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

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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

[KYcane]

Posted by: The Dude | October 07, 2014 at 09:38 PM

Thanks - think I'll see if I can watch it on ESPN3

[JaxCane]

Watch how reports come in that Chick and Denzel need to lose weight. I guarantee that.

[KYcane]

Soup - check email

[KYcane]

here are a couple of good reads

http://www.pageqsports.com/2014/10/canes-unit-grades-vs-georgia-tech-are-we-being-trolled/

http://www.pageqsports.com/2014/10/miami-at-georgia-tech-diary-of-depression/

spot on

[SOUP]

KYCane...I love the dumpster fire avatar!

[KYcane]

typepad keeps eating posts

[KYcane]

KYCane...I love the dumpster fire avatar!

Posted by: SOUP | October 07, 2014 at 10:12 PM

Told you I had been fooling around with it - just wish I didn't have to use it.

[KYcane]

There are 2 good articles on PageQsports.com for those that wish to read them. I can't get the links to post.

1.Canes Grades vs Georgia Tech — Clock is Ticking

2.Miami at Georgia Tech: Diary of Depression

[KYcane]

there are 2 good articles on Page Q Sports.

Typepad keeps eating posts/links

Miami at Georgia Tech: Diary of Depression

Clock is Ticking

[CaneRock]

Ahhh so there it is, the old race card being played by none other than Canerock?

#Shocker

#Hater

#RaceBaiter

Posted by: 86Cane | October 07, 2014 at 09:45 PM

You're wrong.

[86Cane]

Rock...then I'll give U a chance to explain what U meant so I can delete that comment?

[86Cane]

Now, how about that UM HOF class?

[CaneRock]

SOUP...if I was race baiting, I would've said it was because Randy was African-American. And somebody else made a comment in regards to race as it related to AG, you didn't say anything to them...

[86Cane]

Rock...it certainly SOUNDED like U were implying that Shannon was fired b/c he was black and Golden is still in his job b/c he is white. I could not let that go without calling U out IF that was what U meant. But if as U claim it was not your intent then no harm, no foul. I'll let U walk away from the comment without a mark on your resume. DEAL?

[86Cane]

I LOL when VACane called Al "Sweaty Sweet Pa" the other day. The man sure can sweat up a storm, we gotta give him that!

[CaneRock]

SOUP...somebody else implied that Randy was fired because He was the cause of the "cloud", when it's well documented that the "cloud" went all the way back to Coker, why don't you correct that person...

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

Anyone going to watch the lunar eclipse?

[WWIN]

@dennisdoddcbs: 6 of the AP top 10 haven't won a wire service/BCS title in at least 62 years.

Posted by: Go Canes | October 07, 2014 at 07:32 PM

Thanks! Now I feel GREAT about Da U again!!!!

[CaneRock]

.

[WWIN]

But I'll tell ya'll what's mind boggling... RandyWhisperer saying that RS got fired for hiring a "cheater" in one breath, and in another breath, He says RS got fired because nobody listened to His warnings...which one is it?

Posted by: CaneRock | October 07, 2014 at 06:20 PM

EXACTLY!

[WWIN]

Posted by: 30CINCO | October 07, 2014 at 05:17 PM

So are saying Randy was fired partly bcuz of the ncaa investigation in which he was cleared of ANY WRONGDOING? So do you expect ANY coach to be able to watch their players and coaches 24/7?

Pull up this record that you speak of that Golden has that's clearly better than Randy's?? I would like to see this!

[Dude on a Pale Horse]

I looked it up WW, Golden is 22-18 to Randy's 22-19 at the same time. I'm assuming 30C didnt know, because why would he say something so completely wrong?

[laquinton]

As a black man I dont think Randy was fired at all for being black. Al still isnt the coach because he is white. Thats just dumb to say or think. Randy Shannon and his shortness with the media.. his relation with his staff and the high school coaches is why he isnt still at miami .

[WWIN]

TD, Randy lost 1 more game than Al so that makes his record a LOT better! Lol

[WWIN]

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

[CaneRock]

DAFREAK!:

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- University of Florida police were called to the stadium Monday night to break up a fight involving two Gators football players.

Sophomore quarterback Skyler Mornhinweg and true freshman defensive lineman Gerald Willis III fought outside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium before campus police responded at approximately 7:06 p.m. ET.

Mornhinweg told police the fight was over his cleats, which he said were located by the team's staff in Willis' locker. The QB sustained "small lacerations on his lower lip," according to the police report, and was taken to Shands emergency room for treatment.

"Upon our arrival, the individuals had already been separated," university police spokesman Maj. Brad Barber said. "After reviewing with both individuals involved, they each filled out a complaint withdrawal, and no charges were filed."

Mornhinweg, a third-year player, is the son of New York Jets offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg. Skyler was Florida's No. 3 quarterback last season and started the final three games after Jeff Driskel and backup Tyler Murphy were injured.

[WWIN]

By Matt Porter

Before they offered an updated depth chart Tuesday evening, the Hurricanes last released one an hour before their season-opener at Louisville.

