The University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame (UMSHoF) today announced its 2015 class of inductees.
Headlining the group are two-time Olympic medalist Lauryn Williams as well as football stars Jonathan Vilma, Kevin Patrick, Rusty Medearis, Winston Moss and the late Sean Taylor. Rounding out the class are College Baseball Hall of Fame member Alex Fernandez, NCAA Champion diver Chris Mantilla, basketball star Kym Hope and former football assistant coach Rob Chudzinski.
This year's class will be formally introduced at halftime of the Miami-Cincinnati game on Sat, Oct. 11, as part of the "Hall of Fame Game" ceremonies. Inductees will enter the UMSHoF at the 47th Annual Induction Banquet, which will be held in April 2015.
“This is an impressive class that reflects the highest level of athletic talent representative of The U,” said K.C. Jones, president of the UMSHoF and member of the 2008 class. “We look forward to introducing the class at the upcoming Cincinnati game and hosting our induction ceremony at the banquet in the spring.”
The UMSHoF was founded in 1966 by eight Dade County Circuit Court judges, all Miami alumni, who wanted to establish an organization that would recognize those student-athletes, coaches and administrators who excelled at their sport and brought acclaim to the university through their achievements and championships.
UMSHoF Class of 2015
Rob Chudzinski Football Coach 1996-2003
Beginning as tight ends coach in 1996 and extending through his time as offensive coordinator starting in 2001, Chudzinski had the coaching ability for developing outstanding talent, including All-American TEs Bubba Franks, Jeremy Shockey and Kellen Winslow Jr. His offensive schemes set UM records for most points (527), total yards (6,074) and rushing touchdowns (33) during the 2001 National Championship season. During his time at The U, six Canes on the offensive side garnered All-America honors and national awards, including the Outland Trophy (Bryant McKinnie), Rimington Trophy (Brett Romberg) and the Maxwell Award (Ken Dorsey). As a player, Rob helped win two National Championships (1987 and 1989), was tapped into Iron Arrow, and won the school's first football NCAA Post Graduate Scholarship.
Alex Fernandez Baseball 1989
Alex had arguably the greatest pitching season in school history when he went 15-2 with a 2.01 earned run average, while striking out 177 batters in 147 innings, all while being named a Freshman All-American and First Team All-American byBaseball America Magazine. He pitched a no-hitter against Maine in a 2-0 decision, allowing just one walk while striking out 13. In the East Regional in Gainesville, he was named to the all-tournament team after eliminating the Gators with a complete game while giving up just one run, and he batted .375 for the series. Ron Fraser's team would advance to the College World Series, giving Alex another stage on which to be seen by the baseball world. He left Miami for Miami-Dade College and won the Dick Howser Award as the best player in college baseball in 1990. A member of the Florida Marlins’ 1997 World Series Champions team, Fernandez was inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame last year.
Kym Hope Women's Basketball 1995-1999
One of the finest all-around players in UM history, Kym was a two-time First Team All-BIG EAST selection (1997-98, 98-99). She ranks in the top 10 in categories ranging from career scoring (1,462 pts.), career free throw percentage (.741), career field goal percentage (.526, #2 all-time) career rebounds (888, #4 all-time) and career blocked shots (164, #2 all-time). Kym was named the BIG EAST Most Improved Player in 1997-98, when she led the conference in rebounding. Playing alongside UMSHoF members Octavia Blue and Desma Thomas Bateast during her career, Kym helped to lead the Canes in post-season play in her junior and senior years.
Chris Mantilla Diving 1995-1998
An 11-time All-American, Chris won the 3-meter title at the 1996 NCAA Championships, finishing second in the 1-meter springboard and third in the 10-meter platform, as he teamed with UMSHoF members Bryan Gillooly and Tyce Routson to sweep the top three spots in all three diving events at the meet. He was the 1996 BIG EAST Conference champion in the 1-meter and 3-meter events. As a freshman in 1995, he was an All-American in the 1-meter and platform categories, then for the next three years (1996, 1997 and 1998), he garnered All-American status in the 1-meter, 3-meter and platform.
Rusty Medearis Football 1990-1992, 1994
The heart and soul of a dominant defense that led Miami to the National Championship in 1991, Medearis may be best remembered for his inspiring recovery from a devastating injury in 1992 to return to the field in 1994. Named a Freshman All-American with 10 sacks in 1990 - just behind team leader Outland Trophy winner Russell Maryland's 101/2 sacks - Rusty came back with 10 sacks and was named All-BIG EAST in 1991. His 22 sacks in just over two full seasons are still seventh all-time in school history. He was injured in the third game of the 1992 season but showed determination and hard will to make it back to the Orange Bowl stage. In his first career start against Texas Tech as a freshman in 1990, he showed his potential by recording 5 1/2 sacks, 9 solo tackles and 12 total tackles.
