What makes a winning combination? Try this formula and what do you get:
The Florida Keys + Fishing + Miami Hurricanes + A Good Cause = Success.
The University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame held their annual Canesfish fishing tournament in Islamorada this past weekend. The event was a huge success as a floatilla of around 80 boats were officially entered in the tournament that is gaining serious popularity among former Miami Hurricane football players, UM fans and the South Florida fishing community at-large.
On Friday night I had the opportunity, along with over 500 other hard core Hurricane fans, to attend the Captain's Meeting at the Ocean View Pub and Inn, which just happens to be owned by former UM football player and Pittsburgh Steeler Gary Dunn.
Known to the locals as simply "The OV", it is a cozy, casual and always welcoming nine-room Inn that is adjacent to the Pub where friendly staff, great views, good food and cold drinks are always readily accessible.
The natural salt water pool with waterfall is surrounded by tropical plants and comfortable seating areas that provide a lovely backdrop to the stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico just beyond the mangroves. Sunsets are a popular daily event that both tourists and the locals flock to The OV to see.
Some guy I never heard of who supposedly played for the Hurricanes and the Baltimore Ravens named "Ray Lewis" was the Honorary Host for this years event. Apparently, this Lewis guy is a pretty big deal based on the large entourage around him that tried to keep the crazed crowd somewhat at bay from the popular player.
The large crowd seemed to follow him from place to place, desperate for a photo or autograph. He very graciously tried to oblige as many of the fans as he could but in the end it was hopeless.
Someone in the gathering crowd even said that this Lewis guy was the Super Bowl MVP last year, but I wasn't buying any of that nonsense.
Last year some big dude named Warren Sapp hosted the event. I never heard of him either but he was also very popular and very largely present at this year's event where he comfortably mingled among the crowd and took several photos with adoring fans in the relaxed, "Keys Casual" setting.
The tournament participants actually stayed just across the street from The OV at the newly renovated Post Card Inn. This is where the awards dinner was held on Saturday evening and also where the weigh-in and fishing boats left from the Famous Islamorada fishing docks.
If you have never been to what has traditionally been known as the famous Holiday Isle location, it is just a beautiful. The famous tiki bars that serve the infamous Rum Runners (with a 151 shot) and the beaches and sandbar area just offshore are something everyone should experience during their lives.
Trust me when I tell you to put this on your bucket list. No really, trust me!
Finally, from the looks of this photo, UM athletic Director Blake James and his team did pretty well, hooking and boating a 29 pound dolphin for his team.
Now, go and filet that, dip it in some egg and bread crumbs, and fry it up!
14 of our 19 commits are from Florida..with 11 being from South Florida. Last year the knock on Golden was he wasn't taking enough South Florida/Florida guys..and now that he is in this cycle people want to knock Golden because there are to many 2-3 Star guys...Golden just cant win
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 07:04 AM
The people that come on here and knock Golden are idiots. They take all the data coming out about the program, process it, and then come to the most ridiculous conclusions.
Their voices are fewer and grow more faint each day. I love when the dipshyt's have tried to fire up the negative bandwagon the last few weeks only to be drowned out by all the positive vibes coming out of the program and the blog.
Some people are just always negative. They were dealt a short straw in life and they don't have the tools nor the desire to fix the miserable hand they were dealt. Their comfort zone is failure and they cling to it like a baby sucking on a binky.
Most of them have already started to slither out of Canespace. They won't be missed!
Go 'canes!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | July 01, 2013 at 10:15 AM
ESPN also shows we have 25 offers to LB's
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 10:18 AM
We can absolutely win big right now. ACC Title Game or bust.
Posted by: LB | July 01, 2013 at 10:23 AM
And for the star whores...this class will most likely finish up with a swarm of 4-Stars with the likes of Nigel Bethal, Treon Harris, Chad Thomas, Valentine, Dixson, Rudolph etc etc...Not saying we get all those..but you see my point
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 10:26 AM
LB..I agree...with out schedule..even with the D from last year we should win 8-9 games...with a slightly improved D we should win 9 to 10 games..we just have to beat teams we are SUPPOSE to beat
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 10:28 AM
I'm for winning titles right now. As long as Coley can coach & the upgrades in the defensive line come through...
...book your tickets to Charlotte.
Posted by: LB | July 01, 2013 at 10:30 AM
Florida, FSU and VT should be the only games where Miami isnt suppose to win..and VT is ont he down side at the moment, FSU has been overrated and will have a new QB and Florida is at home.
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 10:30 AM
UMike-FSU may have a new QB but there's a reason Trickett got the hell out of Tally when spring ball ended-he's a stud
Coker recruited based on star ratings-got us real far!!
