Here are more Messages to the National Champs
Jan. 8, 2002
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From Paul Herrera, ELLWORTH A.F.B. to COACH LARRY COKER: SIR, OUTSTANDING YEAR FOR THE BEST MIAMI HURRICANE FOOTBALL, WITHOUT OUT A DOUBT, CANES ARE #1 TEAM OF THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL WORLD. APPRECIATE ALL THE CLASS INVOLVED IN BEING THE BEST, GO CANES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JAMES GRAY, KEFLAVIK/ICELAND to ED REED: I just wanted to thank you for the great year you had. The leadership and will to win that you gave the team were inspirational. I’m in Air Force stationed in Iceland. I’ve been a Hurricane fan forever and with all the events from Sep 11 it just makes this chmpionship all the more sweeter. I got up at 1:00 Am to watch that hurtin administered to Nebraska. Congrats to you and the team. I look forward to watching you on Sundays.
Ryan Ong, Tampa/Florida to Entire team: Thank you all for the hard work and dedication making this year a memorable one. This is by far the Best Hurricane team ever.. Ps. “Message to the Juniors” One more year…please. A repeat is in the making.
Jim Williamson, Costa Mesa CA to Vilma: This was the first Miami game I have been able to attend, WOW. You are the fastest, most exciting team to watch. Vilma, nice stick(s). I have never heard 70,000 fans get so quiet so quick after those hits, of course the 20,000+ in green and orange weren’t so quiet. Thanks for making my first Cane game a great one.
Shawn Reinecke, Fort Scott, Kansas to The Whole Team: I didn’t want to send a message to one person in general because football is a team sport and the 2001-2002 Hurricanes proved that this year! When someone was injured another cane filled his spot, when someone needed something off the field his teammates helped him out, and when the opposing team shut down a key player someone else stepped up and crushed the other team! This team expressed more heart and more courage than any other team I have ever seen.
FRANK GATES, VIRGINIA BEACH VIRGINIA to LARRY COKER: Congrats coach Coker. The Hurricanes looked impressive this entire year from Penn State to Tally to Pasadena. You did a great job this year. I’m glad you finally got an opportunity to shine like the past great UM coaches. Congrats to everyone on the team. They really left no doubt that they are number one. Thanks for a great season and a national championship. 2001 team is truely the best of all time. Good luck next year Coach. fg
Sonny Stroud, Rome, Georgia to Coach Coker: I congratulate you and the entire team. I am a Hurricane fan from way back (1979) while serving as Minister of Music in a Miami church. I have followed the Canes from wherever I have served. Since being in Rome, Georgia I have flown to several games in Miami and attended the Sugar Bowl last year. I am a member of the Hurricanes Club and want you to know that I am very proud of all of you and wish God’s blessings on you for another championship next year. I will be at least 3, maybe even more games next year – those being Florida, FSU, and Tennessee.Keep up the awesome job you are doing!
Michael D. Fechter, Dayton Ohio to Ken Dorsey: Great job and congrats! Ive been a Hurricane fan my whole life and never have I seen a Miami QB with the poise and accuracy you displayed in LA. Hope you can give us two in a row. One more thing, try to get drafted by the Dolphins, they need you!!!!
Olga Charriez, Coral Gables, FL to All players and coaches and Athletics Personnel: Great job! There was never any question in my mind as to who is the number one team and who is the Heisman quarterback. CANES AND KEN DORSEY! Next year: Back to Back!!!!!!
Travis Hawley, Blacksburg, VA to The Entire Hurricane Team: Congratulations on a great season and championship. You are truely a championship team after enduring being left out of the championship last year, losing a head coach, along with all the criticism. Through all of it you all showed what a great team you were. You don’t know how hard it has been to be a Hurricane fan in Hokie town the last few years but it has been fun. Once again congratulations and thanks for the Championship and bringing Miami football back to the very top to where it belongs.
Mike Nagorka, Graham, North Carolina to The Greatest Team EVER!: Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, for such a great year! I just got back form Pasadena today (1/7) and am still on cloud nine. You are THE greatest Miami squad EVER! Not only in talent, but also in class. The way you carried yourself on and off the field all year makes us Canes fans really proud! Thanks for the Great memories!Let’s go for six! We have a whole other hand to fill with rings!
