The University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame (UMSHoF) today announced its 47th Annual Induction Banquet will be held Thursday, April 9, 2015 at Jungle Island in downtown Miami.
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 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 this outstanding class to Hurricanes fans at our induction ceremony at Jungle Island.”
Tickets to the banquet are $100 for individuals or a table of 10 for $1000. SUPER Tables of 10 are available for $1500. New this year, a SUPER Table for $1750 that includes a half page advertisement in the banquet programs. For other pricing for ads in the program, contact UMSHoF Executive Director John Routh at 305-284-2775, or go to UMSportsHallofFame.com for more information.
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. The Hall is open free to the public weekdays from 12-5 PM.
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.
| 2015 UM SPORTS HALL OF FAME CLASS INDUCTEES | ||
| PLAYER | SPORT | YEARS |
| Rob Chudzinski | Football | 1996-2003 |
| Alex Fernandez | Baseball | 1989 |
| Kym Hope | Basketball | 1995-1999 |
| Chris Mantilla | Diving | 1995-1998 |
| Rusty Medearis | Football | 1990-1992, 1994 |
| Winston Moss | Football | 1983-1986 |
| Kevin Patrick | Football | 1990-1993 |
| Sean Taylor | Football | 2001-2003 |
| Jonathan Vilma | Football | 2000-2003 |
| Lauryn Williams | Track & Field | 2001-2004 |
Whaaaaaat... Whaaaaaat.... Whaaaaaat
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 10, 2015 at 11:15 PM
Sweet and well deserved for all 10 Canes! One day I will make one of these events.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 10, 2015 at 11:16 PM
SWEET!
Posted by: SOUP | February 10, 2015 at 11:20 PM
Quatro.
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | February 10, 2015 at 11:46 PM
Remember how Sean would shutdown 3/4 of the field? Beast.
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | February 10, 2015 at 11:48 PM
Who was the Oklahoma safety that won the Thorpe over Sean? I think it was Derrick Strait, and he only had like 3 INTs for the year. Lol. Over Sean Taylor. Sean was better in every way, shape and form.
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | February 10, 2015 at 11:51 PM
Sean led the NCAA in INTs in 2003 and I believe was the first defensive player selected in 2004 draft.
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | February 10, 2015 at 11:58 PM
I swear to God, if I won the Thorpe Trophy, I'd give a speech about how ludicrous the voting is and that Sean Taylor was screwed. Then I'd throw the f*cking thing in the garbage.
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | February 11, 2015 at 12:04 AM
The Dude thtd be DOPE!!!!
Maybe TH3 does it for ya!
Tryna get my positive back!!
Now Hire More of His Teammates..
EdReed? MikeRumph? What does Ice really coach is it RB Im not up on what his strong suit is but I Love that He is a Winner!!
Posted by: RCCF | February 11, 2015 at 12:43 AM
Ice coaches RB's
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 11, 2015 at 01:07 AM
I meant what does Ice naturally coach?
Posted by: RCCF | February 11, 2015 at 02:22 AM
Sean Taylor, most talented Cane ever...GOAT.
Posted by: Go,GoCanes! | February 11, 2015 at 07:23 AM
Sean Taylor, most talented Cane ever...GOAT.
Posted by: Go,GoCanes! | February 11, 2015 at 07:23 AM
+1000
Posted by: UMike | February 11, 2015 at 07:40 AM
You remember this play......
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bzo-ryDYY58
Goes to show how intense the man played the game
Posted by: raizecane | February 11, 2015 at 08:09 AM
I just don't like how he handled the situation at all. I mean if he would of did that to Randy, Larry, Dennis, Jimmy, or Harold. I mean Mario was only coaching in the same city for 2 years in 2011 and 2012 while Golden was coaching at UM he gets his arse fired his Alma Mater gives him a job offer. He takes it saying all this stuff at the press conference and what 6 weeks later in Tuscaloosa at Alabama doing a similar job a position coach. I will say this we could hang out dude is faker than a 3 dollar bill.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 11, 2015 at 08:40 AM
So let me get this straight...its ok to blast butch when he bolted for the NFL but not ok to blast MC for taking a job at UM and then bolting for Bama? Is that correct??
Posted by: raizecane | February 11, 2015 at 08:49 AM
UpNorth what's good Brotha. Hope everything is going great Brotha.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 11, 2015 at 09:07 AM
Sully, everything is good man can't complain been hitting the books hard and doing work for this masters program.
How's everything with you?
