This is a picture of infamous Canespacer OcalaCane holding his new (and always beautiful) wife Jeryl.
You know OcalaCane as the official Canespace photographer. I know him as Steve Durand.
You see Steve and I go way back, in fact all the way back to junior high school in Miami. I met OcalaCane in the middle of my first fist fight, on my fifth day of school in the seventh grade at Richmond Heights Junior High.
These times were not easy for anyone at the school, much less some skinny, long haired, blond kid who had just moved from another school located across town in the "Little Havana" section of Miami.
It was obvious to me early on that my limited and broken Spanish wasn't gonna get me through this confrontation.
At the time that OcalaCane intervened in my little altercation I was using my face to hit the fist of some black dude I met during PE class.
When Steve decided I had had enough he and a few of his friends who I had never met stepped in to save what was left of me and my pride. The fight ended soon enough and we walked away with me holding my lip and him holding me up. Those are the moments of which friendships are made.
Steve and I attended Miami Killian Senior High School together and we share the Cougar Pride with former Cane Randall Hill and new UM recruit Lamar Miller. After high school we went our own separate ways, me going to UM and him going off to find his way through life.
We later grew further apart as he moved off to Ocala and I moved to Fort Lauderdale. Then after many years, somehow he managed to find me again through the Canespace blog.
Since reconnecting we have attended several UM games together, spent endless hours recounting our "glory days" back in the 305 and shared our common love for the Hurricanes.
Recently, I had the honor of being the best man at his wedding in Ocala. Talk about full circle? Yeah, this is a clear example of it really happening.
At Steve's wedding I had the opportunity to meet not only his lovely bride for the third time but his three incredible step children.
Now you have to understand that these children, along with Steve's lovely bride, grew up in the 352 and by default became Gator fans. So Steve has had his work cut out for him in trying to convert them from the orange and blue to the orange and green; to becoming fans of "The U".
His first assignment was to dress them all in Canespace gear and then take them to a classic Hurricane event: Canes vs Gators baseball in Gainesville. The Canes managed to sweep the Gators and new Canes fans were born on the spot!
More importantly, these children are simply put nothing short of angels on earth. Their ages and names are completely irrelvant. It is their beauty, character and personalities that makes them who they are.
And now, when I see my good friend and old buddy Steve Durand "Raising Canes", it makes my heart full and my memories of our long time friendship all the more important.
In truth, God knows that as we were growing up in Miami, with all of the risks and rewards that we found along the way, that it was highly possible that neither one of us might have made it this far.
Much less could we have hoped to have accomplished so much in life.
But take look a good look at him now.
Steve Durand is all that and will have a family full of memories to share for a lifetime as he stays busy taking care of his lovely new wife.
And spending his time Raising Canes...
Solar...unfortunately 3 x 0 still equals 0.
We all in da po po house...but we are still having FUN!
Posted by: 86Cane | June 09, 2009 at 11:18 PM
congrats Ocola.