Al Rubio, Bristol, TN to Ed Reed: How’s it going, Ed. Congratulations on becoming national champions and achieving your goal in your senior year. I’ve been a ‘Cane for years. My Dad managed the Orange Bowl until his retirement in 1979, so I’ve seen a game or two. I must say how proud you should be of yourself for coming back your senior year, getting your degree and being the leader of your team, both on and off the field. I know I speak for many Cane fans in saying how much we appreciate and respect your commitment to both. Good luck in the NFL draft. I’m positive we will see you picked in the high first round. Also, YOU should have won the Thorpe Award. There was no other defensive back in the country in your league. Well, take care and good luck in all your future endeavors. Thanks again for a great season. I’ll be watching you on Sunday’s. Hurricane AL.
Joe Peters, Jacksonville, Florida to Najeh Davenport and the Seniors!: Way to lead by example! The fact that so many underclassmen were able to “Bring It” this year is due to SENIOR leadership! Congrats to Najeh Davenport, Ed Reed and the Seniors and we’ll see you ALL in the NFL. Good luck! Finally, the National Championship has come back… HOME!
Scott C. Knight, Tennille, Ga. to Jeremy Shockey, and William Joseph: Being the true cane fan that I am, I ask that Jeremy and William come back to the team for next year. We all know how hard it is to repeat as National Champs, and without them it will be even harder. Especially since Portis and Buchanon have entered the draft. With Jeremy and William in the line up next season the canes will just as tough and be in solid contention toREPEAT!
Ruben Rayneri, Miami/Fl to Larry Coker and the NC Canes: Thanks for bringing us back to greatness. Best Wishes, Ruben Rayneri
JAMES TRUNK, POMPANO BEACH, FL. to THE 5th YEAR SENIORS: YOU GUYS STARTED THE FAITH AND KEPT THE FAITH. THAT WILL BE WITH TOU THE REST OF YOUR LIVES. THANK YOU.
Phil Hensley, Lexington, KY to EVERY CANE ON THE SQUAD!: I have followed the ‘Canes since the Howard Schnellenburger years and have seen many greats play for the Green and Orange, but you guys are the best team I’ve witnessed in that 20 years. The offense and the defense work together, taking turns feeding the other. You all are great players and it wouldn’t surprise me to see dozens of this team in pro ball: but you guys played the best “team” football I’ve witnessed in a long, long time. You have kept the proud MIAMI tradition full and powerful, and at the same time left your own mark on the school’s history and image. In Lexington (where with our basketball program we know something about tradition), I had to withstand many Nebraska hostiles, but I stood strong behind my guys– you guys! I am so happy for you all. Coach Coker showed why he was and is the man for the job. Great job Coach Coker! Next years schedule is very intimidating but I have no doubts that the ones that are still there after graduation, and the ones! who are just coming in will all know the power and glory of the Hurricane tradition. The legacy goes on– thanks to you men! God Bless you all and congratulations! We fans are 100% behind you! NATIONAL CHAMPS!!!
Johnathan Powell, Berryville, Arkansas to Jonathan Vilma: you are the hardest hitting soph. i have ever heard about. u deserved a share of the mvp.
Philip Buchanon, Mike Rumph, James Lewis, and Ed Reed: you guys are the best group of db’s that have ever been on one team. you have my four favorite all time db’s not just in college but the pros. Congratulations
Mike Prerost, Crystal Lake, Illinois to The team: You guys are the best and I have been saying it all last year and this year, and every year.
James Schloz, Moweaqua Illinois toOffensive Front line: You guys did an outstanding job this year. You guys cleared the way for Portis and you gave dorsey great protection, Great job
Jim and Charlotte Sikora, marathon, Fl to The entire team and coaching staff: Congrat’s to each and every one of you. You did the University of Miami proud. You won the championship with hard work and dedication. A class act! Thanks for a wonderful year.
GERALD CROSBY, BIRMINGHAM,AL to THE TEAM: GREAT GAME GUYS
Hahnnun Tyree White, Awendaw, South Carolina to Andre Johnson: I want to congratulate you on winning and becomming MVP of the National Championship. I admire your speed and your great seperation skills.