Posted by: UpNorthCane27 | February 11, 2015 at 09:10 AM
From Nash Williams:
QB commit Allison is ready to lead the 2016 class
After a less than thrilling finish to the class of 2015 on National Signing Day, the Miami Hurricanes can now shift their focus to the class of 2016.
The class of 2016 is already off to a phenomenal start as the 'Canes boast the number one recruiting class in the country according to 247sports.com Al Golden's' staff has already received 13 commitments early on; Eight of which are ranked as four-star prospects (247sports). One of those four-star prospects is Palmetto (Fla.) quarterback Jack Allison who has some thoughts on Miami's future.
"The 2015 class is a good class, but having Jordan Scarlett de-commit is really crappy (laughs). I like (Lawerence) Cager, and I just feel like we did well," said Allison.
"The 2016 class is going to be great. I'm really excited because we have a lot of talent committed already. It's just going to be a really good class when we all get on campus."
During this offseason, Allison plans to play for the esteemed 7-on-7 club team, Team Tampa which has him excited to work with some great receivers. However, Jack knows he will be playing with some fantastic receivers in the future with fellow Miami commits, Sam Bruce and Dionte Mullins.
"I'm really excited to play with Sam and Dionte. They are both really great guys. They are just real solid dudes to be around. Every time I've been around them they've showed they are good guys and obviously just the way they can make plays is great," said Allison.
The 6-foot-5, 190-pounder has become an unofficial ambassador to this class recruiting other players from the country to come and join the, "Swag16" as the 'Canes coaching staff refers to it on social media, and as an ambassador Allison has a couple players on his "wish list."
"I really want (Coconut Creek, Fla. WR) Binjimen Victor. I would love it if he would commit because that dude is a beast. Also, (IMG Academy, Fla. CB) Saivion Smith."
Allison says he plans on visiting Coral Gables once spring practice rolls around again. He also added that he could potentially enroll early for the spring semester of 2016 at the University.
Miami will have to fight off Alabama, Missouri, and Tennessee, to retain the ambassador of the "Swag16", but Allison said to me as calm as could be, "I'm a Miami Hurricane."
Posted by: 30CINCO | February 11, 2015 at 09:23 AM
That's awesome UpNorth Keep Grinding my Brotha. I am good just waiting to hang with the crew in a couple of weeks for the Canespace Four Play and the season ahead other than that just working and relaxing.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 11, 2015 at 09:29 AM
Don't ever forget it's Golden 100%, every single other factor 0%.
Posted by: Go,GoCanes! | February 11, 2015 at 09:54 AM
Some of you are so angry and tainted that U are simply hopeless. That is all.
Off to sell real estate. Maybe U all could talk about the 2015 UM HOF class? Maybe? Or maybe someone should bring up The Onion again?
Posted by: SOUP | February 11, 2015 at 10:12 AM
Well reading this blog this morning has certainly put me in a good mood. I think Ill go put my nuts in a blender now to calm this happy go lucky feeling.
Posted by: Cane Since 1982 | February 11, 2015 at 10:45 AM
That is a pretty stout footfall HOF class, geez
Posted by: UMike | February 11, 2015 at 10:46 AM
Yes this Hall of Fame class has to be near the top of the lists of years past. Top Notch, Top Notch!
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 11, 2015 at 10:52 AM
I am done with The Space.
Last blog ever.
No more comments will post.
Goodbye ugly people living in an ugly world.
Hello to the rest of my life!
I FEEL FREE!!!
Posted by: 86Cane | February 11, 2015 at 10:51 PM
86 has been done with the blog about 27 times since he started it
Posted by: Hassan | February 11, 2015 at 11:57 PM
Soup...
Here is the little I know of you personally: There is a beautiful Mrs. Soup who loves you very much. You have a fledgling yet successful career in real estate. You enjoy the outdoors. You are devastatingly handsome.
These are some of the things that define you. These are some of the things that make you who you are. Notice Hurricane fan is not on that list. Why would you be defined by something you have no control over?
If the hurricanes never win another football game, all the things that define you remain unchanged. You did not lose anything, nor did you play a part in the losing. Similarity, if the canes never lose another game, you are the same man. You haven't won anything.
So.. If you have no control over whether or not the canes win, and the canes have no impact on who you are, one way or the other, Then why allow your mood to be dictated by something so meaningless as idle chatter about this team that has no impact on who you are?
We all follow a child's game, played by children, as if it in some way defined us as men. We argue. We insult. We criticize. Yet in reality, none of it has any bearing on our lives. Nor should it.
Soup, you are not the Miami hurricanes. A criticism of the team is not a criticism of you. Therefore, there is no reason for your mood to be affected in any way by anything said here.