Posted by: TJL | July 01, 2013 at 10:54 AM
TJL..Im just saying we have a chance lol..we got our own stud QB
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 11:01 AM
And for the star whores...this class will most likely finish up with a swarm of 4-Stars with the likes of Nigel Bethal, Treon Harris, Chad Thomas, Valentine, Dixson, Rudolph etc etc...Not saying we get all those..but you see my point
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 10:26 AM
Is that UMike being POSITIVE? Well, well, well...smack my azz and call me Sally! LOL
Posted by: SOUP | July 01, 2013 at 11:05 AM
Miami should be favored vs VT. Only UF and FSU will be favored vs Miami this year. IF we win one of those and the other games we are SUPPOSED to win we are "In Like Flynn".
Posted by: SOUP | July 01, 2013 at 11:07 AM
SOUP..Im always positive lol...besides I will take a 2-Star kid from Dade County that the coaches have seen up close verses a 4-Star from TX they have only seen highlights of lol
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 11:34 AM
UMike...jus messin wit U!
Posted by: SOUP | July 01, 2013 at 11:55 AM
SOUP..Im always positive lol...besides I will take a 2-Star kid from Dade County that the coaches have seen up close verses a 4-Star from TX they have only seen highlights of lol
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 11:34 AM
UMike brings it everyday! This blog vibe is getting back the the Sun Sentinel days when we all first met! There's no reason at this point to doubt that Golden knows what he wants and has a plan to go get it.
A blind squirrel knows we need tackles. If UM handles their business on and off the field then they will come. Last week a potential 5* 2015 tackle who UM wasn't even recruiting was showing interest. Momentum is building because the kids feel that if they do a 3-4 year hitch at UM they will have a chance to compete for BCS bowls and playoff spots.
The ACC conference is also rising up. They now have nearly twice as many viewers as their closest rival conferences. They are #1 in so many categories now with the addition of PITT, Louisville, Syracuse, and ND that the next ESPN contract should be epic for all ACC members.
This thang has legs now and is about to start running downhill! UM caliber football is making a comeback thanks to Al Golden and the rest of the athletic department. They weathered the biggest storm in the history of UM athletics and are on the cusp of enjoying the fruits of their labor. All the puzzies who cut and ran like Horcutt will now realize how short-sided and self-centered their decisions have been. The most fickle fan base in the country is about to return in droves as if they never left! It's gonna be a(nother) great ride!!
Go 'canes!!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | July 01, 2013 at 11:59 AM
UMIKE cool man see you in early September for the Floriduh game.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | July 01, 2013 at 12:06 PM
Only UF and FSU will be favored vs Miami this year. IF we win one of those and the other games we are SUPPOSED to win we are "In Like Flynn".
Posted by: SOUP | July 01, 2013 at 11:07 AM
And I think the most likely "one of those", is FSU. We've hung with them for 3 quarters the last couple of years...we just ain't got those horses...YET! Al has done a better job against FSU with controversy, than Butch did.
Posted by: CaneRock | July 01, 2013 at 12:15 PM
WE DESTROY VT AT HOME THIS YEAR
Posted by: canezilla | July 01, 2013 at 12:15 PM
SOUP...I won't need a room this trip..but will be right around the corner at my brothers, so if any of the crew is there hanging out I can come by lol
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 08:32 AM
***********************************
Likewise
Posted by: raizecane | July 01, 2013 at 12:21 PM
Good morning, Canes fans!
Posted by: j.w. | July 01, 2013 at 12:25 PM
SOUP..Im always positive lol...besides I will take a 2-Star kid from Dade County that the coaches have seen up close verses a 4-Star from TX they have only seen highlights of lol
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 11:34 AM
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I'm not sure about that....if you had said 'a 4 star from Idaho" I would agree with you. But Texas?? Not so much......Texas has some ballers....
Posted by: raizecane | July 01, 2013 at 12:25 PM
another day....another Gaytor arrest
http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/07/01/walk-on-gator-punter-charged-with-scooter-related-dui/
Posted by: TJL | July 01, 2013 at 12:41 PM
TJL...U feeling better after your brief hospital stay?
Posted by: SOUP | July 01, 2013 at 12:50 PM
Raise..I am VERY biased towards Dade County kids lol...But I like that the coaches not only have tape, but see games, spring games and see them and talk to them at camp..Even if it is a 4-Star from TX, I would prefer the kids coaches have seen up close..I will take a 2-Star from Carol City any day lol..and besides if Miami is getting a 4-Star out of TX..they must know something we dont lol..There are a couple exceptions like Eric Winston, but that was in 2002 when Miami could get whoever they wanted like Alabama today.
Here are TX recruits since 2002..