Allataye A. Russ, Nashville, Tennessee to CLinton Portis: Thanks CLinton for the great season of running the ball for Miami. You have had such a great career with the Canes. I only wish that you would come back next year in order to become the canes all time leading rusher. I know the NFL would surely welcome you next season. I’m one of your number one fans and would love to see you help Miami repeat for the championship.
Phillip Buchannon: I congratulate you on winning the National Cahmpioship. I love your explosiveness, speed, and quickness. I really hope you’ll stay for your senior season and help the team win another championship.
Veronica Simms, : Brooklyn, NY to The Entire Football Team: Congratulations to the Hurricanes Football Team for perfect season. No more questions — you are #1. You should have been there last too. It’s always a fun to watch the team. I look for another exciting season.
Happy New Year to the Entire Football Staff.
GO #44
Ed Stewart, Reynoldsburg, OH to The Seniors: Thanks for coming to Miami and for staying to help the underclassmen and bring the fifth ring.
LARRY JOHNSON, FRESNO, CALIFORNIA to LARRY COKER: COACH CONGRATS ON A JOB WELL DONE. I WAS IN ROSE BOWL ON JANUARY 3RD AND WAS SO IMPRESSED WITH THE TEAM. I WAS PLEASED TO HEAR THAT YOU WERE NAMED THE HEAD COACH AT THE END OF LAST YEAR. AS FAR AS I’M CONCERNED (AS MOST HURRICANE FANS WERE)THIS SHOULD’VE BEEN THE TEAMS SECOND TITLE IN A ROW. BUT WE KNOW WHAT HAPPENED LAST YEAR. ANYWAY ONCE AGAIN CONGRATS. NOW ITS TIME TO REPEAT. GOOD LUCK NEXT YEAR.
John McMullin, Orlando, Fl to For the entire team and coaching staff: You guys have brought me and the rest of the Hurricane nation so much joy this year and I just wanted to tell you guys how proud I am of you, and thier is not a more deserving group in the country. I had the best time at the Rose Bowl waching you guys prove to the nation something I’ve known since August that you guys without a shadow of a doubt are the nation’s best. Thanks, 78,66,73,28,88,20,8,23,31,4,48,27,98,1, 80,63, it’s been an honor waching you play, you will be always remembered as the guys who returned this program back to greatness, us the fans of the Univ. of Miami will always be in your debt. To the remaining players keep the fire burning, have a great spring practice, and I’ll see you in Gainsville September 7th.
Gonzo Cane, Miami, Florida to The whole Team: Since your win last year against FSU, you have carried the torch of a new era. You are responsible for starting a new dynasty, the begining of a freh string of National Championships. Thanks to all of you, for making the University, the city and the country proud! You are truly the BEST group of college football talent ever assembled. Enjoy the Victory!Cheers!
EMMANUEL GARCIA, FORT EUSTIS, VA. to ENTIRE TEAM: THANK YOU FOR THE WONDERFUL SEASON. I AM A SOUTH FLORIDA NATIVE AND A MEMBER OF THE U.S. ARMY. ALL OF US SOLDIERS TAKE PRIDE IN THE ACHEIVEMENTS OF OUR HOME CITIES, YOU GUYS HAVE GIVEN ME BRAGGING RIGHTS FOR THE WHOLE YEAR. THANK YOU.
Steven Kratky, Mantua,NJ to Coaches and Players: Congrats on winning the championship. You had a focus all year and what the goal was and you did it. You kept your heads high when people were doubting you. You proved them wrong that you could do whatever you wanted to do. Let’s do it again next year. I had fun this year and hope you did to. Let’s make it back to back.
Marlin St.John, Shortsville N. Y. to the team: Thanks for a GREAT season, you guy`s were awsome in the Rose Bowl…….
Bernie Roses, coral gables to Ken Dorsey: Congratulations on a fantastic season. You were absolutely amazing in the Rose Bowl. I would like to especially thank you for coming back next season. It seems that most of our junior starters are leaving early for the NFL. I think that you guys have an excellent chance of repeating next season. Thanks again from a truly grateful Canes’ fan.
Anthony Sammartino, Deerfield Beach, FL to Ken Dorsey: First off, congratulations on a perfect season and accomplishing your goal of winning a National Championship. You showed tremendous poise throughout the year, and especially in the Rose Bowl. I knew you were going to play off your ass when I saw that look in your eyes like you had last year in the FSU game in the OB last year. Congrats to you and the Team! Go Canes!