We are all guilty of taking this child's game too seriously at times, but when you start to get annoyed at what some schmuck writes on your blog, just remember.... You are a handsome, successful realtor & outdoorsman with a beautiful wife. Nothing the hurricanes do, and nothing said here, will change that.
Quit being so damn negative!!
Posted by: 1mg of Epi | February 12, 2015 at 12:11 AM
86, doing his best Jon Stewart.
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | February 12, 2015 at 02:04 AM
Sounds like 86 had a rough day yesterday.
Posted by: VfB_Cane | February 12, 2015 at 04:34 AM
Peace of The Almighty be with you.
Posted by: VA Cane | February 12, 2015 at 04:54 AM
Enjoy your freedom Soup!
Posted by: Go,GoCanes! | February 12, 2015 at 06:05 AM
Be kind to each other...PLEASE.
Thank U!
The Management
Posted by: 86Cane | February 12, 2015 at 07:31 AM
Hassy...what up dawg? LOL
Posted by: 86Cane | February 12, 2015 at 07:32 AM
Canespace is SOUP's drug of choice, he cant stay away!!
Posted by: UMike | February 12, 2015 at 07:43 AM
Not sure how I feel about the DL coach hire...Its great he has a lot of experience and NFL experience, but when you go from the NFL to, um.... FIU, something isnt right lol....Although I think anyone would be an upgrade over Jethro, imo this hire was made to keep up with Goldens scheme and what he wants done/taught on the DL.
Posted by: UMike | February 12, 2015 at 07:45 AM
Canespace is SOUP's drug of choice, he cant stay away!!
Posted by: UMike | February 12, 2015 at 07:43 AM
*************************************
It's an addiction. Lets just hope he never attends an AA meeting for a cure. We all need CaneSpace.
Posted by: raizecane | February 12, 2015 at 08:02 AM
Canespace is SOUP's drug of choice, he cant stay away!!
Posted by: UMike | February 12, 2015 at 07:43 AM
YUP.
#Busted
Posted by: 86Cane | February 12, 2015 at 08:08 AM
Let's just everybody try to be FUNNY today instead of just being MEAN. I wanna LOL when I come home and read the blog, not cry out loud.
Posted by: 86Cane | February 12, 2015 at 08:09 AM
Soup - here is a funny for you,
Wife: "How would you describe me?"
Husband: "ABCDEFGHIJK."
Wife: "What does that mean?"
Husband: "Adorable, beautiful, cute, delightful, elegant, fashionable, gorgeous, and hot."
Wife: "Aw, thank you, but what about IJK?"
Husband: "I'm just kidding!"
Posted by: raizecane | February 12, 2015 at 08:14 AM
Me & Ohio_Cane shut dis bih down last night! Flyin' chest bump Ohi-yooooooo! LMAO!
Posted by: CaneRock | February 12, 2015 at 08:27 AM
UMike...I thought you wrote an article?
Posted by: CaneRock | February 12, 2015 at 08:30 AM
See CR...what had happen was....
Posted by: UMike | February 12, 2015 at 08:31 AM
Have you noticed I havent been posting a lot lately? lol... I have notes and everything ready for the article, just havent got to sit and write one
Posted by: UMike | February 12, 2015 at 08:32 AM
@ByTimReynolds: Based on his Twitter bio, Kareem Brown is now outside linebackers coach on Al Golden's Miami staff. Was D-line grad assistant.
Posted by: Go Canes | February 12, 2015 at 08:53 AM
Seems to be a few coaches coaching out of position on this staff.
Posted by: UMike | February 12, 2015 at 08:56 AM
UMike...I read that they had to give KB a position to coach, so He can recruit. Not sure if you can recruit as a GA.
Posted by: CaneRock | February 12, 2015 at 09:04 AM
CR, then they should of gave him the DL job lol...So we have a LB coach and a OLB coach? Is that normal? Do we have a MLB coach?
Posted by: UMike | February 12, 2015 at 09:07 AM
UMike...I don't know if it's normal, but I've read that Saban likes to stack His coaching staff with all types of position coaches. As far as MLB coach, I would assume D'Onofrio coaches em', I've seen Him coach em' in a few videos, and ILB is what He played in College & the NFL.
Posted by: CaneRock | February 12, 2015 at 09:24 AM
Al hired the dude from FIU/Temple, Randy Melvin.
It's like he's not even trying to be anything but a joke anymore. The closest thing I think of is if Tony Soprano started selling meth to hillbillies.
Sheesh.
Posted by: LB | February 12, 2015 at 09:32 AM