Posted by: Canefantasy | June 09, 2009 at 11:19 PM
The way we were
Year Coach W- L -T W/L Pct
2008-09 Randy Shannon 7-6 .538
2007-08 Randy Shannon 5-7 .417
2006-07 Larry Coker 7-6 .538
2005-06 Larry Coker 9-3 .750
2004-05 Larry Coker 9-3 .750 Peach Bowl
2003-04 Larry Coker 11-2 .846
2002-03 Larry Coker 12-1 .923
2001-02 Larry Coker 12-0 1.000 Rose Bowl, Champ
2000-01 Butch Davis 11-1 .917
1999-00 Butch Davis 9-4 .692 Gator Bowl
1998-99 Butch Davis 9-3 .750
1997-98 Butch Davis 5-6 .455
1996-97 Butch Davis 9-3 .750
1995-96 Butch Davis 8-3 .727
1994-95 Dennis Erickson 10-2 .833 Orange Bowl
1993-94 Dennis Erickson 9-3 .750 Fiesta Bowl
1992-93 Dennis Erickson 11-1 .917 Sugar Bowl
1991-92 Dennis Erickson 12-0 1.000 Orange Bowl, AP Champ
1990-91 Dennis Erickson 10-2 .833 Cotton Bowl
1989-90 Dennis Erickson 11-1 .917 Sugar Bowl, Champ
1988-89 Jimmy Johnson 11-1 .917 Orange Bowl
1987-88 Jimmy Johnson 12-0 1.000 Orange Bowl, Champ
1986-87 Jimmy Johnson 11-1 .917 Fiesta Bowl
1985-86 Jimmy Johnson 10-2 .833 Sugar Bowl
1984-85 Jimmy Johnson 8-5 .615 Fiesta Bowl
1983-84 Howard Schnellenberger 11-1 .917 Orange Bowl
1982-83 Howard Schnellenberger 7-4 .636
1981-82 Howard Schnellenberger 9-2 .818
1980-81 Howard Schnellenberger 9-3 .750 Peach Bowl
1979-80 Howard Schnellenberger 5-6 .455
1978-79 Lou Saban 6-5 .545
1977-78 Lou Saban 3-8 .273
1976-77 Carl Selmer 3-8 .273
1975-76 Carl Selmer 2-8 .200
1974-75 Peter "Pete" Elliott 6-5 .545
1973-74 Peter "Pete" Elliott 5-6 .455
1972-73 Fran Curci 5-6 .455
1971-72 Fran Curci 4-7 .364
1970-71 Charlie Tate(1-1) - Walter Kichefski(2-7) 3-8 .273
1969-70 Charlie Tate 4-6 .400
1968-69 Charlie Tate 5-5 .500
1967-68 Charlie Tate 7-4 .636 Bluebonnet Bowl
1966-67 Charlie Tate 8-2-1 .773 Liberty Bowl
1965-66 Charlie Tate 5-4-1 .550
1964-65 Charlie Tate 4-5-1 .450
1963-64 Andy Gustafson 3-7 .300
1962-63 Andy Gustafson 7-4 .636 Gotham Bowl
1961-62 Andy Gustafson 7-4 .636 Liberty Bowl
1960-61 Andy Gustafson 6-4 .600
1959-60 Andy Gustafson 6-4 .600
1958-59 Andy Gustafson 2-8 .200
1957-58 Andy Gustafson 5-4-1 .550
1956-57 Andy Gustafson 8-1-1 .850
1955-56 Andy Gustafson 6-3 .667
1954-55 Andy Gustafson 8-1 .889
1953-54 Andy Gustafson 4-5 .444
1952-53 Andy Gustafson 4-7 .364
1951-52 Andy Gustafson 8-3 .727 Gator Bowl
1950-51 Andy Gustafson 9-1-1 .864 Orange Bowl
1949-50 Andy Gustafson 6-3 .667
1948-49 Andy Gustafson 4-6 .400
1947-48 Jack Harding 2-7-1 .250
1946-47 Jack Harding 8-2 .800 Joined Div. I
1945-46 Jack Harding 9-1-1 .864
1944-45 Eddie Dunn 1-7-1 .167
1943-44 Eddie Dunn 5-1 .833
1942-43 Jack Harding 7-2 .778
1941-42 Jack Harding 8-2 .800
1940-41 Jack Harding 3-7 .300
1939-40 Jack Harding 5-5 .500
1938-39 Jack Harding 8-2 .800
1937-38 Jack Harding 4-4-1 .500
1936-37 Irl Tubbs 6-2-2 .700
1935-36 Irl Tubbs 5-3 .625
1934-35 Tom McCann 5-3-1 .611
1933-34 Tom McCann 5-1-2 .750
1932-33 Tom McCann 4-3-1 .562
1931-32 Tom McCann 4-8 .333
1930-31 Ernest Brett 3-4-1 .438
1929-30 J. Burton Rix 3-2 .600
1928-29 Howard Buck 4-4-1 .500
1927-28 Howard Buck 3-6-1 .350
1926-27 Howard Buck 8-0 1.000
I'm out
peace
Posted by: solarcane | June 09, 2009 at 11:20 PM
Great personal interest article. Congratulations Steve!
-cheers
Posted by: busy_cane | June 09, 2009 at 11:29 PM
Thanks for all of the compliments on the blog. This is what makes this place GREAT!
He's just a friend; and a Canes fan; and a friend who is a Canes fan; but when it all comes down to it LIFE is pretty important too.
And maybe even more important than sports.
Go Canes, Go Canespace!
Posted by: 86Cane | June 09, 2009 at 11:38 PM
Magic Wins! Series is now 2-1 LA.
Watch out...
