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.
Listening to Darrin Smith this morning and Golden's response to Manny questions on how to stop a one dimension offense was the exact opposite.
Posted by: LaQuinton | October 07, 2014 at 02:38 PM
I wondered the same thing LaQuinton. My guess is that he's stronger against the run. Problem is Mark and Al keep him game planned out of having an impact.
I laugh at the idea that Al deserves 2015. What's funny is I said at the beginning of the year that if Al went 7-5 or 6-6 he'd be done and I'm pretty sure everyone agreed with me. Now, the target has changed, lol. I don't understand why you'd give a guy an extra season to be fired. Do you want the program to be a year behind? Al will be the same coach in 2015. The same one that wont hold himself accountable.
Posted by: The Dude | October 07, 2014 at 02:43 PM
Posted by: 30CINCO | October 07, 2014 at 02:29 PM
I don't buy em and I didn't! To be honest I really don't like going to games, my wife wanted to go, that's the only reason I was going. Do you know anybody on the team? No? I do! Lol
Ask Soup how Corn Elder got to UM!
Posted by: WWIN | October 07, 2014 at 02:47 PM
If I'm the AD, the ONLY way Al keeps his job is to win out CONVINCINGLY. Even a loss to FSU and he's done. Mark is gone period and I'm bringing in my own DC. If Al doesn't like it he knows where the door is. Hell I might hire Butch as the DC and give him complete autonomy and force Al out the door if wont accept the responsibility of his position as HC.
Posted by: The Dude | October 07, 2014 at 02:48 PM
But Al wont win out, we'll lose to FSU and VT & maybe another out of the 4 games against Cincy, Pitt, UNC and VA.
Posted by: The Dude | October 07, 2014 at 02:49 PM
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Prove that you are even a REAL LIFE person before coming to me jock strap! Lol
Posted by: WWIN | October 07, 2014 at 02:49 PM
Kup & Crowder were ripping Golden again today.
When was the last time UM stole a game as a dog?
What is Al's "signature win" since he got here? Is it beating 4-8 UF?
Given the fact UM will not beat FSU, what other game constitutes a signature win?
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | October 07, 2014 at 02:50 PM
Worst coaching staff in the history of UM deserves until 2015 - LMAO
Posted by: SinisterCane | October 07, 2014 at 02:55 PM
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | October 07, 2014 at 02:50 PM
I'd say VT is the last possible signature win for Al
Posted by: SinisterCane | October 07, 2014 at 02:56 PM
Posted by: SinisterCane | October 07, 2014 at 02:55 PM
Exactly.
Someone tell me what is different between this year for Golden and Randy's last year?
Posted by: The Dude | October 07, 2014 at 03:01 PM
I'm serious.
To the supporters of Al. Go Canes, 30Cinco, SOUPERS. How is this last year going to be any different than Randy's last year? And he was one of our own. We fired one of our own for this stuff, why not Al?
Posted by: The Dude | October 07, 2014 at 03:02 PM
The only answer I can see is that Al has more guaranteed money on the table, and that's all speculation.
Posted by: The Dude | October 07, 2014 at 03:04 PM
Chances of losing to Cincinnati are near 0%
But dont be fooled by an easy win.
Alfolden needs 3 wins in the last 5 to stay above .500.
Needs to win out to equal last years record...wont happen.
Posted by: longtimecanefan | October 07, 2014 at 03:06 PM
The bar has been set so low for AL that even a sail can hoop over it and eureka 2015
Posted by: SinisterCane | October 07, 2014 at 03:25 PM
Why Michigan and Florida fans should stop supporting terrible coaches
http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2014/10/3/6843555/florida-michigan-football-fans-brady-hoke-will-muschamp
The article makes no mention of Al. I'm sure y'all can have a lively discussion about why that is.
Posted by: dj moonbat | October 07, 2014 at 03:41 PM
While things are bad here at least we haven't fallen as hard as Texas, Tenn, Florida and Michigan. Now we have been mediocre longer than they have but I believe they are more primed to make it back quicker than we will. The SEC is a mofo to play in and a few bad recruiting classes, a few key injuries and bad coaching and you will suk in that conference. The way we play defense, I'd hate to think how bad we'd be getting lit up if we played in the SEC. As bad as we are on DEE at least in the ACC we have a chance to win against most of these teams.
