,Johnson returned home with a gold medal. The UM rep-resentative averaged nearly 10 points per game in thenine-game tournament as she became the first Hurricanein program history to represent the United States.

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Was a recipient of a 2009 WilmaRudolph Award.

ANTONIO DIXONReceived his degree in theSpring of 2009. (Shown withPresident Donna E. Shalala).

Growing upAt 6-foot-3 and 322 pounds, you couldn’t tell from lookingat him, but Antonio Dixon has rarely had the upper-hand in life. That is until now.

In and out of homeless shelters growing up, constantlychanging schools and a father in prison, it appeared he’dbe destined for trouble. Add in a stuttering problem, alearning disability and constant ridicule from classmatesand the scenario is one that few, if any, children couldendure. Unless your name is Antonio Dixon.

A graduate of Miami’s Booker T. Washington High School,Dixon’s path to UM is an arduous yet inspiring story thathas taken him from poverty to prosperity. Despite such atough upbringing and having to face more obstacles by age15 than a person should have to face in an entire lifetime,Dixon overcame it all. He became the first member of hisfamily to earn a college degree when he accepted hisBachelor of Liberal Arts degree on May 15, 2009.

He was one of six college athletes to receive the WilmaRudolph Student Athlete Achievement Award, honoringcollege athletes who have overcome great personal, aca-demic and/or emotional odds to achieve academic success.

In his four-year playing career at UM, Dixon played in 40games, garnered 10 starts and tallied 62 career tackles.But those statistics are only a small part of the story.

His own willpower and the constant encouragement fromthose around him – including his mother Corenthia andcoach Randy Shannon – are the reasons for why he iswhere he is today.

``If I didn’t have the support here and have people here totell them my problems, I don’t think I would have made it,”Dixon said. “I overcame a lot. I’m ready to conquer any-thing that life throws at me.’’

Whether Dixon will earn money as a professional footballplayer or just as a professional is yet to be determined. Hesigned a free agent contract with the Washington Redskinsand has hopes of continuing his playing career. But theday football ends for Antonio, he’ll enter the ‘real world’with confidence in himself and support from those aroundhim to persevere down any path he chooses in life.

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JENNIFER HIRANOCHRISTINA HIRANO

“No brainer”For University of Miami women’s golfers ChristinaHirano and Jennifer Hirano traveling across the country to play a couple of rounds of golf in Miami alwaysseemed like a “no-brainer”. Those few rounds a year helpeddevelop the Hiranos’ love for the city which eventually ledthem to Lela Cannon’s golf program.

“I had been coming to Miami for about 12 years andalways had played in golf tournaments here,” Christinasaid.” I loved the Miami area, so I just really wanted tocome to school here and play.”

The sisters, who hail from Pinole, California – the samehometown of UM Heisman Trophy winner Gino Torretta,became mainstays in Cannon’s lineup during the 2008-09season. Christina made sophomore strides as she record-ed three top-20 finishes in tournaments which included asixth-place finish at the Edwin Watts/PalmettoIntercollegiate. Jennifer capped off a freshman season byalso recording three top-20 finishes, which included a sixthplace finish at the Ryder Canes & Cardinal Classic.

Coming out of Acalanes High School, the sister duo helpedAcalanes to an undefeated season in 2003-2004. Christina

enrolled at Miami for the 2007-08 school year, andJennifer joined her one year later. Playing golf together issomething that has driven their development in the sport.

“Christina was always good competition for me growing up,which has always helped with my mentality and focus,”Jennifer said.

“I was always very competitive with my sister and thatreally kept me going,” Christina said. “I had some reallygood years in high school, and I just want to play as wellnow.”

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Soccer

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“Cancer has its perks”made it back to the practice field in 2008 and she will beplaying in her senior season in 2009.

Everett pitched her business model to the UM senior staffand coaches in March and left with rave reviews. Herfoundation launched in May and starting this fall, childrenwill be enjoying Hurricane soccer games for free, withplans for even bigger venues in the works.

Most would think that is an insane statement. But if any-one spent time with the fascinating spirit that is AustenEverett, they would know that it’s fairly accurate.

Everett, a goalkeeper on the University of Miami women’ssoccer team was told in May of 2008 that she would needemergency surgery to remove a football-size tumor fromher abdomen.