Winston Moss Football 1983-1986
A quiet leader both on and off the field, Winston teamed with UMSHoF member George Mira Jr., Jerome Brown, Dan Stubbs and Bennie Blades, among others, to lead the Hurricanes to an undefeated season and a spot in the National Championship game. In 1986, despite missing two games, Moss was fourth in total tackles (87), but second in solo tackles (60), just one behind Mira for the team lead, including eight unassisted tackles in the Canes 23-15 victory over Florida. He was second in tackles for loss (7). A member of the 1983 National Championship team, Winston went on to a 10-year NFL career and is currently the associate head coach of the Green Bay Packers.
Kevin Patrick Football 1990-1993
A First Team All American in 1993 by both the Associated Press and Kodak, Patrick was named the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year as a senior and was a two-time All-BIG EAST first team selection (1992-93). The defensive end teamed with Rusty Medearis to wreak havoc for opponents with their aggressive and relentless defensive line play. He ended his career with 23 sacks, good for fifth all-time in school history. He is currently the defensive line coach at the University of North Texas.
Sean Taylor Football 2001-2003
A consensus First Team All American in 2003 and finalist for the Thorpe Award as the nation's best safety, Sean was the 2003 BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year. That year, he tied the school record with 10 interceptions that he returned for 184 yards, the second-most yards in a season in school history. He ranks second in career interceptions returned for touchdowns (three), second in career interception return yards (306), and fifth in total interceptions (14). A member of the 2001 National Championship team, Taylor had interceptions in four consecutive games in 2003, the second-longest streak in Canes history. Sadly, Sean Taylor passed away in 2007 and will be inducted posthumously.
Jonathan Vilma Football 2000-2003
Named an All-American in 2003 by the American Football Coaches Association and the Walter Camp Foundation, Vilma was the man in the middle for the Canes defense that played for two National Championships. He led the Canes in total tackles in 2001, 2002 and 2003, and his 377 career tackles totals seventh best all-time, fourth-best for a middle linebacker, behind only UMSHoF members George Mira Jr., Micheal Barrow and Ray Lewis. Jonathan, a two-time Academic All American and three-time All-BIG EAST Academic team, was named the 2003 recipient of the Walter Kichefski Endowed Football Scholarship, given annually by the UMSHoF to the player who best demonstrates respect of fellow man, loyalty, dedication, sacrifice, motivation and inspiration, qualities that Kichefski possessed in his nearly 60 years at Miami as a player, coach and administrator.
Lauryn Williams Track & Field 2001-2004
One of the most decorated track athletes in Miami history, Lauryn was a nine-time All American and won the 100-meter dash at the 2004 NCAA Championships. She was All American in the 60-meter dash (2002, 2003, 2004) the 100-meter dash (2002, 2003, 2004) the 4x100 meter relay (2003, 2004) and the 200-meter indoors (2004). She was named the 2002 BIG EAST Indoor Track Athlete of the Year, the 2004 BIG EAST Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year, and was a 11-time BIG EAST Champion. She left Miami holding seven school records. Lauryn captured the silver medal in the 100-meter dash at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, then won a gold medal as a member of the U.S. team that won the 4x100-meter relay in London. Williams became the first American women to capture medals in both the Summer and Winter Olympics when she captured silver in the two-women bobsled at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi.
With the addition of the Class of 2015, the UMSHoF will have 292 members.
from 2010 -
"He has learned, he has grown, he has developed, he is ready for that next step," Hocutt said. "He is ready to come to a program that can compete and win national championships. He's an excellent communicator, very organized, detail-oriented, and he's inspirational. He will inspire this football program to greatness."
Posted by: raizecane | October 08, 2014 at 02:06 PM
Posted by: raizecane | October 08, 2014 at 02:06 PM
Then Hocutt jetted out the backdoor leaving us with the worst coaching staff in football
Posted by: SinisterCane | October 08, 2014 at 02:14 PM
Is it ok to ask the person who has his finger on the pulse of the team? LOL
Posted by: Jockstrap | October 08, 2014 at 01:58 PM
Soup said that, so when you gon ask him or are you scared?
Posted by: WWIN | October 08, 2014 at 02:29 PM
Don't worry about Jockstrap, he knows nothing about the Canes. When he was talking records he was talking about when Golden was at Temple! Lol
Clown actually thinks Randy was canned over ncaa crap but Golden knew nothing of it! LMAO
Posted by: WWIN | October 08, 2014 at 02:32 PM
What a slow day on the blog when all we do is argue and discuss 2 really bad coaches! Randy and Golden - 2 of the very worst head coaches! At least Coker was smart enough not to change what was working and won a NC and almost a second. If we had brought either Randy or Golden in that year, how many on here really think we go undefeated and win the NC?
Posted by: AeroCane | October 08, 2014 at 02:58 PM
ONE of biggest problems I have is Al's refusing to look at pasted failures or old game tape AND AND AND not using resources. (JJ, Pete, etc) Every coach calls other coaches or trades information. Has clinics or attend other practices.
You have to evaluate perform, make changes, and always-ALWAYS attempt to learn/grow! The game of football is always changing! Have to stay on top of trends.
As far as JJ coming out....He was and is classic act. And if Golden's team was as good or better, then he would have said so. The fact the did not comment or would not answer speaks VOLUMES. The man knows talent and could pick a team apart in seconds....He is just being a CANE and not bashing the current state of U.
