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Read your emails here.
Jan. 8, 2003
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– William, McCliment, J: Girard, Ohio: Good luck on a quick and effective recovery. You’re definitely a good kid who has a bright future ahead. Train hard, but smart in the offseason and you’ll accomplish great things.
William Seth Poteat: Lexington, KY: I know you must feel terrible right now, but take solace in the fact that there are thousands of people around the world praying for you. I haven’t cried in years, but I shed a tear during the 4th quarter on Friday night. Your one of the top 3 college backs I’ve ever seen and you’ve got plenty of support from people you don’t even know, like myself – you’ll be back, work hard and keep the faith, everything happens for a reason. I know that may be hard to swallow right now and your probably sick of hearing it, but it’s true. My mom passed away this summer and I kept hearing words such as these. It gets to a point that you want to tell everyone to shut up and leave you alone, but those words are right. Everything happens for a reason and time does heal all wounds. Good luck and best wishes, Seth
GO CANES!
Mr. A. M. Diaz: Deltona, FL: Hey Willis: Hope you recover soon; this was very unfortunate for you, your family and the Hurricanes. Sometimes you wonder how lucky athletes are, you might be down now but you have been resilient all along. God Bless you and your family. Keep the faith and all will be well soon. Canes are still number One. — A. M. DIAZ
Jeanne K. Diesen: New Smyrna Beach, FL: You are my hero. My heart broke when I saw you go down in the game. I know that God will bless you and speed your recovery. You are a truly outstanding individual and I wish nothing but wonderful things for your future.With sincere admiration and prayers,Jeanne Diesen,U of M ’58
Marc Goldstein,: Philadelphia, PA: Hang in there, keep working hard, and I’m sure you will be on the field as fast as ever soon. What would be sweeter than coming back and winning the heisman? Keep that and a national championship as your goals and the money will follow. Get well soon.
Schuyler E. Redpath : Oakland City, IN: Willis,Best wishes on a successful recovery. I was in pain when I saw that replay of you going down. I know how much it hurt you that you couldnt contribute anymore, but you have done wonders for the team – you are an incredible athlete. I’m lookin forward to seeing you back on the field, keep your head up…-Schuyler Redpath- -OCU MENS SOCCER-
alex varner, alexandria,va: Dear Willis, Will you dance for us again ? with anticipation, a varner
Wes Bradshaw: Battleboro, NC: Willis,Thank you for everything you gave to the Hurricane program this past year. You played the game like it was supposed to be played and even people who don’t like the Cane’s could see that. I am very sorry about your injury. Just know that we in North Carolina are praying for a speedy and full recovery for you. I can’t wait for the day to see #2 back in the Hurricane huddle. Anyway, keep it real dude and never stop fighting.Wes Bradshaw
William Koppenhafer: Gainesville, FL: Willis I know you will come back stronger. Keep your head up and work hard. I appreciated watching you this year. I especially enjoyed watching you run through the Florida Gators.Best Wishes, Billy
Tim White : Charlotte, NC: Willis,I’m a HUGE Miami fan and have been since the early 80s but your injury on Friday night was far more of a concern to me than the game. As you now enter the rehab process I want you to know that you will be in my prayers for a full recovery.You are not only an outstanding RB but you are one of the classiest athletes to ever play at Miami. Godspeed in your road to recovery. Sincerely, Tim
Joshua Pascal: wheelersburg, ohio: dear willis get well soon you are the best back in the country i may live in ohio but the buckeyes suck! i was rooting for miami the whole game . the reason for that is i was born in fort walton beach florida. just remember to work hard and you’ll be able to comeback
Jay Overholts: Cincinnati, OH: First of all, thanks for the great season you had this year. I cannot remember the last time I saw a running back have such a complete season.
That being said, I want to wish you the best in your recovery process. I tore my ACL back in 1994, so I have a fair idea of what it takes to get back to healthy again. I have all of the confidence in the world that you will make a complete recovery, and be as sucessful as people were projecting you to be at the next level.
Take care Willis, and good luck with your recovery efforts.