Eric Winston
Alton Wright
Kevin Everett
Tyrone Byrd
Kirby Freeman
Lance Leggett
Dajleon Farr
Reginald Youngblood
Jason Fox
Ian Symonette
Chris Perry
Taylor Cook
A.J. Highsmith
Kacy Rodgers
Preston Dewey
Derrick Griffin
I agree their are ballers in TX..but not many come to Miami lol
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 01:04 PM
Don't know if it's been confirmed here or not, but AQM is good to go academically. He's in.
Now we wait on the others.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | July 01, 2013 at 01:19 PM
"Don't know if it's been confirmed here or not, but AQM is good to go academically. He's in."
That's a big +1 for the defensive line.
UMike has been on typing steroids for the past month or so, and I think he included it in an earlier post.
Posted by: LB | July 01, 2013 at 01:26 PM
UMike has been on typing steroids for the past month or so, and I think he included it in an earlier post.
Posted by: LB | July 01, 2013 at 01:26 PM
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Eh, haven't read much today, just posted it when I saw it.
I saw 39 posts from Mike so that's why I included the "don't know if it's been confirmed". Lol
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | July 01, 2013 at 01:29 PM
http://philsteele.com/bowls/13-14/bowlprojections.html
Canes vs. Oregon State in the Sun Bowl. I actually am surprised Phil put us there, with Clemson vs. UCF in the Russell Athletic. Miami vs. UCF would seem to be a better draw for Orlando. And its ironic as we would have played SC last year in the Sun Bowl, while our ND Sun Bowl appearance was our last.
Posted by: j.w. | July 01, 2013 at 01:29 PM
WR Malachi Dupre with a 41.3" vert at The Opening. Goodness...
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | July 01, 2013 at 01:30 PM
It's been a whole 5 minutes since UMike's last post. Either he's slacking, or he's human.
Posted by: LB | July 01, 2013 at 01:31 PM
Soup-Yes thanks had 12 inches of my small intestines removed and re attached--ouch!! eat your fiber!!!
Posted by: TJL | July 01, 2013 at 01:32 PM
"Canes vs. Oregon State in the Sun Bowl. I actually am surprised Phil put us there, with Clemson vs. UCF in the Russell Athletic. Miami vs. UCF would seem to be a better draw for Orlando. And its ironic as we would have played SC last year in the Sun Bowl, while our ND Sun Bowl appearance was our last."
As long as we win a bowl game, they could put us up against Target Security and I'd be perfectly happy.
Posted by: LB | July 01, 2013 at 01:33 PM
Occasionally I have to work lol
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 01:37 PM
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1689784-elite-11-2013-results-trent-dilfer-reveals-his-top-6-qbs?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=college-football
KAAYA top 6!
Posted by: TJL | July 01, 2013 at 01:39 PM
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1689784-elite-11-2013-results-trent-dilfer-reveals-his-top-6-qbs?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=college-football
KAAYA top 6!
Posted by: TJL | July 01, 2013 at 01:39 PM
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Diamonds in the rough. Keep the faith.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | July 01, 2013 at 01:47 PM
That's three in the row in the Elite 11 competition.
Posted by: LB | July 01, 2013 at 02:01 PM
It's been a whole 5 minutes since UMike's last post. Either he's slacking, or he's human.
Posted by: LB | July 01, 2013 at 01:31 PM
Well he is certainly NOT human, so he must be slacking? LOL
Posted by: SOUP | July 01, 2013 at 02:03 PM
WR Malachi Dupre with a 41.3" vert at The Opening. Goodness...
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | July 01, 2013 at 01:30 PM
The Speedy Noil kid from Karr HS in LA just went 45" in the vert. That's INSANE!
Posted by: SOUP | July 01, 2013 at 02:05 PM
yesterday at softball practice I jumped a clear 4 inches off the ground so catch a ball
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 02:27 PM
yesterday at softball practice I jumped a clear 4 inches off the ground so catch a ball
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 02:27 PM
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I can do at LEAST 5 inches, U inhuman slacker! Lol
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | July 01, 2013 at 02:33 PM
The Speedy Noil kid from Karr HS in LA just went 45" in the vert. That's INSANE!
Posted by: SOUP | July 01, 2013 at 02:05 PM
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Former teammate of Standish. Has an offer.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | July 01, 2013 at 02:51 PM
Ohio..he eliminated the Canes months ago though..but at least were after these kids
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 02:52 PM
Per Ariz...
2014 Saddleback C.C. (Ca.) WR Eric Lauderdale (6'2", 200) had a circuitous path to where he is today. Originally from Fayetteville, Georgia, Lauderdale has blossomed into one of the top Junior College receivers in the country.
"I graduated in 2011 and I didn't qualify out of high school so I was going to go to Junior College, but I found out about prep school and I decided to do that because I would have been able to do a year or semester and you get to go to a division-1 school as a freshman. When I went to the prep school (Hargrave Military Academy), things didn't work out as I had planned and I had to go home because the family that was paying for me to go there didn't have the rest of the money for me to finish school. I had to start over fresh at Junior College," said Lauderdale.