Linda Lutz, Carlyle High School, Sandoval, IL to Brad Kunz: Congratulations! Hard work really pays off!
Daniel Rivera, Oldsmar, FL to The Entire Team: Men, congratulations. You guys are the best team ever, You did with class, respect, dignity. If they did a video on how to win a championship, you guys would be at the top of the list. Congratulations and enjoy this title because you deserve it.
Michael Mink, palm harbor,FL to edward reed: great year this season.you play a great style of safety. I hope the buccaneers draft you , we need a player like you.I love to buy a game jersey from you since i am betting you will be all-pro.good luck.
Chris Baxley, Columbus, OH to Jeremy Shockey and William Joseph: Please stay and Give Miami the help to win Back to Back National Championships.Also I would like to say Congradulations on this years performance.
Jacqueline Coleman, Atlanta, GA to The Championship Team: Congrats Guys! You really deserved every piece of that championship! It’s hard in GA to put up with UGA fans, but they have nothing compared to the amazing ‘Canes. I’m so proud of all of you! Good luck in the future! I love all you guys! GO ‘CANES!
Jim Perrin, cicero, ny: Congratulations coach Coker and your players and coaches. Its nice to see the Hurricanes back on top of the football world. Keep the win streak alive.
Nicole, Heather & Brittany, Cooper City Fl to ALL: We want to thank all of the Canes and Coach Coker for being kind enough to take the time to auotgraph our hats. It meant so much to us, we wore them proudly all week… and a special thanks to the MVP’s, Ken and Andre for signing our ticket stubs and program… Congratulations, you’re #1 on and off the field.
Scott Wipperman, Summit, NJ to Jonathan Vilma: Dear John,
I just wanted to congratulate you on a great season and amazing Rose Bowl. Those were probably two of the best tackles I have ever seen in a college game that you had on Thursday night. They reminded me a lot of Ray Lewis and what he used to do. I think my favorite play of yours though was in the Washington game when you intercepted that pass on the first drive and set the tone for the game. Congrats again, can’t wait to see next year.
To Ed Reed: Dear Ed,
I just wanted to say congratulations on an amazing year and career. You have been my favorite Cane for awhile now and I think you coming back this year made a big difference for the team. Your leadership was obvious, and I am very happy for you and all of they guys. Can’t wait to see you in the NFL, good luck.
lee weinman, chicago,il to coach coker and the entire team: thanks for returning “hurricane pride” you did the right way!!!!!
E. Kirkland, Green Cove Springs,Fl. to Hurricane Team of 2001 and The Coaches: Congrats on your awesome year and all the great memories you gave us this years as fans ! Always knew you could do it!!! Larry ….thanks for a great season …..can’t wait for next year!!!!
Richard R. de Villiers, Coral Gables, FL to The Team: I grew up with the Canes. I’ve been through the highs and the lows, but nothing will ever mean more to me than being in Pasadena and cheering you on. You have made us proud.
Justin Mallory, Dublin, GA to Team: Congratulations Hurricanes on an outstanding season! I am 20 years old, and I have been a die-hard fan since I was about 7. I have been through the glory years of the late eighties and early nineties, and I have been through the tough probation-plagued years. I saw many so-called Miami fans jump off the bandwagon around ’97, but I had faith that we would return to college football’s elite. All of the hard work and dedication paid off, and I am so proud to be a Cane right now. It took a few years, but we climbed the mountain and got back on top. Congratulations again Hurricanes–you guys have earned it. Go Miami!
Robert Moore, Clemmons, NC to Ken Dorsey: Congratulations Ken! You’ve made all of us proud with your performance this year. My father is a U of M alum, and we have had a great time watching you and the whole team this year. Dad is so proud he’s almost ready to burst!! Thanks again!
Brian Ebert, Alexandria, KY to Entire team: From a huge CANES fan in KY, HOW BOUT THEM CANES. Like Big Juaquin said after the game, You did it with class!