Posted by: 86Cane | June 10, 2009 at 12:00 AM
here's a lil something from the herald about young recruits wanting to go to camps . .
Also, weeklong local camps such as Randy Shannon's UM camp ($390) and the Offense-Defense instructional week at FIU ($395, down from $450) have seen enrollment swell with locals as parents eschew out-of-state destinations.
how the hell is it that Mr. Cristobal charges more than Coach Shannon did for his camp??? if i was a recruit, the last place i would set my foot into is that school!
Posted by: Canes swallow Panthers whole! | June 10, 2009 at 01:02 AM
OcalaCane
Many props to you for accepting the responsibility for the family you have married. Congratulations and best wishes for you & your bride and the little canes,from Debary
Fran
Posted by: fran | June 10, 2009 at 07:11 AM
I cannot get a visual of ocho seis being blonde, skinny or in a fistfight ;-D
Posted by: CanesgirlNC | June 09, 2009 at 11:17 PM
All of that is TRUE!
Posted by: 86Cane | June 10, 2009 at 07:19 AM
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/196119-should-miami-hurricane-fans-be-worried-about-jacory-harris-in-09
u
Posted by: DATcane | June 10, 2009 at 07:49 AM
solar I work in Lauderhill!
Posted by: canesteeler | June 10, 2009 at 08:07 AM
Canesgirlnc, the beer was flowing last night! Anything can happen in game 7! Angry and Canechic where are you guys? I hope yall did not break any TV's in your home last night! Got some pens over here, woosh, woosh
Posted by: canesteeler | June 10, 2009 at 08:12 AM
Congrats, Ocala! Very nice tribute to your friendship, 86. Thanks for sharing. :)
Posted by: KLCaneFan | June 10, 2009 at 08:29 AM
Canesteeler - glad there is one more game to be played - I am a MESS watching these games! Oz played out of his mind because it should have been 4-1 easily. You know Mario Lemieux went and diagramed some stuff for the team after game 5. Over at Pensburgh there are alot of Avalanche fans pulling for the Pens, forgot about that rivalry ;-D
Posted by: CanesgirlNC | June 10, 2009 at 08:48 AM
86 - if you say it is true then it is true - LOL
Posted by: CanesgirlNC | June 10, 2009 at 08:48 AM
For canesteeler: http://www.pensburgh.com/
Posted by: CanesgirlNC | June 10, 2009 at 08:51 AM
We are here Det just wants to win at home. The red wings were not even trying last night and almost won, so I think they bring it on Friday!!!!!!! I kinda thought the Pens would win last night as well as the Magic.
Posted by: canechic | June 10, 2009 at 09:25 AM
• Lions/ex-Dolphins quarterback Daunte Culpepper -- whom UM's Jacory Harris said has become ''a mentor'' -- tells us he's ''really excited about Jacory and looking forward to working out with him this summer. He has all the tools to be a great college quarterback and beyond.'' Harris, studying NFL tape thanks to offensive coordinator Mark Whipple, also is studying tapes of Tom Brady's and Kurt Warner's workout programs.
Posted by: Gin & Tonic | June 10, 2009 at 09:45 AM
I love that story about Jacory and Daunte! Daunte truly is a great person and can help Jacory with a mature vision!
Go Canes!!!!!
Posted by: canechic | June 10, 2009 at 09:49 AM
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/acc/0-6-161/Ranking-the-ACC-s-nonconference-schedules.html
we should be ahead of FSU props to VT
Posted by: DATcane | June 10, 2009 at 09:57 AM
Wuz up, "U" bichez...
I see yall have rehabilitated.
CONGRADULATIONS!!!
Time is up. Da "Relapse"...
I'M IN DA BUILDIN'!!! Stay tuned...
Posted by: CoCane | June 10, 2009 at 09:58 AM
Good Morning SpaceCadets
Again, thanks for all the props.
I truly am the most grateful man alive...
These baby Canes now flash the U at any cane fan they see. I have an 8x10 of Jeryl and Jordan Futch on the wall of my office.
our 11 year old son said the coolest thing he got for his birthday was a team autographed UM ball from the spring game.
Angry and Canechic's daughter is at UM. I think that is very cool!!!
My oldest daughter went to USF.
If there is Karma? I must have done something really great. "Ya think"
Posted by: OCALACANE | June 10, 2009 at 10:03 AM
Ocala,
Sparking green & orange bloodlines huh. I'm feelin' that. You're holdin' it down bro. Do ya thang...
