That's Very Classy Of U

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.

Related articles

UM HOF Induction Banquet And Fishing Tournament

Do U Smell Something Fishy?

UM to honor school's 2015 Hall of Fame Class at Saturday's game against Cincinnati

Sean Taylor headlines 'Canes Hall of Fame class

Comments

[30CINCO]

Good Lawd, the Shannonites did not like that one bit!

AQM Whisperer and his bud - I will make it easier to understand.

IMO, RS got fired for his on the field performance PLUS hiring, keeping, not controlling staff that got us in trouble.

#AllinOneBreath
#TwopointsCanbetrue
#Dale

[1mg of epi]

I swear to everything holy if we lose to Cincy and Golden says anything about it being a noon game, I'm driving to SFLA to kick him in the balls...

Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 07, 2014 at 12:41 PM

Who cares what he says.. Just kick him the balls if we lose to Cincy.

[SinisterCane]

Posted by: 30CINCO | October 08, 2014 at 09:41 AM

Was this directed at me :(

[30CINCO]

AQM whispere's and his bud know who they are Sinister, not for you.

[30CINCO]

AQM whispere's and his bud know who they are Sinister, not for you.

[86Cane]

laquinton, if Golden was black do you think he would get to come back next year? Just asking

Posted by: WWIN | October 08, 2014 at 02:33 AM

Well there it is again, the old race card being played this time FOR SURE by WWIN.

There is NO PLACE for that on Canespace.

[86Cane]

CGNC...what is the plan for Saturday? Email me!

[dj moonbat]

Well there it is again, the old race card being played this time FOR SURE by WWIN.

There is NO PLACE for that on Canespace.

Posted by: 86Cane | October 08, 2014 at 09:52 AM

You know, saying that there is still racism is not the same thing as "playing the race card."

Shannon didn't get one more year IN PART because he could not navigate the politics of the job. That was due IN PART to the fact that he wasn't simply black, but 'hood.

Golden is about as far away from that problem as is humanly possible -- which is, IN PART, helping him get that fifth year.

[Ohio_Cane]

I'd be surprised if KC is back any time soon. What little they've said doesn't sound good. Can see this being season-ending or close to it. Shame. Glad he's only a Freshman, though. Very bright future.

Now, if we can talk Duke and Flowers into staying 1 more year lol

[Go Canes]

I guess no one is inmune?

@FOXSports: #CFB AM: Former Alabama QB A.J. McCarron criticizes Nick Saban & the Tide’s leadership » http://t.co/KfzuEU4Rh9 http://t.co/fHKr1LqHgr

[UMike]

Here we go again...

[Go Canes]

@flasportsbuzz: From last night: Jimmy Johnson assesses UM program; Chalmers announces he's Heat's starter, then removed from lineup: http://t.co/Vz75oIje8n

[Go Canes]

Ohio, I wonder if he's played little enough to still redshirt?

[UMike]

Go Canes.. I think he is past the RS part.. I think

[UMike]

I guess no one is inmune?

@FOXSports: #CFB AM: Former Alabama QB A.J. McCarron criticizes Nick Saban & the Tide’s leadership » http://t.co/KfzuEU4Rh9 http://t.co/fHKr1LqHgr

Posted by: Go Canes | October 08, 2014 at 10:06 AM

Just comical at this point

[Ohio_Cane]

Ohio, I wonder if he's played little enough to still redshirt?

Posted by: Go Canes | October 08, 2014 at 10:09 AM
-------------------------------------

KC can't redshirt. I don't think. I'm pretty sure you can't play in more than 2 games if U are trying for a medical RS.

[Go Canes]

Anyone criticizing Saban after what he's done at Bama should be punched in the head.

[UMike]

Anyone continuing to post other teams issues on a Canes blog to take the sting away from their beloved coaches shortcomings might deserve the same fate

[raizecane]

Anyone criticizing Saban after what he's done at Bama should be punched in the head.

Posted by: Go Canes | October 08, 2014 at 10:24 AM

******************************************

Exactly.......I wish we were in those shoes where they are so good for so long that when they lose 1 game, people want someone's head.

[USAFCane]

What saddens me most is the fact we have a HC and staff out of their depth trying to coach the talent out of talented kids. It won't change because the school is content. Canes are in the ACC with guaranteed money every year regardless of how good we are. Maybe this changes with anew president because we can be great again with backing.