Posted by: that was then this is now | October 07, 2014 at 04:13 PM
Do I scrape or go for the dive coach?
Posted by: Darth 360Cane | October 07, 2014 at 04:29 PM
Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds 2m2 minutes ago
Miami has one national title in 23 years. Sort of wondering if the issues here go beyond safeties and linebackers playing too deep.
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 07, 2014 at 04:32 PM
Ohio,
That's a big starting point, along with probation and bad coaching hires. All teams go through lulls, it's how quick you can dig yourself out. hell we can't seem to find a shovel.
Posted by: that was then this is now | October 07, 2014 at 04:41 PM
Who here would have hired JJ without any hindsight?
HC at Okee State before coming to the []_[]:
1979 7-4
1980 3-7-1
1981 7-5
1982 4-5-2
1983 8-4
And Butch never HCed before he got here. I love everyone's hindsight picks though. Carry on.
Posted by: Darth 360Cane | October 07, 2014 at 04:47 PM
2014 - 51-52
Posted by: SinisterCane | October 07, 2014 at 04:49 PM
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | October 07, 2014 at 04:32 PM
Even more reason to act ASAP.
Posted by: The Dude | October 07, 2014 at 04:51 PM
When we were hiring, he and Dan Mullen were the two hot young coaches a ton of programs were interested in. After this NCAA mess broke, had he wanted to bolt, a ton of schools would have snatched him up.
GC ..you're saying we picked the wrong hot young coach?
Posted by: Texican cane | October 07, 2014 at 05:06 PM
Why is Fentress over Dallas ?
Posted by: LaQuinton | October 07, 2014 at 02:35 PM
Because he will stay 12 yards off LOS and Dallas wants to be within 10 yards?
Posted by: Texican cane | October 07, 2014 at 05:08 PM
http://www.tomahawknation.com/2010/12/14/1875977/canes-hire-of-al-golden-may-signal-the-u-isnt-in-it-to-win-it
Jason Whitlock article for anyone who hasn't read it by now.
Posted by: The Dude | October 07, 2014 at 05:08 PM
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/sedano-says/2010/12/canes-jason-whitlock-not-sold-on-golden.html
Whitlock with Sedano.
Posted by: The Dude | October 07, 2014 at 05:10 PM
The stuff with Sedano is gold for lack of a better word. Its SO Al Golden.
Posted by: The Dude | October 07, 2014 at 05:13 PM
Al Golden's signature win? Getting hired.
Posted by: The Dude | October 07, 2014 at 05:16 PM
How is this last year going to be any different than Randy's last year? And he was one of our own. We fired one of our own for this stuff, why not Al?
Posted by: The Dude | October 07, 2014 at 03:02 PM
---------------------------------------------------
IMO, Randy was fired for more than just the on the field performance. You cannot keep the head coach on board who hired and kept a staff member who gets your school in trouble with the NCAA.
Many reports have come out that Randy was always telling his people to stay away. When the HC tells you NOT to do something and those staff members do not listen, do it anyways, AND get caught, the HC will pay the price.
Same thing that happened with Butch at UNC.
What is mind boggling is that Golden has a better record than Randy did at the same time, with HALF the 4/5 stars, yet people still want to bring up Randy as somehow being a better experience.
No one is saying anger is not warranted, but how the hell can someone say I hate Golden, look at his record while at the same time bring up what Randy did like it was better. If you hate losing, you hate losing with any and all.
Posted by: 30CINCO | October 07, 2014 at 05:17 PM
Why is Fentress over Dallas ?
Posted by: LaQuinton | October 07, 2014 at 02:35 PM
Bcuz Dallas is not as good as they claimed he was during spring and fall camp?
Posted by: WWIN | October 07, 2014 at 05:26 PM
Whoa! Whoa! I never said that I was happy with Randy. I'm just saying look at this year and compare it to Randy's and tell me why Randy didn't get an extra year. Why does Golden get an extra year? To me its foolish to give Al an extra year when its an exercise in futility, just as it would have been under Randy. I'm saying next man up for HC, we wont be any worse from it.
Posted by: The Dude | October 07, 2014 at 05:26 PM
Posted by: 30CINCO | October 07, 2014 at 05:17 PM
#RANDYWHISPER
Posted by: CaneRock | October 07, 2014 at 05:45 PM
^^^^^^^^^ER
Posted by: CaneRock | October 07, 2014 at 05:45 PM
Fentress is playing over Dallas because Golden is coach.