Posted by: CoCane | June 10, 2009 at 10:14 AM
CanesgirlNC,
You think '86 ever learned how to return the azz whippin'? LOL!
Posted by: CoCane | June 10, 2009 at 10:16 AM
Does any soul have a clue why Shannon & them ain't offered DE Delvin Jones or TE Charles Fashaw???
Posted by: CoCane | June 10, 2009 at 10:37 AM
WAKE UP "U" BICHEZ. '86, Help me out...
Posted by: CoCane | June 10, 2009 at 10:52 AM
Ocala I wish you guys nothing but happiness!
Posted by: canesteeler | June 10, 2009 at 11:00 AM
canesgirlnc thanks for the hook up
Posted by: canesteeler | June 10, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Canesteeler - no prob - I am posting under CGNC over there.
Posted by: CanesgirlNC | June 10, 2009 at 11:04 AM
CanesgirlNC,
You think '86 ever learned how to return the azz whippin'? LOL!
Posted by: Anonymous (Blast from the past) | June 10, 2009 at 10:16 AM
Things that make you go hmmmmmmmmm LOL
Posted by: CanesgirlNC | June 10, 2009 at 11:06 AM
First, Congrats OcalaCane - and what a great story!
Now can someone bring me up to speed on the Canes DL. Yes, we have a good pass rush with Robinson, Ojomo, and Moncur's return. I was so impressed with Marcus Forston's pass rushing ability too - I never thought he'd be able to do as well as he did as a freshman; if he stays healthy he could be an all-timer.
Now I'm curious about our interior line. Our D-Line up front hasn't been dominating since Wilfork. I mean our 2005 D-Line was solid but mostly because of hard working depth, and we got run on by LSU in the bowl game when they used Addai. We snuffed out everyone else.
We have Forston, and now Bailey (who is raw as heck still) but I want to know about heralded people such as Regis and Lewis. What's the story on these kids (and others like them) and how do they work into the rotation?
In short, we need some serious strength up front this year and cannot afford for teams to run on us, especially as we toughen our identity. Our LBs are small (as are our DEs) and we need to leave them free to "make plays".
- CVS
Posted by: CVS | June 10, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Speaking of Ocala, didn't Culpepper play for Ocala Vanguard High?
Posted by: CanesgirlNC | June 10, 2009 at 11:09 AM
Yes Duante played for Ocala Vanguard.
Full Circle...
My new wife Jeryl was a flautist in the Vanguard band at the time he played there.
Posted by: OCALACANE | June 10, 2009 at 11:18 AM
CVS
All I know about Micanor Regis is what Blumstein wrote about him when he was a recruit. That he was at a camp and was either working out before the camp started or after it ended and all the other players were resting under a shady tree. He has good size and I think floriduh made a last minute run at him so other top notch school were knocking on his door. If we missed out on Forston that year he would've been our headliner DT prospect.
Jermey Lewis I know even less on. He only started playing as a junior in high school so I imagine he is still raw but must have tremendous upside.
I know Regis played as a true freshman and I think Lewis did as well.
Reports I've read about the two since they've arrived are that they flash potential and then get blown out on the next play. Consistent play will come with experience. The future is bright... keep your shades handy:)
Posted by: DZ8 | June 10, 2009 at 11:28 AM
"1. Virginia Tech: You won't find a "Sisters of the Poor" on this list. It's the only school in the conference that doesn't have an FCS team on its schedule."
What FCS school is on our schedule??
Posted by: conch salad | June 10, 2009 at 11:55 AM
FL A&M?
Posted by: conch salad | June 10, 2009 at 11:57 AM
canesgirl and canesteeler, Nick said I must retract my previous statement as to not jinx the red wings.
The Pens played fantastic and so did the red wings and I have no idea who will win!
I still cannot believe I am rooting for the red wings!
Posted by: canechic | June 10, 2009 at 11:59 AM
solar I work in Lauderhill!
Posted by: canesteeler | June 10, 2009 at 08:07 AM
I lived right off 42 ave
ahh memories of Saturday nights in the Deepside...
