We'll Be Back!- Page 2
Jan. 9, 2003
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– Jonathan Gerelus: Baltimore, MD: I sold my car to make it to Tempe. As I sat in the Ohio State student section with my Hurricane Football shirt on they let me have it. As an avid fan of the Canes I laughed at all those Ohio State fans knowing that Miami in no one year wonder. Good luck next year and keep your heads up.C-A-N-E-S CANES!
Rick A. Johnson: Cape Coral, FL: Thanks for a GREAT ’02 football season and a run of 34 straight. Best of success to those moving on to your next career.Remember this: The Great Miami Hurricane’s won 5 national championships between Ohio State’s 2 (and only) national championships.See you next season.Go Canes!
Ed Velasco: Las Vegas, NV.: We are so proud of the way you guys battled right to the finish, only to be cheated by a lousy questionable call. You have no reason to be down because you are the mighty ‘canes and you represent excellence and class. Once a ‘cane, forever a ‘cane, You guys will be champions in our hearts forever….Let’s get it back next year!!
PROUD OF THE GREEN, ORANGE, AND WHITE!
ED VELASCO
Brenda Brody: New Orleans, LA: I have never been prouder of being a Cane in my entire life than I was Friday, January 3. You were champions, valiant, undaunted, and with all the combined hearts of all of us Canes beating in your chests. You didn’t lose that game. It was stolen from you in the greatest travesty since the election of 2000. You did nothing to deserve that. You were the best all year long and you still are.I graduated from UM in 1987 and I loved those brash, in-your-face Canes with all my heart and I love you guys just as much. I know the pain they felt when they came back from the Fiesta Bowl empty handed. I loved them anyway. You deserved to come home with the trophy. It was yours. You won it and you had earned it. You were broken, but unbowed. The loss of Willis was calculated and planned and they celebrated over it on their side. They would never have been able to play against you like that with him there. They had to take him out to perpetrate the fraudulent ending of the game.When I saw Ken getting up from the ground, I knew he was hurt. I didn’t want him to try to come back into the game, but nothing could stop him and he did. I cried for him and I cried for all of you. And I love you all more than ever.Know that what you do, the hearts of all Canes fans will be with you forever because of those 60+ minutes you fought in the desert for us all.
Yvonne Halaiski: Deltona, FL: Hey,You guys tried your best and that’s all what we(the fans)can ask for. You’re still #1 to me and to the rest of the Hurricane fans. Beware of the Hurricanes next year because we are coming out stronger and we will bring home the National Chanpionship trophy where it belongs.Good Luck!!!
Matt Sullivan: NY, NY: You guys played hard and we are all very proud of you!! Looking forward to spring practice. Thanks, Kenny and William and Matt and all the other seniors!!
Scott Knauer, North East, Maryland: 24-17 MIAMI WINS2002 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSEverybody Knows !!!!!
James Cote – UM Dad: Jupiter, FL: Kenny we love you. You are a true champion!! I hope and pray that you come and play for the Miami Dolphins.To the UM players and coaching staff – Great Season. We’ll be rooting for you next season while you win your 6th National Championship!! You guys are the BEST!!!!!!!!!Go Canes!!Faithful UM DAD
Steven Masse: Holbrook, Massachusetts: 5 national championships in 20 years is an incredible feat that no knowledgeable college football fan can diminish. Questionable officiating aside, talent wins out consistently not hype so hype won’t matter much when Michigan, Iowa, Purdue and Wisconsin beat OSU in Big 10 play next year. Meanwhile, I feel secure that based on talent, UM will return to reclaim its rightful possession: a 6th national crown. Congratulations on a great season and continue to take pride in UM football’s tradition of excellence!
Ed Kraemer: Dallas, Tx: Thanks guys for a great two year run, let’s just reload and go at it again next season. Living in Texas, I run into alot of Cane-haters… but with your on field play and class acts off the field, I shut them up pretty fast. I’ll be able to see a live game for the first time (La. Tech next year) since 84’s Flutie hail Mary, so I’m really looking forward to that. Your hard work in the off season really shows up (for the rest of the nation to see) on TV during the season, keep up the great job!
P VANDENBERG: OMAHA NE: Please don’t feel like you have let true fans down. I have to say that growing up in Nebraska and being a hurricanes fan has not been easy. I really had some troubles during the time you were rebuilding. That is why I’m proud to say that I stayed with you and never gave up. I am pleased with what the seniors did by taking a chance on rebuilding team and taking them back to the top. Please keep up the great work you all have done. I hope all goes well for next year. Hold your heads up high. You are HURRICANES!
