Here are your answers
Dec. 1, 2001
Visit the online FANStore
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (www.hurricanesports.com) – –
Q: From Wayne Waxman, Roseville, CA:
Paul, Congratulations on a great football season thus far.
Being an alumnus of the University and now residing in California, it pains me to hear from friends that most ‘Canes home games are played in a half to three-quarters filled OB (even the Syracuse game for the “Big East championship” had seats left). Some of these friends, who graduated from other national universites (Nebraska and Florida to name two) make every effort to question the loyalty of U Miami students, alumni and general fans when their respective school stadiums are always filled to capacity on game day.
How would you respond to those questioning our fan base?
Go ‘Canes!
A: The University is located in a major metropolitan area and as such must compete for the local sports dollar. Neither Florida nor Nebraska competes against 5 pro teams (Marlins, Dolphins, Heat, Panthers and Fusion). Also, most UM grads come from out of state and return home after graduation. Finally, UM is a small private university, not a large one. We only have 7,800 undergrads. This makes for a small alumni base.
Q: Robert W. Martin, Rochester Hills, MI: With “Roses” in every sentence about the Hurricanes, how will you and the coaching staff keep the team focused on the VaTech? We just can not let this get away from us. Last weeks failures at Oklahoma & Nebraska along with Florida’s failure at Auburn are indications of the task at hand for the coaching staff.
A: Unless the team does what it needs to do there won’t be roses. They all understand this. The team is focused, but must play one of the better teams in our league.
Q: Mitchell Johnson, Blue Springs, Mo.: Have there been any discussions about making a smaller stadium for about 55,000 to 60,000 fans so that it would closer to sellout than alot of noshows for the lesser opponents.
A: At this time we have no games scheduled with Notre Dame. Penn State was a good series. We like playing members of the Big 10. Currently, we are having discussions with two schools there.
Q: Eric Brewer, Sarasota, FL: Mr. Dee, as a graduate of both UF and UM will this year’s Rose Bowl again be a battle for the War Canoe trophy, that UM currently holds at the Hall of Fame? More should have been made of last year’s Sugar Bowl and certainly the games in 2002 and 2003. Can we also get the hoops teams to play again. Thanks for your answers.
A: The canoe is at rest in the museum having found its way back to Coral Gables after many years. The trophy was given in a series situation so it would go back and forth. Our game would be a one-time event. Maybe in the future.