Mike Brito, Portland, OR to Team: All you fellas proved the nation wrong. You proved without a doubt that you are the most balanced team in the nation. Not to mention last year as well. A handful of teams could have been in the number 2 spot, but the separation between 1 and two this year was too much. Nobody could have lined up with you guys this year. I’m a native of Miami living on the west coast now but am still passionate for the team and the future. Repeat is not too much to ask for with the talent that remains. Stay hungry and you will prevail. IT’S GREAT TO BE A MIAMI HURRICANE!! GO CANES!!
Ventura Lozano, Tallahassee, Florida to All Canes: Congrats, Great Job guys! All of you deserve this. Go Canes #5 baby!! We’re back!!
Sylvia & Chris Mangsen, Lake Mary, FL to Team: There was never any dought. Congrats!
Jordan Loperena, Lake Zurich, IL to Ken Dorsey: Dear Ken,
You are my favorite college athlete and you are my idol (with Walter Payton). You had a great season and deserve that national championship. You are setting a great example for me by staying for your senior year. I also stick up for you at school when kids say that you guys are bad because I know you aren’t. Congratulations on an awesome season and keep up the good work.
Sincerely,
Jordan M. Loperena
Age 13
todd mclain, wyoming, michigan. to william joseph: Awesome game ! what speed for an interior lineman. Repeat in 2002!!!!!!
Tony Heeb III, Ringgold, GA to Coach Larry Coker, Ken Dorsey and the rest of the team: Congratulation Guys! You guys did a fantastic game. I love it! Thanks guys to be Number One Champs! See you at UT Homecoming Game on November 9th, 2002. I will wear Canes outfit and hopefully to see you all there. Good luck next year and let’s hear the famous words:”Let’s Go Canes!”
Tony Heeb III
Hurricane Club Member
STEPHEN KING, GOLDENROD FL to THE CANES: THANKS FOR A GREAT SEASON. I HAVE BEEN A FAN SINCE THE 79 YEAR. IT JUST KEEPS ON KEEPIN ON.GOD BLESS LARRY C. AND ALL OF THE GREAT PLAYERS. BEING AT THE ROSE BOWL WAS THE BEST!
stephen and renee barnett, parkland fl: congratulations to all the coaches and all the players for giving the fans the best sports year ever. you have made these two alumni and a nation happy and proud!
Matt Singer, River Vale, NJ to The Entire Team: I have been a Hurricane fan my entire life and to be able to attend the Rose Bowl and watch you guys destroy Nebraska made my dream a reality. You guys deserve to be national champs and I am prouder than ever to be a Hurricane Fan. Lets go for back to back in 2002!
Cornel Duran Williams – UM Class of 99, Davie, FL to Entire Team: Congrats to all the Hurricanes! I was at every home game cheering during the 5-6 season. What a great finish! Best Miami team ever? I think so!
Nell Hall, West Palm Beach, Fl to the team: Thanks for one of the most memorable trips that I have ever taken….we were at the Rose Bowl and will never forget the wonderful excitement and the great comradery in the stands with the other cane fans! Thanks again….see you at the Fiesta Bowl!
Jose A. Sanchez, Miami, Florida to Coaches & Team: Coaches:This message comes from a true Canes fan. I was there in the glory years as well as the not so good 5-6 years. I went to every game, yes even Temple and Rutgers. Thanks start with Paul Dee, for hiring the best & nicest coach in the nation. Adn a big thaks to coach Coker for hiring two hurricane stars as our offense & defense coordinators. Coach Kehoe – you’re the man!!!Players:What a wonderful ride you provided us Hurricanes fans these past two years. I went to the Sugar Bowl and had a terrific time – nothing like beating the “gay-tors”, and watching that jerk of Spurrier on the big screen telling the nation what an whipping the Canes had given his team. Boy, that was sweet. There’s nothing like New Orleans to party. It was a lovely evening.I guess the “human polls” had it right all along, YOU ARE THE VERY BEST TEAM IN THE NATION AND CANE HISTORY!I’LL GO ON RIDDING MY GREEN EXPLORER WITH THE CHAMPIONSHIPS FLAGS AND A PROUD “FIFTH” TAG ALL OVER TOWN.SEE YOU AT THE BOWL, CANNOT WAIT FOR NEXT YEAR!GO CANES………..
steve kapetaneas, safety harbor,fl.to The Team: WERE BACK!!!!!!!!!GO CANES!