Later on it was found that the tumor was non-Hodgkinslymphoma and Everett would need to start chemotherapyimmediately. The emotional roller coaster that comes withthe territory never affected the outward mood of thischarismatic individual.

“Cancer is a gift,” says Everett. “I need to do somethingwith it.”

That is exactly what she has done. Earlier this year, theWashington state native started the Austen EverettFoundation, an organization that works with professionaland collegiate sports teams to provide tickets to childrenwith cancer.

Everett’s cancer is officially in remission and she even

AUSTEN EVERETT Has beaten cancer and is now giving back with the Austen Everett Foundation.

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REUBEN ROSSClaimed three All-America diving honors atthe 2009 NCAA Championships.

BRITTANY VIOLA2009 ACC Championships Most ValuableDiver.

Dream the impossibleThe list of All-Americans and National Champions for theUniversity of Miami diving program is long and filled withnames of some of the sports biggest names; names such asGreg Louganis and Wendy Williams—both Olympicmedalists. But as current divers Brittany Viola andReuben Ross continue to step onto the board and plat-form for the Hurricanes, the list only gets longer.

In 2009, Ross became just the fifth male diver in schoolhistory to sweep All-America honors in all three divingevents at the NCAA Championships—having already been named the 2008-09 ACC Male Diver of the Year justweeks prior. As for Viola, she was named the MostValuable Diver at the 2009 ACC Swimming & DivingChampionships following first-place finishes in the 1-meterand platform events. Viola also collected an NCAA title in2008.

Viola and Ross climbed even higher this summer, com-peting in the FINA World Championships in Rome. Violaserved as team captain for the United States team, whileRoss competed for Canada, earning a bronze medal in the3-meter synchronized competition.

As student-athletes, both divers have upheld the traditionof excellence inside the classroom for UM as well. Eachearned a spot on the 2008-09 ACC All-Academic Team forswimming & diving, while Ross was selected as the divingACC Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Viola will spend the2009-10 year serving as the President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) for both UM and the ACC.

The list of accomplishments go on and on for this excep-tional duo. And if the past is any indication of the future,Ross and Viola are destined for something greater thanmost student-athletes could ever dream.

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Tennis

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There have been many great players throughout the tradi-tion-rich history of the University of Miami men’s andwomen’s tennis programs. Looking through the rosters youwill find national champions, All-Americans, conferencechampions… and a couple of Vallverdus.

Daniel Vallverdu and his younger sister Laura havebeen instrumental to the success of the Hurricanes tennisprogram over the last few years. Since their arrival inCoral Gables from their native Valencia, Venezuela, theirteams have continued their climb in the nation’s Top 25and have gone deep into the NCAA Tournament.

Dani made an immediate impact, earning ACC Freshmanof the Year honors in 2006 and has since been named to

All in a namethe All-ACC Men’s Tennis squad all four years of his colle-giate career. He earned a program-best five All-Americahonors and was selected the 2008 ITA Southeast RegionPlayer to Watch. He wrapped up his Hurricane career asthe fourth-winningest player in both singles and doublescompetition, while being ranked as high as No. 1 in dou-bles play and No. 3 in singles competition.

As for Laura, she is the only women’s tennis player in UMhistory to have been named to the All-ACC list threetimes. She has also been selected for three consecutive All-America teams. In picking up her latest, she became theseventh player in UM women’s tennis history to earn threeor more All-America honors in a career. She concluded the2008-09 season ranked No. 10 in the ITA, placing sixth all-time at UM for career singles wins (96) en route to herfirst NCAA Singles Championship runner-up title.

“Having the advantage of my brother next to me is great,”said Laura. “He helps me with my tennis, my life, myschool.”

DANIEL VALLVERDUFive-time All-American and four-time All-ACChonoree.

LAURA VALLVERDUNCAA Singles Championship Runner-up.

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MURIELLE AHOUREWas named an All-American four times in 2009.

“I love Miami.”In 2000, political unrest led to violence in the Ivory Coast,a small West African nation.

Feeling that her family was no longer safe, Chantal Douetook her family, including 13-year old Murielle Ahoureand emigrated to the United States.

