Downtown Miami Turns into Sea of Orange and Green
Jan. 25, 2002
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (www.hurricanesports.com) – – Flagler Street surged with jubilant University of Miami Hurricane fans as thousands of residents dressed in orange and green and community leaders paid tribute to the national football champions during a ticker-tape parade and courthouse rally January 25, 2002.
The parade commenced at Bayfront Park where the players, coaches and families stepped into convertibles and onto fire trucks from the City of Miami, Coral Gables, and Miami-Dade County. Participants were then driven west along Flagler Street as confetti and ticker-tape rained down from downtown office buildings. The parade ended in front of the Miami-Dade County Courthouse where players and coaches exited for a rally. Miami Mayor Manny Diaz and Miami-Dade County Mayor Alex Penelas presented proclamations to the team. University of Miami President Donna Shalala, Athletic Director Paul Dee and football head coach Larry Coker addressed the spirited crowd.
“As an alumni, resident, and huge fan, I couldn’t be prouder that this great team and university bear Miami’s name,” said Mayor Diaz. “They represented our community with class and sportsmanship during the entire 2001-2002 season, and on behalf of all our residents we thank them.”
“The Canes’ victory on January 3 for the national championship not only put the team and university, but also our entire community in a positive light,” said Mayor Penelas. “Their season truly served to unite our community that had been reeling since September 11. This rush of community spirit and excitement was exactly what we needed.”
The feelings were echoed by the University of Miami. “This is a great day not only for the University of Miami, but the entire South Florida community,” said UM President Shalala. “I commend the players, coach Coker, director Dee, and of course our fans for all their support in helping us achieve such a great season.”
“Our players and coaches are so deserving of this honor after coming close in recent years,” said Dee. “The hard work they put into this season paid off. They made us all proud.”
The University of Miami, the City of Miami, Coral Gables, and Miami-Dade County organized the parade and rally. Rose Bowl co-MVPs Ken Dorsey and Andre Johnson rode in the first row of convertibles, along with the team’s starters and seniors. Fans were also treated to the sounds of the University’s Band of the Hour and the usual high-energy antics of team mascot, Sebastian the Ibis.