Betty Nevelus: Marco Island FL: Dear Willis:Just want to wish you a speedy recovery and send out my love and prayers to you and your family! It will indeed be a wonderful day when I see you run back onto the football field to play again, whether at UM or in the pros. Good luck and God Bless.Love, Betty Nevelus (UM ’65)
RICHARD M. WESTFALL, WINCHESTER, VIRGINIAWILLIS, HANG IN THERE . . YOU’VE COME SOFAR WITH THE HURRICANE FOOTBALL PROGRAM.I KNOW THAT WHAT HAPPENED LAST FRIDAY NIGHT IS VERY UPSETTING TO YOU . . BOTHTHE LOSS AND WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR KNEE.YOU’RE A FANTASTIC ATHLETE WITH ALOT OFHEART . . . IT HAS REALLY SHOWN ALL SEASON-LONG. ALL ‘CANE FANS ARE REALLYPROUD OF YOU, AND ARE CONFIDENT THAT YOUWILL COME THROUGH THIS SET-BACK IN GOODSHAPE. WE ALL LOOK FORWARD TO YOU BEINGBACK ON THAT FOOTBALL FIELD, EITHER ATUM OR THE NFL, NEXT SEASON. EVEN, IF,BY SOME REMOTE CHANCE, THAT DOES NOT HAPPEN, YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED, ALREADY,WHAT FEW YOUNG BALL PLAYERS HAVE HAD THEOPPORTUNITY TO DO . . PLAY(START) FOR ONE OF THE BEST COLLEGE PROGRAMS IN THENATION !! I’M A NATIVE OF MIAMI, AND HAVE FOLLOWED THE ‘CANES SINCE I WAS ABOUT AGE 10 . . . WE’RE ALL PULLING FORYOU, NOT ONLY TO HEAL COMPLETELY, BUT TOHELP LEAD MIAMI TO THAT NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP THAT ELUDED US THIS YEAR.
Lee White: Richmond Hill: Dear McGahee,I hope you are doing better. I know that had to hurt. I called in at my job to watch the game, but I didn’t want anything to happen to you man. Please don’t rush it, just let it heal, you’ve got 2 more years. Yes we need you back this year, but not if it’s gonna keep you out any more. In my book you are the best back, even better that Maurice Clarrett. Keep your head up and don’t let anybody get you down. that’s all 4 now. Lee Go CANES!!!!!!!
Jeff Houston, Lima, OH: The prayers of the Buckeye State are with you in hopes of a speedy and full recovery. Look forward to seeing you play on Sundays. Godspeed!
Bethany Fisher: Beavercreek, OH: Willis,
You are a great football player and I hope you recover quickly! Although I’m a buckeye fan, I hate seeing great players get hurt so bad! You will be in my prayers and I know that you’ll be back in full force one day! 🙂
Patrick Green, Ottawa, Ohio: You are an outstanding player. Get well soon and the best of luck to you
Nicholas Aaron Muncie: Johnstown, Ohio: hope to see ya out onthe field this fall, your an awesome back.
Craig R. Berger: Salem, OH: Hey I just wanted to say that I hope you get better and that I admire the way you and your team played last Friday. I am an Ohio State fan, but I definitely admired your whole team and the Buckeyes for playing such good football. Again, I hope you get better and I hope I see you in an NFL uniform someday.
Eric W. Oberhaus: West Chester: Take care and get well soon. We all want to see you playing on the field again next year.
Robert Moon, Zanesville Oh.: Best wishes for a speedy recovery. Heres hoping you are back better than ever next year.
Brian Heins, Pickerington, Ohio: William – You seem like a very hard worker. Work hard and come back, hopefully in 2004. I’ll bet we see you again in the National Championship aginst Ohio State.I know you and your family were crushed when this happened to you. I rally hope that you come back and run faster and stronger than you did before.Good Luck,Brian, Virginia, Cory and Brady Heins
William McCliment: Girard, Ohio: Good luck on a quick and effective recovery. You’re definitely a good kid who has a bright future ahead. Train hard, but smart in the offseason and you’ll accomplish great things.
Timothy B. Ferner: Sherwood, Oregon: Willis,You had a great season and will be back! I am a Floridian from Miami transplanted here in Oregon while serving in the USMC. It was a pleasure watching you play this year. Thanks for representing UM and college football with such class. Can’t wait to see you back on the gridiron.
Get Strong Soon, Tim Ferner Sergeant Major, USMC GO CANES!
