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 |
Canes Warning @CanesWarningFS 10s11 seconds ago
Coach @Kevin_Beard9 mic'd up for Utough this morning. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZoZfVVdCVw …
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 12, 2015 at 03:19 PM
I know for a damn fact the KB is going to KILL IT!!!!!!
Posted by: UpNorthCane27 | February 12, 2015 at 03:25 PM
Harry Rothwell @mrallcanes · 21m 21 minutes ago
New Adidas tee just arrived at Allcanes. Retweet if U are a Cane 4 Life. @adidasFballUS #CanesFam @MiamiHurricanes
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B9q14w7CEAItuHH.jpg:large
#cane4life
Posted by: 30CINCO | February 12, 2015 at 03:27 PM
That was good stuff Ohio_Cane...those kids probably learned more in that practice session, than they learned their whole time under BC.
Posted by: CaneRock | February 12, 2015 at 03:33 PM
LOL straight up CR
Posted by: UpNorthCane27 | February 12, 2015 at 03:39 PM
KB will lock down all the WR's in this next class believe that!!
Posted by: UpNorthCane27 | February 12, 2015 at 03:42 PM
KB will lock down all the WR's in this next class believe that!!
Posted by: UpNorthCane | February 12, 2015 at 03:42 PM
-----------------------------------------
I'll be more than shocked if he gets Bruce to stick. He'll be UF or Oregon bound, IMO
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 12, 2015 at 03:51 PM
I think the most important hire is yet to come. That will take place when UM gets a new Prez.
Posted by: raizecane | February 12, 2015 at 12:56 PM
-----------------------------------------
You know things are bad, when you are keeping an eye out, for who's going to be the next president of the university!
Hopefully, the next prez likes athletics!!!!
Posted by: thirstybuzzardcane | February 12, 2015 at 03:52 PM
Cinco that's a sweet shirt. I gonna have to buy that along with the U shirt with the Florida watermark in the backdrop.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 12, 2015 at 04:01 PM
I like the shirt with the watermark also, but that Adidas sign though! LMAO! Still not an acquired taste on my behalf, but I'll get there eventually.
Posted by: CaneRock | February 12, 2015 at 04:10 PM
Adidas sign is normal for me being a soccer coach/player lol
Posted by: Ohio_Cane | February 12, 2015 at 04:13 PM
Ohio_Cane...I feel ya', but why do they have to put that big@$$ logo on front street...everybody already knows!...we get it! LMAO! Put it on the bottom of a sleeve...or on the back-bottom of the shirt...or do like Hanes and make a tag-less shirt.
BTW, I had an Allen Iverson Reebok t-shirt, with His # on the back left bottom of it...that $h!t was GANGSTA!
Posted by: CaneRock | February 12, 2015 at 04:29 PM
I feel U Rock BOL hahaha spot on mane.
Posted by: Terrance Sullivan | February 12, 2015 at 04:34 PM
Amazing post Ohio, that's coaching. Congrats to Brennan but we needed this type of staffing move. Kevin Beard coaching WR means alot, this guy is a actual coach, has played the position with greats and proved that on the field with the U on his helmet. Only wish we had a better DB coach.
Posted by: laquinton | February 12, 2015 at 04:46 PM
@CanesWarningFS: After breaking down film, @dgould151 gives a full scouting report on the #Canes' 2015 class http://t.co/mMbR3mJpNW http://t.co/GywBI0xIzx
Posted by: Go Canes | February 12, 2015 at 06:27 PM
So basically we've been lying to kids and not doing right by them prior to now??? Damn lol
Posted by: WWIN | February 12, 2015 at 01:17 PM
Al does have a reputation. They don't believe he's a "straight shooter".
Posted by: 1mg of Epi | February 12, 2015 at 06:58 PM
@CanesWarningFS: RE: Beard video, was released by accident. Will be on http://t.co/LWMKaa1i0B this week RT“@IowaCanesFan: why'd this video get taken down?”
Posted by: Go Canes | February 12, 2015 at 07:33 PM
D@mn it! The lower I want is out of stock.
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | February 12, 2015 at 07:42 PM
@mattyports: Kareem Brown, who didn't get UM's DL coach job, was given more responsibility as a GA. Will now work w/ OLBs, be more involved w/ coaching.
Posted by: Go Canes | February 12, 2015 at 07:46 PM
@mattyports: NCAA regs allow 9 full-time coaches and 4 GAs, so there wasn't another way for UM to promote Brown (other than DL gig). But UM values him.