Among the notable changes from Sept. 1  …

Michael Wyche could be a big help for Miami — if he’s ready. (instagram.com/mattyports)

* Michael Wyche is listed as a co-starter at nose tackle, along with Calvin Heurtelou and Courtel Jenkins. Wyche, who arrived with great promise of bring a run-stuffer, was not on the last depth chart and has been used sparingly this year (due to his conditioning, pre-UM Achilles’ tendon injury).

Depth charts are not always indicative of playing time, but Wyche appearing on his first depth chart makes one think he’s closer to playing legitimate minutes than not. The Hurricanes, who have given up an average of 219 rushing yards against Power 5 conference teams, could use Wyche if the 6-foot-4, 340-pounder is ready to contribute.

- See more at: http://caneswatch.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2014/10/07/miami-hurricanes-release-new-depth-chart-for-cincinnati/#sthash.0VJewBzU.dpuf

[KYcane]

Sorry for the multiple posts gang

[UMike]

They’re three young pups.

Yet to the University of Miami, they’re not just the future, but the present.

The true freshman trio of quarterback Brad Kaaya, receiver Braxton Berrios and left guard Nick Linder started together for the first time Saturday at Georgia Tech. And what they did on the culmination of the opening series was like the climax of a concerto — the defense biting on a post-pattern run by Malcolm Lewis as Kaaya lofted a perfectly timed pass to a sprinting Berrios in the end zone, while Linder, in his first start, helped keep Kaaya clean.

“Brad threw a beautiful ball,” said Berrios, who turned 19 on Monday. “It really couldn’t have been placed anywhere else. It was a gorgeous play, really.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/college/acc/university-of-miami/article2565970.html#storylink=cpy

[BigWindyCane1]

Gino Torretta's comments are a very accurate assessment. I don't know if this staff is capable of turning this around and finishing strong, but I am pulling for them because I feel for the players who are dedicated and follow their coaches loyally.

I have never seen so many knowledgeable people criticizing our coaches the way they are now. Not good for Golden. Only a 5-1 finish will quiet his critics. Anything less and he remains on the hotseat and recruiting will be impacted

[UMike]

Great post from CIS...

I haven't made a full-on post here in a while - been busy with work and new baby and life and stuff - but it's time for a personal catharsis and y'all get to be my collective Psych couch...

I've always admired the Miami Hurricanes and their style, innovation, and dare I say - swagger - but I didn't become a full-time fan until I started attending grad school at Miami in 2002. I was working as a grad assistant with the Band of the Hour (I'll wait until the laughter dies down...) First game was a night game vs. FAMU at the Orange Bowl. I was hooked from the moment "In The Air Tonight" started being piped in over that lousy crapbox sound system. I was there for Wide Left, the Fiasco Bowl, the Comeback, The Devin Hester Show (Louisville 04), and yes, for the L$U Peach Bowl - the beginning of the end, IMO.

I graduated UM in 05. Since then, like most of us here, I've witnessed the slow decay of a once-proud program. I've watched the iconic "U" turn from feared borderline gang-sign to ironic laughing-stock. I've suffered through destruction of a home stadium, a revolving door of hopeful yet ultimately disappointing coaching staffs, and a community of fans and athletes alike who quite frankly deserve better.

What pains me most though is my own personal affectations regarding UM football. As a younger fan, losses were aberrations. I would be sick for a week after a loss - both with the pain of the loss itself, but also with the general unfamiliarity with the feeling. Miami doesn't lose. That's not normal. Over time, the losses began to pile up and my mindset began to change until suddenly I woke up last Sunday morning feeling...well...fine. And it scared the hell out of me.

I've pretty well owned up to the idea that Golden and staff will be here next year. Between the Presidential search, the mythical buyout drama, and whatever residual goodwill may yet remain from the dreaded "Cloud Navigation", I believe he gets 2015. After that, we'll probably have to start over. Again. And the numbness I feel is staggering.

All that said, I will never just "turn in my Cane Card" and go root for somebody else. Fandom just doesn't work that way, no matter how much we believe we can't take any more hurt. We endure - we linger, like the proverbial boil that just won't go away no matter how much you pick at it. And when the time is right, we explode and give the whole damn college football world a collective case of leprosy.

A post D$ made a week or two ago gives me hope for the long-term future of Miami football. Miami will ALWAYS have the potential to be not only relevant, but dominant. The talent in this area is just too great, too deep to be put aside forever. Another post Lu made yesterday I believe also gives me reason to believe - when that talent stays home, the coach will follow. The right coach - a MIAMI coach - is like a Miami player. They just want to be the best, no matter what. The right coach will take Miami's $2 million salary, underfunded facilities, high academic standards, and lackluster fan support and say "this is still the quickest path to greatness in all of college football."

Until that day, I'll hang around and offer my .02 here and there on this and other sites. I briefly considered taking hiatus from the message board scene but like I said, obsessive fan behavior just doesn't allow it. So gentlemen, ladies, and lurking WEZzies I say to you - endure, linger. Don't be happy. Don't stop flying banners. Hell, boycott every game if you want. Just know that the Hurricanes are still out there - somewhere - waiting for the right moment. It might not be in the air tonight, but it's definitely in the air.