While in middle school in Bristow, Va., Ahoure realizedthat she had a special talent on the track. Ever since, shehas been sprinting her slender frame to All-American honors and even a national championship.

After transferring from George Mason in 2008, Ahourewould claim the 200-meter NCAA Indoor NationalChampionship and earn a total of four All-America acco-lades in her lone season as a Hurricane.

“I love Miami,” said Ahoure. “Coming here has been noth-ing but a blessing for me. I knew coming here and workingwith Coach Amy Deem would be good for me, but I neverimagined that I would have been this successful. I just feelso grateful.”

Deem has guided Ahoure into the Miami record books aswell. During the indoor season, Ahoure broke Hurricanelegend Lauryn Williams’ indoor 60-meter dash record andis second to only Williams in three other races (indoor andoutdoor 200m and 100m).

Some of her accolades on the year include being named theAtlantic Coast Conference Indoor Track Performer of theYear and the USTFCCCA South Region Performer of theYear after winning both the 60- and 200-meter ACC titles.During the outdoor season, she won both the 100- and 200-meter titles at both the ACC and NCAA East RegionChampionships and was named the USTFCCCA SouthRegion Outdoor Performer of the Year.

After her collegiate career, Ahoure plans on officiallybecoming an American citizen so she can one day repre-sent the country in the Olympics. She also plans to stay inSouth Florida so she can continue to train with Deem andher idol, Williams.

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The mission of the Hurricane Club is to strengthenthe University of Miami’s commitment to student-athlete excellence both academically andathletically. Through the Hurricane Club, local and national volunteers, alumni and former student-athletes collectively seek to increase scholarship support, improve facilities and provide the operation and maintenance fundingvital for all 18 varsity sports.

The Hurricane Club solicited and processed an all-time high $10.94 million in annual giving andincreased its number of donors to a record 6,153 contributors. Scholarships provided through charitable contributions to the Hurricane Club’sStudent-Athlete Scholarship Fund allow our 443tremendously talented student-athletes the opportunity to receive a high quality education andcompete in one of the top athletic programs in thecountry.

Development in theHurricane Club

LINDSEY WILLIAMSAssociate AthleticDirector forDevelopment

AMY FERGUSONAssistant AthleticDirector forDevelopment

SARAI CRANE-OSUNAManager of DonorRelations

CRYSTAL DEMPSAdmimistrativeAssistant

SAL SANDATEAssistant Directorof Development for Major Gifts

BRENT VICINOHurricane ClubIntern

CHRIS COHENDirector ofDevelopment forMajor gifts

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HurricaneClub Annual Giving

7,000 $12.00

$10.00

$8.00

$6.00

$4.00

$2.00

0

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

02006 2007 2008 2009 2006 2007 2008 2009

4,653 4,698

5,8136,153

$5.68$6.30

$9.70$10.9

Donors from 2006-2009 Amount Raised in Millions 2006-2009

Total RaisedNumber of Donors

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HurricaneClubHurricane Club Events

The Hurricane Club successfully increased the number of eventsand participation to reach our most loyal and dedicated fans anddonors to the program. Complimentary events Hosted complimentary events including an exclusive SeasonTicket Holder Football Practice, Hurricane Club pregame tailgate party and Countdown to Signing Day party. Fundraisers Organized fundraising events, including the Hurricane Club GolfTournament, BasketBowl, Dinner on the Diamond featuringAlex Rodriguez and UM Celebrity Waiter Dinner featuring head coaches Randy Shannon, Frank Haith, Katie Meier, NicoleLantagne Welch, Tricia Taliaferro and Christie Shefchunas, aswell as a host of talented student-athletes. Salute to ChampionsProudly honored our championship legacy with our “Salute ourChampions” this season with our 25th Anniversary of our 1983National Championship Football Team, 1999 Baseball

Championship Team, and by inducting five new members intothe Ring of Honor, the most prestigious football award at theUniversity. Golden CanesEnhanced the Golden Cane football gameday experience withVIP hospitality pregame and halftime. Hosted new exclusive par-ties for Golden Canes during the fall to build camaraderie withinthis elite giving group, including a Membership SocietyBreakfast at the Season Ticket Holder Practice and aMembership Society Holiday Party.UM Alumni AssociationPartnered with the UM Alumni Association to conduct a national tour featuring new Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt inNew York, Philadelphia, Palm Beach, Atlanta and Chicago.Hocutt met hundreds of UM alumni who support us so generously and passionately throughout the United States.