Posted by: Go Canes | February 12, 2015 at 07:47 PM
See CR...what had happen was....
Posted by: UMike | February 12, 2015 at 08:31 AM
Now THAT is funny!
Posted by: 86Cane | February 12, 2015 at 07:58 PM
Simple, but funny.
Posted by: 86Cane | February 12, 2015 at 07:58 PM
Kaaya needs to work with Kehoe and master the blocking schemes and work with Coley on getting the ball out. The great QBs are always getting the ball out and almost never get sacked.
Posted by: The Dude | February 12, 2015 at 02:35 PM
THIS.
But he was quite young, no?
Posted by: 86Cane | February 12, 2015 at 08:00 PM
Have I ever said that I hate everybody here?
Yeah, I thought so!
Posted by: 86Cane | February 12, 2015 at 08:01 PM
Posted by: 86Cane | February 12, 2015 at 08:00 PM
Yeah. I mean as freshmen go, Kayaa was great. Unfortunately, he plays for Golden Al, which means to win the ACC, this kid has to put on some big boy pants in a hurry.
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | February 12, 2015 at 08:19 PM
Good blogging today Spacers.
Posted by: CaneRock | February 12, 2015 at 08:54 PM
I hope Melly Mel didn't pack more than a year worth of sfuff
Posted by: SinisterCane | February 12, 2015 at 08:58 PM
^^^ lol Sinister.
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | February 12, 2015 at 09:52 PM
Although he was at FIU so he probably never had to pack.
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | February 12, 2015 at 09:53 PM
Thought the place had closed down, glad to see I'm wrong.
Posted by: j.w. | February 12, 2015 at 10:19 PM
I hope Melly Mel didn't pack more than a year worth of sfuff
Posted by: SinisterCane | February 12, 2015 at 08:58 PM
I heard he signed a 10 year contract and bought a house for his family and his daughter?
#SmartGuy
Posted by: 86Cane | February 12, 2015 at 10:28 PM
UM could have 4 1st rounder's
Clive Walford on deck
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beGSEYzHlyo
Posted by: SinisterCane | February 12, 2015 at 10:28 PM
#CanespaceSniper
A book coming to a theater near U soon!
Posted by: 86Cane | February 12, 2015 at 10:29 PM
I'm excited to see what Kaaya can do with a full year under his belt. Being there for Spring ball is huge. Working with receivers is huge. Having Scott and a better coached up Coley, Berrios,Lewis,Waters will be great for him. No more bashing Golden for me. It is what it is.
Posted by: laquinton | February 12, 2015 at 10:42 PM
Have I ever said that I hate everybody here?
Yeah, I thought so!
Posted by: 86Cane | February 12, 2015 at 08:01 PM
No? Am I hallucinating again? Damn, getting these meds just right is tricky.
Posted by: 1mg of Epi | February 12, 2015 at 10:50 PM
Have I ever said that I hate everybody here?
Yeah, I thought so!
Posted by: 86Cane | February 12, 2015 at 08:01 PM
Go easy Daniel-San. Hate is powerful negative. To paraphrase a good man..."Peace"
Posted by: DallasTX Cane | February 12, 2015 at 11:26 PM
Time to rise and grind.
@mattyports: Who can fix Stacy Coley? New Miami WR coach Kevin Beard says he knows how: http://t.co/HnR6VsH3oR http://t.co/fE5CICooOM
Posted by: Go Canes | February 13, 2015 at 06:12 AM
Posted by: laquinton | February 12, 2015 at 10:42 PM
You're correct. I expect huge improvement from him, he's the most talented QB we've had here in two decades or more. The only question remains, as CR posted yesterday, is if he will take that leap.
Better to enjoy what's coming than having hope for failure and hate be your singular focus.
Posted by: Go Canes | February 13, 2015 at 06:18 AM
Football team in the ACCCG? Nope.
BB team in the ACC tourney? Maybe.
Baseball team bound for Omaha? We'll find out when the season kicks off in 12 hours.
Posted by: VfB_Cane | February 13, 2015 at 06:54 AM
^^^^ BB team in the NCAA tourney? Maybe.
Posted by: VfB_Cane | February 13, 2015 at 06:55 AM
BB team in the NCAA tourney? Not this year.