The 4-star wideout's stock has risen greatly since high school.
"I had some offers, but if I would have gone to the camps then I would have had more. I had regular offers like Indiana, Middle Tennessee, Vanderbilt, and Tulane. They just wanted me to qualify. I've gotten a lot better over the past couple years so more schools are after me."
How has Lauderdale been able to handle this newfound attention?
"It's crazy. I'm getting a phone call everyday from a coach or someone wanting an interview. In high school, I would get a call every now and then, but now it's everyday which is cool. I don't mind it."
Lauderdale admits he wasn't crazy about having to go the Junior College route, but in the long run he thinks it will help him.
"I didn't want to go to Junior College when I graduated and nobody really wants to do the two years and have to transfer, but it puts you on the right track. I know you only get two years after Junior College, but you go into it ready to play."
As far as recruiting goes, the versatile receiver is keeping his options open.
"Tennessee, Miami, Arizona State, Illinois, and Kansas are recruiting me hard. I'm still wide open right now and I'm not looking for an early decision because I don't want to regret something so I'm taking all of my five visits."
What is he looking for in a program?
"I want to see how the players go about their everyday business and I want a good bond with the coaches for sure. I want to go to a winning program. Not necessarily someone who's going undefeated, but I want a good program."
Miami is a school that has been on Lauderdale a good amount, receivers coach Brennan Carroll in particular.
"Coach Carroll and Coley are recruiting me. Coach Carroll is a funny guy and he came to my school twice already. I'm pretty sure I'm going to take an official there. He messages me on Facebook and Twitter too."
Something that caught Lauderdale's attention with Miami is the fact that Andre Johnson is a player he looks up to.
"They've been a good program and my favorite receiver is Andre Johnson so that kind of threw me off when they told me I had a scholarship offer. I just know they've been a good program for years and it's always been about that U."
Tennessee seems to be a school that is sticking out for him as well.
"I like them because I like the SEC conference and I'm from back in Georgia. They have a lot of freshmen coming in so they're not as mature. I think they have like five or six receivers on scholarship so they're in need of some receivers."
**Lauderdale would have 3 years to play 2 seasons.
**He compares his game to Mario Manningham because at 6'2", he can play both the slot and outside.
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 02:53 PM
Ohio..he eliminated the Canes months ago though..but at least were after these kids
Posted by: UMike | July 01, 2013 at 02:52 PM
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I remember. Just saying we offered before everyone flipped their lids acting like we didn't even try.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | July 01, 2013 at 02:55 PM
We need to keep recruiting DTs and LBs....that's where we are getting gashed. Hell recruit 100 of each; just keep looking and offering the best ones...based on films and games....not stars. I think the staff has really stepped up in recruiting talent....we just need to build on their skills and continue to coach them. We will do great on O....once again the D worries me.
I do not like playing the Toledos and Arkansas of the world. The only thing I know about Toledo is that is where Max Klinger is from!!!! Actually both of these teams are good...but LSU is a big dog...or are we afraid to play them after that 41-3 ass kicking in the day.....they wore our AZZ OUT!!!!!!
Huge mountain shout to U Mike.....you do a great job, very informative and interesting info!!!!keep it up Brother!!!!
Posted by: VA Cane | July 01, 2013 at 03:38 PM
The praise that Kaaya is getting from Trent Dilfer, just caps off my belief in Coach Golden and the staff when recruiting and accepting committments from kids no one has heard of. Kaaya was a 2** now is a 4** and trent dilfer says he makes the impossible look easy...
Posted by: UpNorthCane27 | July 01, 2013 at 04:03 PM
Symonete was from the Bahamas
Posted by: hassan | July 01, 2013 at 04:17 PM
Miami Basketball @CanesHoops 2m
Corn Elder is making his first appearance with the Canes hoops team today. Quick feet, springy ups, soaking in Coach L's hoops knowledge.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | July 01, 2013 at 04:32 PM
There is a BIG difference between just OFFERING recruits & actually RECRUITING recruits. Our staff OFFERS practically EVERYONE but how many kids are they actually RECRUITING?
Posted by: Canester- Nip | July 01, 2013 at 04:48 PM
Soup good article! VA Cane I lived in Toledo for 3 years and it seemed like 10! Keep going after DT's and LB's. please no more QB's.
Posted by: Canesteeler | July 01, 2013 at 05:26 PM
Miami Ticket Office @UMTickets 2m
Record weekend for NEW season tickets purchased online. Welcome to the fam if you were one of them! #60days until kickoff #FullSpeedAhead
Posted by: SOUP | July 01, 2013 at 05:29 PM