Posted by: 4-Real | October 07, 2014 at 05:47 PM
And Butch never HCed before he got here. I love everyone's hindsight picks though. Carry on.
Posted by: Darth 360Cane | October 07, 2014 at 04:47 PM
Sorry Charlie!! Huge fail on that post. Butch had a NC ring and 2 Superbowl Rings when he got to UM. Plus he had great references from some of the biggest names in pro and college athletics.
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
Posted by: 30CINCO | October 07, 2014 at 05:17 PM
Also nice way to describe Al's record as being better than Randy's.
At the same time Randy 22-19, Al 22-18. Neither one deserve a 5th year. Why does Randy get canned, but Al gets a 5th year?
Posted by: The Dude | October 07, 2014 at 05:51 PM
Also, no one gives a sh*t about how many 4 or 5 star guys are on the team when you only play 1 team all year that has more than you.
Posted by: The Dude | October 07, 2014 at 05:52 PM
LOL Saratoa is on FIIYAH
Posted by: CGNC | October 07, 2014 at 05:52 PM
Dude, Randy had a much tougher hill 2 climb schedule wise than Golden.
Posted by: 4-Real | October 07, 2014 at 05:54 PM
Posted by: 30CINCO | October 07, 2014 at 05:17 PM
You bring great counter debate to the Space but I believe no spacers brought up Randy
Posted by: SinisterCane | October 07, 2014 at 05:54 PM
Posted by: 30CINCO | October 07, 2014 at 05:17 PM
I always love the "which coach is the worst of all time debate"!
Both Shannon and Golden have done "enough" damage to claim the worst coach prize, but I'll be damned if Golden isn't making a late push to take the title outright.
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | October 07, 2014 at 05:56 PM
This is f*cking stupid. I can't even believe people can suggest Al should get a 5th year in the modern age of CF. This guy is a failure and will continue to fail in 2015. AND he should get to keep his staff, yeah that makes a ton of sense. You're only going to get what you know is a failure.
Posted by: The Dude | October 07, 2014 at 05:57 PM
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | October 07, 2014 at 05:56 PM
That's gonna leave a mark
Posted by: SinisterCane | October 07, 2014 at 05:58 PM
One thing I will give Golden credit 4 is causing division on message blobs! Lol
Posted by: 4-Real | October 07, 2014 at 05:59 PM
I brought up Randy because he was fired under the same circumstances. I want to know what Al has done to justify getting a 5th year? I find it funny that Randy was ran out in year 4 because his teams sucked and he was one of our own. But in year 4 of Golden under the same situation of loss after mind boggling loss, with a DC and Defense that we all know is garbage and Al has said he wont change, people still want to give him a 5th year? WHY? WHY? WHY? Why would you say give the man a 5th year?
Posted by: The Dude | October 07, 2014 at 06:00 PM
What has Al got left to prove? Are we trying to ruin our program forever and ever? There is a proven f*cking commodity sitting right in our laps and we don't have the balls to take it and win? Unacceptable!
Posted by: The Dude | October 07, 2014 at 06:03 PM
WHY? WHY? WHY? Why would you say give the man a 5th year?
Posted by: The Dude | October 07, 2014 at 06:00 PM
It's a classic case of tripping over dollar bills to pick up shiny nickles!!
Can't wait to see the stadium shots for this Saturday's game. Remember bootlickers, it's a "green-out" this week!! The "orange-outs" have been a HUGE success this season. Let's keep the momentum going!!
Posted by: Sarasota 'cane | October 07, 2014 at 06:08 PM
'Sota
I let The U worry about the money. As a fan, I dont want Al Golden anywhere near my team in 2015.
Posted by: The Dude | October 07, 2014 at 06:15 PM
TD...you know why, but that discussion opens a whooooooole other can of worms.
Posted by: CaneRock | October 07, 2014 at 06:16 PM
Go Canes - 3 questions: 1) how old are you (cause you act like you're 12); 2) what is your relationship to Golden?
A true canes fan roots for his/her team to win NOT for a player or coach. 3) If golden leaves, are you still a fan of the canes or the high school that he moves on to?
Posted by: AeroCane | October 07, 2014 at 06:18 PM