Posted by: nemo2002 | February 13, 2015 at 07:11 AM
I really wish players would stop twitting about what their going do and just do it. I swear the CANEZ are Twitter champs of universe
Posted by: Sinistercane | February 13, 2015 at 07:27 AM
Don't tweet about it be about it
Posted by: Sinistercane | February 13, 2015 at 07:43 AM
Morning Chasers and Spacers
Posted by: SinisterCane | February 13, 2015 at 08:30 AM
@ralphDrussoAP: Change in illegal man downfield rule would give offenses less room for deception. http://t.co/w5oIo7wKBd
Posted by: Go Canes | February 13, 2015 at 08:50 AM
Andy Suarez ready to lead UM after turning down major-league money
Seven Miami Hurricanes were drafted last June by Major League Baseball teams.
One returned — the one whose decision was so unexpected, and frankly, shocking, to baseball types that even University of Miami coach Jim Morris didn’t quite believe it until the 5 p.m. signing deadline passed on July 18.
On Friday night, left-handed ace and second-round draft pick Andy Suarez, the nation’s highest draft pick to return to college, will be on the mound to open the 2015 season against Rutgers.
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/college/acc/university-of-miami/article9707576.html#/tabPane=tabs-b0710947-1-2
Posted by: 30CINCO | February 13, 2015 at 09:01 AM
GoCanes..."the most talented QB we've had here in two decades or more"? Did you mean ONE decade? If not, more talented than Ken Dorsey?...Kenny Kelly?
Posted by: CaneRock | February 13, 2015 at 10:15 AM
Nash Williams:
2016 ATH Tyler Byrd talks about his commitment to UM
It's no question that the Miami Hurricanes already are off to a tremendous start to their 2016 recruiting class. One of the biggest commitments the 'Canes have landed in this class is from Naples (Fla.) athlete Tyler Byrd who was originally committed to the Florida Gators.
Byrd was committed to the Gators for well over a year. However, a visit to Coral Gables for the UM Junior day at the end of January really opened Byrd's eyes. Byrd landed a offer from Al Golden's staff that same day, and a week later, he committed to the 'Canes.
"My main reason for flipping was the classroom situation. The 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio is huge so this way I can have a lot of one-on-one time with my teachers. So at a bigger university I don't think I would get that because the athletes tend to sit towards the back of the classroom with a few hundred kids and not really pay attention and this is important to me," said Byrd.
Byrd also notes that another one of the reasons for his de-commitment is that Florida has a hired a whole new coaching staff and he has a good bond with the UM coaching staff.
"I love the coaches down at Miami and I didn't really get the chance to have a relationship with the Florida coaches. I love the coaches at 'The U' and plus it's closer to home," said Byrd.
When Byrd visited on January 25th, he was blown away by the atmosphere on campus.
"Oh man, the campus is beautiful. I mean you have that big pond in the middle of the school which is nice. It shows that they have put a lot of money into the new facilities and that's great to see."
Tyler Byrd won't be signing his National Letter of Intent for close to a year, however, what can Miami Hurricane fans expect when this 6-foot, 195-pound four-star prospect steps on campus.
"I'm very versatile of course because I play both ways. On defense I'm more of a pressure guy and I feel like I'm good at coming up to make a tackle on a running backs. Then on offense I can get open pretty easily."
While Byrd knows he'll be playing on the defensive side of the ball come college, he's just unsure what position it will be. Byrd added that defensive backs coach Paul Williams likes him at cornerback and head coach Al Golden said he could fit at either cornerback or safety.
Byrd will be spending his offseason playing 7-on-7 and looking to defend his state championship in the long jump.
**Here are Byrd's highlights: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1808982/tyler-byrd
**Photo via his Hudl
Posted by: 30CINCO | February 13, 2015 at 10:34 AM
I really wish players would stop twitting about what their going do and just do it. I swear the CANEZ are Twitter champs of universe
Posted by: Sinistercane | February 13, 2015 at 07:27 AM
#CaneTweetsMatter
Posted by: Dude on a Pale Horse | February 13, 2015 at 10:53 AM
I must agree Sinister, if these young guys are so broke, where is Twitter money coming from? AlPa made many a promise about The Process and self help books, how he is going to turn it around. While I want the kids to work hard and have goals there is no need to to go overboard. I don't want paper champions, be a champ on the field.
While BK is a fine young man, lets not put the pressure on him to save the world as we know it. It is not fair to him or anyone else. Let him develop and grow naturally....don't know if staff can develop him as it is not a strong point.
GC I think your Adidas is in your mouth again.....it probably doesn't taste too goood so you might want to remove it.
Posted by: VA Cane | February 13, 2015 at 11:04 AM