The reggae and riddim beats, accompanied by the ratta-tat-tat rhythm of automatic
weapons...
the BSO helicopter light shows reflecting off the windows...
watching the DEA crouching in your flowerbed staking out the house next door ...
shooting the shyt with the COPS Show mobile unit in the Tire Kingdom parking lot..
dem were da daze.
peace
Posted by: solarcane | June 10, 2009 at 12:01 PM
Jason Haggerty drafted by San Diego
Posted by: fran | June 10, 2009 at 12:21 PM
Jason Haggerty drafted by San Diego Padres in 5th round
Posted by: fran | June 10, 2009 at 12:25 PM
UM shortstop Ryan Jackson drafted in 5th round by St louis and Kyle Bellamy drafted by White Sox also 5th round
Posted by: fran | June 10, 2009 at 12:28 PM
Chris Hermann listed as Catcher drafted by Minnesota Twins 6 th round
Posted by: fran | June 10, 2009 at 12:42 PM
conch salad- you are correct, sir! FAMU returned to 1AA (am I the only one who refuses to say FBC/FCS) after maybe one year in 1A.
Posted by: j.w. | June 10, 2009 at 12:56 PM
Ocala, LOL were they in the same graduating class? Would make for a cool yearbook...
Posted by: CanesgirlNC | June 10, 2009 at 12:59 PM
CC - LOl admit it, you have a crush on the muppet ;-D
Posted by: CanesgirlNC | June 10, 2009 at 01:03 PM
Great article on the Canes after beating Ohio State in Kickoff Classic back in 1999. Here's something to bonder - the offensive linemen working together, studying film together during the summer (without coaches) and pushing a 4000 lb truck like a sled. Gives me chills as to how that O-Line worked together. Do you remember that crushing block Mercier had on that PSU lineman to spring Jackson's run in that game? I'd like to see our big boys do that.
http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1016964/index.htm
- CVS
Posted by: CVS | June 10, 2009 at 01:04 PM
Solar,
42nd ave is in Shallowside...
Posted by: CoCane | June 10, 2009 at 01:06 PM
http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_college_hurricanes/2009/06/three-canes-taken-5th-round-of-mlb-draft.html
already talked about
Posted by: DATcane | June 10, 2009 at 01:10 PM
DAT I'm listening to MLB.Com I am Pirate fan basically. Just shut down after 10 round pick.
Posted by: fran | June 10, 2009 at 01:22 PM
MLB Draft 2009, players in the state of Florida so far
1st Round
16th Diamondbacks - Bobby Borchering, 3B, Bishop Verot HS
27th Mariners - Nick Franklin, SS, Lake Brantley HS
30th Rays - LeVon Washington, OF/INF, Buchholz HS
33rd Mariners - Steve Baron, C, Ferguson HS
2nd Round
54th Orioles - Mychal Givens, P/INF, Tampa Plant HS
70th Twins - Billy Bullock, P, UiF
71st White Sox - David Holmberg, P, Port Charlotte HS
76th Yankees - J.R. Murphy, C, Pendleton School
80th Angels - Pat Corbin, P, Chipola JC
3rd Round
84th Pirates - Evan Chambers, OF, Hillsborough CC
85th Orioles - Tyler Townsend, 1B, FIU
4th Round
114th Padres - Keyvius Sampson, P, Ocala Forest HS
118th Braves - Mycal Jones, SS, Miami Dade CC South
5th Round
144th Padres - Jason Hagerty, C, The U
159th Cardinals - Ryan Jackson, SS, The U
163rd White Sox - Kyle Bellamy, P, The U
166th Brewers - D'Vontrey Richardson, RF, FSU
6th Round
172nd Nationals - Michael Taylor, SS, Westminster Academy
192nd Twins - Chris Herrmann, C, The U
194th Mets - David Buchanon, P, Chipola JC
196th Brewers - Hiram Burgos, P, Bethune Cookman
7th Round
204th Padres - Miles Mikolas, P, Nova Southeastern University
9th Round
262nd Nationals - Taylor Jordan, P, Brevard CC
274th Rangers - Jabari Blash, RF, Miami Dade CC
282nd Twins - Nick Lockwood, SS, Jesuit HS
284th Mets - Jeffrey Glenn, C, Winter Haven HS
Nothing but high schoolers taken in the 1st Round from the state. Like fran noted, no Cane went before the 5th - including all everything guy, Kyle Bellamy.
Posted by: Six | June 10, 2009 at 01:32 PM