Aaron Michael Bruggeman, Quaker City,OH: Hey Willis,I am a Buckeyes fan, but I have rooted for you all year. Get better and be ready for next year. You are tough and I really want to see you suceed. So give it all you can this year and I hope to be watching you next year on tv.
jay freeman: jacksonville fl: mcghee hope this e-mail reaches u..been a fan for lots of years seen all the elite ones come though the ranks from micheal to s.moss.[oh yea can’t forget rohand marley number 2 jersey also]..u took it to the next level..so put god first an see what he has planned for u..willis mcghee is a household name now so take the time u need to rehab don’t try an rush it..dude my number one team is miami’my number one player is u’so handle ur business ‘n if u get a chance hit me back…peace…
Joel Heidtman: Henderson, Nevada: Dear Mr. McGahee,
I am a life-long Buckeye (our family has had season tickets for 30 years), but I wish you a SPEEDY RECOVERY and a VERY SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN THE NFL. One step at a time my man, one step at a time. You ARE a champion! GET WELL SOON!Joel Heidtman
Mike Witoshynsky: Punta Gorda, FL: Willis,I thorougly enjoyed watching you play this year. Definitely one of the most talented and consitent performances I have ever seen. Hope you have a speedy recovery and rehab and I hope all Canes fans get another chance to see you on the feild again in a Canes uniform. If it does’nt happen I wish you the best at the next level. Thanks for having the heart of a champion and providing us with a lot of great memories of a truly great team. What more can I say man…GO CANES!!!!!!!!
Jeff Mueller, Liberty Township, OH: Best of luck to you Willis. Come back strong. Don’t give up the fight. You have the right stuff to take it to the next level. I’d love to see you running for my favorite team, the Raiders some day. Keep the faith brother. I am praying for you.
Mike D. Doel: Columbus, Ohio: Get well soon Willis. I’m all Buckeye, but your team, and you especially, have greatly impressed me this year. Good luck with the rehab. I hope to see you on the field again soon. You’re an outstanding representative to your university and sport.
Tony Goudie : Key Biscayne, Florida: Dear Willis,You probably don’t remember me but I did a interview with you prior to the season on a home video camera. At the time I reluctantly asked you if you were ready to carry this team. Youre answer was “what kind of question is that, of course i’m ready to carry this team”. Willis just let me say that from that day I was sold on your character not only had Portis gone pro but Gore had gone down with an injury and the RB spot was a big question you were the answer to that question and went on to have THE BEST SEASON of any Hurricane ever.I beileve that you won’t need to use your insurance money becuase you will come back Bigger, Faster, and Stronger than ever and break your own UM records and win your Heisman and be the greatest PLAYER to ever come out of MIAMI. Finally I want to send you my prayers and let you know that all of Key Biscayne is with you and always will be. I hope you recieve this letter and if anything I hope it shows you the love all the fans have for you. Well I !have to go. In the words of the late great jimmy valvano “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up”Your friend,Tony
Jim R Dinnicenzo: Pickerington, OH: WillisI am a big Buckeye fan, but I must say I watched you play several times this year and was very impressed with your abilities. Take care, get well soon, and see you on the gridiron soon.
Scott A. Brown : Trenton, Ohio: You are part of the reason why College Football is the greatest sport in the world! Even though I’m a Buckeye fan and was at the game, no one wanted to see you sustain a injury that serious. Good Luck and Speedy Recovery, Scott B.
David H Newburg, Mariett, GAWillis, I wanted to thank you for a wonderful season. I had the privilege of watching you and the rest of the Canes play against Pitt. What a game! I will always cherish those memories. You are a true champion and I wish you a speedy recovery. Look forward to seeing you on the field again.
chris sothras: la mesa, CA: Willis, Get better soon. Thank you for all you did this year. Go Canes,Chris
Julius Polk J. : Ellenwood, Georgia: What’s up Willis? I’ve been in your corner since last season when you scored against Florida St. But I really jumped on your bandwagon after the college football preview in ESPN The Magazine said “I’d make McGahee beat me, he runs 4.3 but plays at 4.5” You really gave me something to cheer about this season. I still boast that you are related to my cousin. His name is Lorenzo McGahee Jr. My mother’s sister was married to his father. I think she changed his last name though. I’m not sure. But he goes to American High School down there. Of course he calls me talking about “did you see my cousin!!?” I’m like, “yeah I seen him.” I wish you the best in your recovery. You know you got some unfinished business to take care of so come on back stronger than ever. I just say keep your head up and keep it real. Julius #1 fan
Marc S. Schie: Alexandria, Va.: Although I’m an OSU alum and a die hard buckeye fan, I just want to say thank-you for your season, you’ve really been someone special to watch. Hang tough and continued success with your rehab and your future, whever it takes you.