DINNER ON THE DIAMONDHead Baseball Coach Jim Morris, AlexRodriguez and Director of Athletics KirbyHocutt .

BASKETBOWL2008-09 University of Miami Men’sBasketball team with the Sunsations.

CELEBRITY WAITER DINNERHead Football Coach Randy Shannon interacts with donors.

RING OF HONOR MEMBERSInductees were honored at halftime of thegame versus Virginia Tech on November 13.

1999 BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM REUNION

1983 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FOOTBALL TEAM REUNION

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The University of Miamienjoyed its inaugural seasonat Dolphin Stadium in 2008where our football student-athletes, coaches, staff and ofcourse our thousands of loyalfans witnessed an immediateupgrade to our game dayFootball facility. The stadiumboasts state-of-the-art lockerrooms used by professionalathletes and athletic trainingfacilities with the latest med-ical technology. Additionally,the stadium has one of thelargest hi-definition videoboards in the world, morethan 2,000 flat-screen TVmonitors and a recently reno-vated, ultra-modern, Club Level offering fans an environment that redefinesstadium luxury.

Alex Rodriguez Park at MarkLight Field had its grand opening with a sold out“Dinner on the Diamond”event to start the 2009

Baseball season. With generous donations from AlexRodriguez, Paul DiMare andWayne Huizenga as well asmany others the baseballfacility includes a new clubhouse, weight room, computerlab, conference room, luxurysuites, fieldbox seating as wellas a new press box and muchmore.

The new Basketball PracticeFacility was completed inMarch 2009 and standsproudly next to theBankUnited Center on theCoral Gables campus. Thisimpressive 30,000 square-footspace serves as a fully dedicated practice facility forour men’s and women’s basketball programs. ThePractice Facility features two full sized courts, 14retractable goals, state-of-the-art audio and video technologyas well as a 7,500 square-footmultipurpose room.

Cobb Stadium is home to ourmen’s and women’s track andcross country teams as well as the women’s soccer team.The 500-seat stadium includes a full 70 yard x 115 yard soccer field and 400 meter, eight-lane track whichreceived a new Tartan surfacing in 2008.

The Football Facilities haveseen a dramatic improvementwith the tremendous supportfrom former football student-athletes and fans. Facilityenhancements include upgrad-ed audio/video technology forthe coaches’ offices as well asnew graphics and signagepieces throughout the facilitiesand weight training room.

Neil Schiff Tennis Center experi-enced a number of upgradesin 2008 targeted at the stu-dent-athletes and coaches.Improvements included reno-vations to the student-athlete

Facility ImprovementsFacilities make a significant impact when recruiting student-athletes and often times are the distinguishing factor ina young person’s decision on where to attend college. This past year the Hurricane family, both student-athletes andfans alike, have benefited from significant upgrades to many facilities.

lounge, locker rooms andmen’s and women’s coaches’offices.

Coming soonThe University of MiamiDepartment of IntercollegiateAthletics is developing a master plan to renovate ourathletic facilities with the goalof providing state of the artacademic, sports medicine,training and competitive facilities to support our student-athletes and coachesin our quest to become thepremier intercollegiate athletics program in thenation. We have hired HeeryInternational, a leader in thedesign and architecture ofsports facilities, to assist inthe master planning process.

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DOLPHIN STADIUM ALEX RODRIGUEZ PARK AT MARK LIGHT FIELD BASKETBALL PRACTICE FACILITIES

COBB STADIUM EDGERRIN JAMES FOOTBALL TEAM MEETING ROOM

NEIL SCHIFF TENNIS CENTER

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Hurricane Sports Properties, a joint venture ofLearfield Sports and ISP Sports, has served asMiami Athletics’ multimedia rights holder since2003. The HSP-Miami Athletics agreementincludes inventory or management of athleticvenue signage, print sponsorships, event market-ing, corporate hospitality, corporate sponsorships,official athletic Web site advertising via hurricane-sports.com, radio play-by-play broadcasts andcoaches’ shows, as well as certain live televisionbroadcasts.