I live in Tx and drive thru Waco quite often. I drive right by Baylor's brand new stadium. It is clear Baylor decided to make the football program significant. The stadium is full, they put up 50 points a game, can now play D. They have a good coach who does this with less talent than in Miami. Don't forget they're in Waco! How can you have school from Waco be so much greater than a school in Miami with the history the Canes have, yet it's happened.

Unless the school commits to the program, the Canes are who they are regardless, the only difference will be the Miami talent won't play here.

Maybe we'll get lucky and strike gold when we hire a cheap replacement for Golden.

[Go Canes]

That sucks about KC. Doesn't look promising if he's still on crutches two to three weeks after the injury.

[Darth 360Cane]

I cannot understand why anyone would want to marginalize Butch's coaching accomplishments while simultaneously supporting the abortion that we currently have at UM.

Choose Life!!

Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | October 07, 2014 at 05:49 PM

That's the whole point. They hired him then. They wouldn't now. It's a pipe dream or he'd be here now.

[Go Canes]

So you actually think I posted an article about a coach who's won three national championships in five years to make golden look better?

Come on man.

Whatever.

Just go back to repeating the same post another 300 times today. That's much more exciting than talking about something that most people outside the teeny box you find worth talking about would find interesting.

[UMike]

Go Canes.. go back to worshiping your God Golden. You honestly dont think everyone knows what your doing by constantly posting stuff about other teams shortcomings? You think we are that dumb not to catch on? Its ok, we all know once Golden is gone you will be gone too.

[CaneRock]

Seriously, is Carter hurt?...in the doghouse?...because Fentress SUCKS! Great student, but HORRIBLE! Safety.

[SinisterCane]

@FOXSports: #CFB AM: Former Alabama QB A.J. McCarron criticizes Nick Saban & the Tide’s leadership » http://t.co/KfzuEU4Rh9 http://t.co/fHKr1LqHgr

Posted by: Go Canes | October 08, 2014 at 10:06 AM

Do you go to all the Bama games?

[Go Canes]

Three titles in five years. Easily still a favorite to be in the upcoming playoff.

Major shortcoming.

You're right. Everything has an agenda.

#Hatersgottahate

[Go Canes]

No I'm not a Bama fan.

Yesterday I posted a hysterical video with some crazed Bama fan ranting all over Colin Cowherd.

Secret meaning of course.

I posted an article earlier about how fans raised $90k to cover Mississippi State's fine last Saturday.

Pretty cool story, but obviously had some hidden agenda behind it to make Golden look better.

Give me a break.

[UMike]

Three titles in five years. Easily still a favorite to be in the upcoming playoff.

Major shortcoming.

You're right. Everything has an agenda.

#Hatersgottahate

Posted by: Go Canes | October 08, 2014 at 10:55 AM

No Golden Boy... you didnt post because of Sabans shortcomings.. you posted to show even Saban can be criticized, not just Golden. You remember the whole "so noone is immune" part? Its ok you will be gone shortly

[UMike]

Well ALL know you have a Pro-Golden agenda, just like everyone knows Im the opposite.. but dont try to hide from it like you arent a Golden super fan.

[Darth 360Cane]

Maybe we'll get lucky and strike gold when we hire a cheap replacement for Golden.

Posted by: USAFCane | October 08, 2014 at 10:26 AM

I think that's all we have my friend. This is why I pray the next pres just loves them some football.

We did just update the facilities so there is hope they still care. ;-)

[86Cane]

Love is in the air!

[UMike]

86... is always out of love haha

[SinisterCane]

Posted by: Go Canes | October 08, 2014 at 11:01 AM

Nobody gives a F@@K about other teams short comings outside of playing them but you constantly keep polluting the blog with the most useless BS known to the internet. What's next, The top 25 teams all have sh!tty defenses

[UMike]

What's next, The top 25 teams all have sh!tty defenses

Posted by: SinisterCane | October 08, 2014 at 11:11 AM

Hes already did that.. that is what started it lol

[Go Canes]

Golden deserves criticism. The team is losing.

Saban should be completely above it, which is why I posted no one being immune.

No other reason.

Sorry, any assumption to the contrary is completely manufactured by you.

And btw, the #1 trending story on Facebook and Twitter is that same story I posted. I guess everyone out there loves Golden too.