[Terrance Sullivan]

Well the facilities aren't underfunded anymore but point well taken.

[CaneRock]

Hurricanes fans might see the return of former starting right tackle Taylor Gadbois in the next few weeks, but the status of his backup, freshman Kc McDermott, does not appear to be as promising.

Both players injured their left knees Sept. 27 against Duke, and have not been at practice since.

“Taylor’s ahead of Kc,’’ coach Al Golden said Tuesday. “We’ll have a better idea after Saturday. We’re hopeful for Taylor for Virginia Tech [on Oct. 23]. Kc would probably be a little bit after that. That’s the way we’re proceeding right now — hopefully Taylor back at the end of next week.’’

Their specific injuries still have not been revealed, though McDermott’s parents said Saturday that he was on crutches and scheduled for another MRI sometime this week.

Williams’ status

Fifth-year senior quarterback Ryan Williams is doing well and working with the second team along with Jake Heaps, Golden said, but is not 100-percent yet. When asked whether he has thought about getting a medical waiver for Williams, Golden said, “Yeah. I better pass on that question right now. That’s going to be above me.’’

[UMike]

Guess its not a bad thing when the projected starter goes down and cant get his job when healthy.

[VA Cane]

The revisionist history is that Golden had no where else to go. That is completely incorrect.

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. By the way, Dan Mullen is 41-28, won 3 of 4 bowls.

I cannot agree. Al Golden helped a weak team get better against weak lesser opponents. That is good as that is what you should do; he has done that against weak lesser opponents here like he should. That does not make him the second coming of Christ. He stayed here because it was obvious to him and PSU he was not their first choice; they knew he would bring DNo with him. I cannot see anyone snatching him up as they would only be disappointed; the big schools in the know did not want him as they know he cannot coach at a big school.

AlPa should be a recruiter for someone; he tells it well. He cannot win as his game plans and schemes do not work. If you put him at any of the top tiers teams now, he could not win with the talent; he and D'no would run it in the ground. He cannot coach and develop, his game plans, management, and adjustments are nill and his loyalty to others who do not know is a fault.

Nice man, should be a recruiting coordinator, a AD, a fundraiser all in one; he cannot coach.

I do not have his head in a noose, but he is not a HC at a major school with his football philosophy.

[CaneRock]

Barry Jackson said that Al was considering RSing Hamilton & Moore...are they hurt?

[SinisterCane]

Be careful VA Cane your navigating through HATER territory, lol

[Go Canes]

@YahooSports: Ole Miss fans raise over $90,000 to pay for field storming fine and goalposts http://t.co/V3E6aSYlvK

[Ohio_Cane]

Depth chart with thoughts from State of The U: http://www.stateoftheu.com/2014/10/7/6941931/latest-miami-depth-chart-hurricanes-football-2014

[UMike]

Barry Jackson said that Al was considering RSing Hamilton & Moore...are they hurt?

Posted by: CaneRock | October 08, 2014 at 08:58 AM

No.. they just suck

[VA Cane]

Be careful VA Cane your navigating through HATER territory, lol

I try not to hate;
I just see the facts and light from a long time playing and coaching; this is not working.
You should beat FAMU, Duke, Arky St, USF, Fl At, Savannah State...even UVA. We are not competing and beating even the 15-30 teams.....what happens against Bama, Ok, Oregon, OSU.....really good teams. Old Miss with a good qb who often makes mistakes but played well Sat beats Bama.....their D was grand. Do we think we do that? To avoid embarrassment I would not want us to take the field against Bama.... their run game would kill us.

I just do not see it getting better; I can only hope.

[SinisterCane]

@YahooSports: Ole Miss fans raise over $90,000 to pay for field storming fine and goalposts http://t.co/V3E6aSYlvK

Posted by: Go Canes | October 08, 2014 at 09:00 AM

Thanks for the Non Hurricanes news

[SinisterCane]

Posted by: UMike | October 08, 2014 at 09:03 AM

I thought Hamilton was a good player coming out of St. Thomas A.

[CGNC]

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

LOL Ohio. I will be at the game Saturday and will hold him by the tie for you

[SinisterCane]

2015 can't get here fast enough

[CGNC]

AlPa should be a recruiter for someone; he tells it well
Posted by: VA Cane | October 08, 2014 at 08:52 AM

I smile every time I see "Al Pa"

[nemo2002]

I just do not see it getting better; I can only hope.

Posted by: VA Cane | October 08, 2014 at 09:10 AM

False hope is better than no hope at all.

[UMike]

Posted by: UMike | October 08, 2014 at 09:03 AM

I thought Hamilton was a good player coming out of St. Thomas A.

Posted by: SinisterCane | October 08, 2014 at 09:19 AM

According to Rivals he was a 4-Star DE... but if you look back at my comments I did NOT think so. He was slow and and sloppy. At the time everyone said it was because hes knee injury, but I have always thought he was overrated personally.

[Ohio_Cane]

This is just AWESOME!

Hurricanes Football ‏@CanesFootball 6m6 minutes ago

The newest #Cane, Carter Hucks, running through the smoke. #MakeAWish

https://vine.co/v/OKYeMU3Aztt

[UMike]

Sweet!