Posted by: LA3 | October 08, 2014 at 03:38 PM
As far as JJ coming out....He was and is classic act. And if Golden's team was as good or better, then he would have said so. The fact the did not comment or would not answer speaks VOLUMES. The man knows talent and could pick a team apart in seconds....He is just being a CANE and not bashing the current state of U.
Posted by: LA3 | October 08, 2014 at 03:38 PM
Notice JJ said he has no opinion on the defense because he hasn't seen it, but when asked about Kaaya he gave an enthusiastic endorsement. So he only watches games when we have the ball. Cant blame him for not wanting to watch that D, but Looks to me like JJ was being politically correct. Really ya can't expect a former coach to bash the current one.
Posted by: 1mg of epi | October 08, 2014 at 04:04 PM
Anyone care to talk about anything different for 30 mins or so?
Let's talk about how cool this Make A Wish kid is? His idol is Duke and he got to stretch, practice, etc right next to Duke.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 08, 2014 at 04:34 PM
Anyone care to talk about anything different for 30 mins or so?
Let's talk about how cool this Make A Wish kid is? His idol is Duke and he got to stretch, practice, etc right next to Duke.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 08, 2014 at 04:34 PM
Puts things in perspective
Posted by: 1mg of epi | October 08, 2014 at 04:41 PM
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 08, 2014 at 04:34 PM
---------------------------------------------------
Stop diverting attention from #FIREGOLDEN!
All kidding aside, such a cool story. Saw some short clips of the kid going out for passes.
Make-A-Wish does GREAT work, add this to the list.
Posted by: 30CINCO | October 08, 2014 at 04:41 PM
I really hope this kid's story is on ESPN like they do during College Gameday, or during peak viewing hours. Awesome stuff.
I sent him a #WelcomeToTheU tweet earlier.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 08, 2014 at 04:50 PM
CIS poster's son is subject of the Make-A-Wish special.
http://www.canesinsight.com/threads/80011-My-Son-(VERY-Long)
Posted by: 30CINCO | October 08, 2014 at 04:58 PM
Leonard Conley and Magic Benton
Posted by: 86Cane | October 08, 2014 at 05:24 PM
Golden doesnt deserve until Sunday, much less the end of 2015.
Posted by: UMike | October 08, 2014 at 12:16 PM
The Haterade overfloweth with this one.
Are U grinding your teeth right now?
Posted by: 86Cane | October 08, 2014 at 05:31 PM
So much anger on this blog.
Posted by: Go Canes | October 08, 2014 at 01:09 PM
Right?
So much anger, so little time to get it all out before we beat Cincy convincingly.
Then they have to shut up for another week that it seems they wanna get all their licks in now while the getting is good.
Posted by: 86Cane | October 08, 2014 at 05:34 PM
There is NO PLACE for that on Canespace.
Posted by: 86Cane | October 08, 2014 at 09:52 AM
There's no place for it in society but it's still there!
Posted by: WWIN | October 08, 2014 at 01:13 PM
I cannot be held accountable for what "society" thinks or does but I am responsible for what happens on Canespace and we will have NONE of that on here.
Comprende?
Posted by: 86Cane | October 08, 2014 at 05:36 PM
These guys make me and Go Canes look pretty civil haha
Posted by: UMike | October 08, 2014 at 01:26 PM
I was thinking the same thing.
Posted by: 86Cane | October 08, 2014 at 05:39 PM
Never have understood the lack of tolerance for dissenting opinion.
Posted by: Go Canes | October 08, 2014 at 01:56 PM
It is called "The Internet Age" and anyone under 30 (or maybe even 40?) may almost be incapable at this point of any civil form of discussion, debate or disagreement.
#GetUsedToIt
Posted by: 86Cane | October 08, 2014 at 05:41 PM
"He has learned, he has grown, he has developed, he is ready for that next step," Hocutt said. "He is ready to come to a program that can compete and win national championships. He's an excellent communicator, very organized, detail-oriented, and he's inspirational. He will inspire this football program to greatness."
Posted by: raizecane | October 08, 2014 at 02:06 PM
Hey, Hocutt talking about me AGAIN? LOL
Posted by: 86Cane | October 08, 2014 at 05:45 PM
I've got nothing but love for UMIke, even though we don't agree on just about anything.
Posted by: Go Canes | October 08, 2014 at 05:45 PM
Beleaguered UM coaches Al Golden, Mark D’Onofrio get support from team leaders
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/college/acc/university-of-miami/#storylink=cpy
Another case of Stockholm Syndrome, I guess.
Remember Rev. Jim Jones? He had vocal support from his team leaders too. How did that work out?
Posted by: 2002nemo | October 08, 2014 at 05:59 PM
Great job by the staff & players for Carter Hucks. Hope & pray the young man has a successful bone marrow transplant.
Posted by: CaneRock | October 08, 2014 at 06:05 PM
Jim Jones?
Wow.
And here I was thinking the Nevin Shapiro comparison was a ridiculous low blow.
Some of you really need some perspective in your lives.
Posted by: Go Canes | October 08, 2014 at 06:36 PM
NEW BLOG IS UP!
Posted by: 86Cane | October 08, 2014 at 06:39 PM