[UMike]

Yea.. everyone is posting on their team blogs and everyone has a track record of posting other teams issues.... right? I guess its just a big coincidence that when we gave up 41 to UN you posted articles about top teams giving up points and yards and the week Golden gets more criticism that ever you post about "no one being immune" and a link about Saban.

Nothing is manufactured, it is all based on your own personal blog history. I know you think you are smarter than all of us and a bigger fan than all of us, but we arent as dumb as you like to think

[Go Canes]

Wow, that's a theory.

You're right, My subliminal messages are foIled.

Another pro Golden post on the way, because I love him sooooo much!

@ByTimReynolds: For perspective on everything that matters and doesn't, look at what the Canes are doing this morning with a Make A Wish child at practice.

Theres a great pic of the young boy walking behind Duke wearing his jersey number. Can't find it now.

[Go Canes]

@ByTimReynolds: For perspective on everything that matters and doesn't, look at what the Canes are doing this morning with a Make A Wish child at practice.

[Go Canes]

@ByTimReynolds: For perspective on everything that matters and doesn't, look at what the Canes are doing this morning with a Make A Wish child at practice.

[Go Canes]

@Gil_Brandt: Andre Johnson has averaged 6 catches/game, best in NFL history (min 100 games). Passed Andre Reed last week for 11th on all-time list (954)

[UMike]

I wonder what Go Canes will become once Golden is shown the door, maybe Go Temple again

[CaneRock]

Go Temple again

Posted by: UMike | October 08, 2014 at 11:29 AM

Temple? No, Go Bosco.

[CaneRock]

Or Go Lilly C. Evans?

[CaneRock]

Go Gwen Cherry? 90 LBs? Golden be like...I got dat' pound!

[UMike]

Go Lions

[Darth 360Cane]

Hopefully Go Canes will realize y'all are 12%ers and will leave it alone. You demand perfection or next man up. Am I right?

[UMike]

Go Canes would give Golden till 2024 to get us to the ACC title game cause the cloud hand cuffed him.

[Darth 360Cane]

### Jimmy Johnson denied a broadcast report from two former Hurricanes offensive linemen that claimed that he called UM coaches after the Nebraska game and offered to help against the option but that Al Golden and Mark D’Onofrio turned him down.

“Never happened,” Johnson said by phone Tuesday. “A couple years ago, I called Mark and said, ‘Anytime you need my help I’m more than happy.’ We had a five-minute conversation. I haven’t talked to Mark in a couple years.”

On the state of the program, Johnson said: “I am as disappointed as anybody we haven’t done better. But I go back to: I trust Al Golden. Al works hard at it. He’s very diligent in his recruiting. He will recruit good players. He’s a smart guy that is going to make the right decisions….

“I want it to happen right away," he said of on-field success for the program that's still dear to him. "I wanted it to happen last year. I am as impatient as anyone. [But] Al was handcuffed a little bit. We've got to give him time…. I had my problems early [as coach] with the Miami program. I’m sure people weren't real happy with me the first year. I think things will work out because I trust him. I am 100 percent behind Al Golden.”

Asked if UM needs to play a more attacking defense like his UM teams did, Johnson said: “To say my style is better than somebody else’s would be wrong for me to do. I don’t know the talents of the individuals they have. I don’t want to sit here and judge and say the way we did it was better.”

He declined to critique D’Onofrio’s approach because he said he’s not at practice to analyze the players’ skills.

Johnson said he is “very impressed” with freshman Brad Kaaya: “I really like this young quarterback. He’s really going to be a good player. He’s got a great touch on the ball.”

Johnson said he hasn't spoken with Golden this season but has told him in the past that he’s available “any time I can help.”

He knows some former players are saying “let’s go back to the old days.” But “it’s going to be hard to get back to the old days.”

Please see the last post for details on Gino Torretta's criticism of the UM staff.

[Va Cane]

The major concern is that kids see the talent here but the frustration, beating up little teams, getting beat by average teams, running from title contenders, excuses after excuse, poor game and clock management, schemes that do not condone winning......then Top 10 come knocking...and they WILL point out the gaping holes in the bag.....where do you go? I go to where I can play on TV, get exposure as a top player, get to title games, playoffs, NCs....and the NFL wants me. Is it here? It used to be THE Place.....now I wonder.