We would like to thank our key partners:PublixMcDonald’sState FarmMiccosukeeFlorida LotteryComcastUHealthPerry Ellis

BacardiMiller BrewingPresidenteNikeCoca ColaGatoradeRICOHRyder

HSP-Miami

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On August 20, 2007, the University of Miamiannounced that the football team would move itshome games to Dolphin Stadium (now Land SharkStadium) beginning with the 2008 season. Miamidefeated Charleston Southern, 52-7, in its firstgame at the stadium on August 28, 2008.

Land Shark Stadium, located in Miami Gardens,Florida, is a world-class sports and entertainmentfacility that hosts a wide variety of events including Miami Dolphins football, Florida Marlinsbaseball, University of Miami football, the FedExOrange Bowl, the Bowl Championship Series gamein 2009, 2010 NFL Pro Bowl and the 2010 SuperBowl. The stadium has also been the home of twoMajor League Baseball (MLB) World Series, fourNational Football League (NFL) Super Bowls, andnumerous concerts. The stadium boasts one of thelargest hi-definition video boards in professional

Dolphin Stadium movesports and the world’s longest LED ribbon display.Owned by Stephen M. Ross, Land Shark Stadiumcompleted a $250 million renovation and improve-ments project in 2007.

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Community

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Community outreach is a priority for everyone inthe University of Miami family. That commitmentfollows after graduation with many of our formerstudent-athletes forming charitable foundations.Among those former student-athletes is OlympicSilver Medalist and World Champion 100-meterstar Lauryn Williams, who founded the Fun4KidsMentoring Program which pairs up middle schoolstudents with current members of the football andtrack and field programs.

In addition to Lauryn’s organization, members ofthe department made numerous appearances dur-ing the year at community events. Among thosewere the Miami-Dade Parks Department’s “Fit toPlay, Fun for Life” summer program which wasattended by student-athletes representing nearlyevery sport, the “Habitat for Humanity WomenBuild” initiative, football’s 26-stop summer community outreach tour and participation inscores of youth clinics.

UM in the Community

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY WOMEN BUILD

FIT TO PLAY, FUN FOR LIFE

FIT TO PLAY, FUN FOR LIFE FOOTBALL SUMMER COMMUNITY OUTREACH TOUR

FOOTBALL SUMMER COMMUNITY OUTREACH TOUR

FUN4KIDZ

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Five former Hurricane football greats—EdgerrinJames (running back 1996-98), Jim Kelly (quarterback 1979-82), Cortez Kennedy (defensivetackle 1998-99), Jim Otto (center 1957-59) andGino Torretta (quarterback 1989-92), were honoredfor having been selected to the University of MiamiRing of Honor on November 13, 2008. A luncheonwas held at the Turnberry Isle Resort and Clubthat day and the five were honored at halftime ofthat evening’s game versus Virginia Tech, whichthe Hurricanes won 16-14.

Only eight former players had previously been chosen for the award. Selected to the inauguralclass in 1997 were Jim Dooley (halfback 1949-51),George Mira (quarterback 1961-63), Ted Hendricks(defensive end 1966-68) and Vinny Testaverde(quarterback 1982-86). Two years later anotherfour players were chosen for the Ring of Honor—Ottis Anderson (running back 1975-78), DonBosseler (fullback 1953-56), Bernie Kosar (quarterback 1982-84) and Burgess Owens (defensive back 1970-72).

UM Ring of Honor

THE RING OF HONORBack row (L to R): Gino Toretta, Burgess Owens, Cortez Kennedy, Ted Hendricks, Jim Kelly, Jim Otto, Vinny Testarvede. Front row (L to R): George Mira, Julie James (mother of EdgerrinJames), Ottis Anderson, Elaine Dooley (wife of Jim Dooley), Don Bosseler

2008 RING OF HONOR BANQUETHeld at the Turnberry Isle Resort and Club.

Page 40: 2008-09University of Miami Athletics Annual Report

University ofMiamiAthleticsUniversity of Miami SportsMedia Relations OfficeMailing Address: P.O. Box 248167, Coral Gables, FL 33124-0820

Street Address: 5821 San Amaro Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146

Phone: (305) 284-3244

Fax: (305) 284-2807

Website:hurricanesports.com

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