Joseph, Brewen : Rochester, MN: Well Willis, I read an article on grassy.com how Clinton Portis used to say to you in practice on how you weren’t ever going to be as good as he is and stuff like that. Personally, your better than he was and you are the best Miami Runningback ever. When you recover, you will come back stronger and faster than before. I hope you get well soon, and I hope to see you on the field next year, still doin your thang.Peace and My God be with you!
Adam & Tabitha Fish: Columbus, In: Congratulations on a great season! Good luck with rehab. We can’t wait to see you back in the green and orange next season!
Jonathan, Faitel: Stoughton, MA: Dear Willis, I wish you the best during your recovery. I am from the Boston area and i was looking forward to you becoming a member of the New England Patriots in this year’s NFL draft. Hopefully you can get back on the field soon, and maybe you’ll wear the uniform of the defending Superbowl champions in the future. Good luck Will.
Chris Thompson: Richmond, VA: Willis – Here is wishing you the best of luck and a quick and full recovery. As a Virginia Tech grad, I was hoping for nothing else than for you to move on to the NFL so you could stop grinding Tech into the ground. After your injury, I just hope that everything goes well and that I can see you play one more Saturday against Tech before moving on. Good luck and best wishes.
Beth A. DeSanto: New York, NY: Dear Willis,I hope that your recovery is going well. I am certain that you will make a full and speedy recovery. I look forward to perhaps seeing you in the UM lineup again soon…if not, then in the Dolphin’s lineup! Take care and keep your head up. The fans are rooting for you!Beth D.
Sean A Newland: Saint Marys, WV: Hang in there you`ll be back running over those linebackers again better than ever.God Bless
Manuel Lamar Hicks: Clarksdale,MSmanuelhicks@hotmail.com6Message : Willis, what’s going on man? I hope that you get better soon! I watched the game Friday night and I was hurting for you. My heart just dropped. You were going to have a BIG game, because I could see things opening up for you.I know that you would’ve given all you could if you were not hurt bad. Alot of Hurricane fans felt that the guys was really trying to hurt you, because he went right for knee. If hope that he wasn’t.I hope that everything goes well for you.If you don’t come back and play for the Canes, you will always be “The best back they ever had.”
Kenny B Phillips Jr: Natick, MA: Good luck, get well soon. Can’t wait to see you back on the field! GO CANES!
Michael Johnson: Omaha, Nebraska: Willis, You need to recover quick because the team and fans need you to return next season. You need to lead the team to another national title game. It wont be the same football team without you on the field.Sincerely, Michael Johnson and Beth Walker
Ryan Hickey: Getzville, NY: I know the what you are going through all too well. Last year I tore my ACL in a high school football game. I was a junior. It took me about eight months to rehab, but I came back for my senior year. I hope that you make a full recovery and I know that you will because you are a true athlete. Just keep up with your rehab and you will be back next season or the one after that. I can’t wait to see you back on the field because you are my favorite collegiate athlete. Good luck.
Bill Hardin: Yamhill, Oregon: Willis, I have been so impressed with how you and the CAnes have been representing yourselves all year! I’m very sorry about your injury, but with your Heart and work ethic I have been reading about, NO DOUBT you will be back!!! I’m sure the Cane fans would like to see you back, but we also understand you must do what’s in your BEST interest. Your In my Prayers and Hope to see you playing next year.THanks,Bill Hardin
Scott Hudson: WIchita, KS: I am a teacher at Conway Springs Middle School in Kansas. My class and I wanted to wish you well. Hope to see you on the field soon. Oh, by the way, the Canes should have won the National Championship. Go Canes!!!
Elias Correa: Roswell,Ga.: Hello Willis! My name is Elias. Willis, God Knows I’m so sorry over what took place on January 3rd! I’m anxiously behind you on your recovery! I imagine you can’t wait to be back and I can’t wait for you and Miami to commence another football season! I’m too proud of your family values and accomplishments! You’re definetely a class act to me and despite not knowing who I am, I’m by far the biggest Miami Hurricane Fan in Atlanta, Georgia! I’ll be praying for you man! You’ll be better than ever! You’ll see! Regards, Elias Correa
Brandon Kuykendall: Miami FL: You played a hell of a game, and i sure hope, and am confident that you will, come out of this better than ever! best of luck!
Robert Brown, Holland, MI.: Willis,Seeing your injury was far worse than the loss to OSU. Your in our prayers for a full and speedy recovery.I look forward to hopefully seeing you in in Orange, Green and White one more time running away from the defense and leading the Canes in championship form.Best Wishes,
R.BrownClass