BRIAN and MICHAEL GOLDMAN: Gainesville, Fl: Thank you agian team for another wonderful season of Hurricane football. Thanks to all of the seniors for putting so much into this year and looking out for our team! The nation of CANESFANS are still mourning the bad pass interference call, but I can wakeup in the morning and know that we are just going to be back next year! I have already reserved my room in New Orleans! Thanks to Ken for being the best damn QB we have seen @ Miami, and I can’t wait to see the smoke pour from the OB next year. C-A-N-E-S CANES….we love ya! Last but certainly not least thanks to Willis for being Willis and we can’t wait for you to get healthy and see you put on the pads again! The NFL doesn’t deserve you yet!
brian ford : Madison, Indiana: We love you!YOU ARE THE DOMINANT COLLEGE FOOTBALL TEAM OF THE LAST TWENTY YEARSWE WILL CONTINUE TO DOMINATE!
Ronald Henry: Tallahassee Florida: My message is short and simple, everything in this world happens for a reason, what the reason is I don’t know but I have a feeling we will find out next year. To all the seniors this year thanks for the run and understand you still have a nice 2001 ring on your finger. Let it be known we are still the most feared team in the country… Go Canes!!!!!
Kurt Meyer: Middletown, NJ:congratulations on a successful season. I think we were robbed on the penalty but we still had a great year.My thoughts are will Willis for a full recovery.Best luck for next year. See you in the Sugar Bowl.
: Ken Keylor: Westerville, Ohio: Please give Will McGahee all the very best from the Keylor family. We were cheering wildly for the Buckeyes but were brought to silence by the horrible injury he suffered. Our hearts were troubled that night as we thought of the pain and emotion that this young man lived through. Our prayers to Willis and his family and our sincerest wishes for his complete recovery and an outstanding NFL career.
Thomas Griswold: lubbock, Texas: yo you are the team to beat man know what I sayin’the ref made a bogus call u should of one baby ya thats what im thalkin bout
Jake Bebber: Casselberry, Florida: Never consider yourselves losers. The 2002 Season proved you were the champions of college football. No team has played at such a consistent level the last three years. This season was special, because you shared character, poise and pride. I am more proud to be a Hurricane now than I ever was during the five national title years. The players deserve our heartfelt thanks, congratulations and praise. The coaches deserve HUGE raises! The college football world will marvel at the 2003 Canes, as they storm back into New Orleans to win what was rightfully there’s – The National Championship! Congratulations to the players, coaches and staff who made this such a great season. Go Canes!
Kathie O’Hara: Pittsburgh, PA: ‘Canes…you’re the best!! Thank you for a great season and an even greater championship game. No matter what the scoreboard said….YOU are still my champions and you make me very proud to wear my Miami “gear”! And believe me…living right in the middle of ‘Panther’ and ‘Nittany Lion’ country…it’s an ongoing challenge that I gladly accept!!! Go Canes!
Doug Lobo: Miami, Florida: Hey guys, you had a great season. I remember the 5-6 1997 season. You guys have raised the bar. Think about it you go 12-1 lose in double overtime by 7 points after a terrible call and we consider it a disappointing season. I guarantee you that any team in the country would trade places with you. We could have played better, we had 5 turnovers, but we hung in there and would have won the game if not for a bad call. Remember when you are Miami there are a lot of haters and you play against the opponent, the media, and sometimes the officials. Hang in there and stay hungry. Use this loss as motivation for next year. Let’s go 12 and 0 and win it all in the Sugar Bowl. I live and die withte Canes. Go Canes, the number # 1 Program in the land.
Bailey Cunningham: Valdosta, GA: My name is Bailey Cunningham. I am 6 yeas old and I love the Hurricanes! I got a Ken Dorsey jersey for Christmas and I watch all of your games. The Hurricanes are awesome! I wanted to tell Willis McGahee that you are an awesome player and I hope you get better soon! I can’t wait until next year when football season starts! I hope when I get big I am as good as you!Thanks for making football so cool!
Joe McGoldrick: Houston, Tx: Everyone knows we’ll be back and with more motivation than ever. That has to scare them some. Just like the 1980’s, the first decade of the new millennium will go down as another Canes Decade of Dominance.Joe McGoldrick, Class of ’75
Thomas Dudzik: Green Bay, WI 54301: We, as fans of Miami football take comfort in knowing that the team will be back. However, the pain of losing Willis Mcgahee to a serious injury will never be forgotten and he is in my thought and prayers daily.I send my support too him and his family.
Luietenant Harper: Norfolk, Virginia: Those officials won the game, not Ohio State.In the last seven years, of all the games that I’ve seen this football team lose, this one was worse than the 47-0 doom at FSU in 1997.But there’s one thing that always happens, THE HURRICANES REFOCUS, RELOAD, REGAIN CONFIDANCE, AND RETURN TO GLORY!YOU WILL BE BACK, WITH A VENGANCE!
Kathy Meyers: Westerville, OH: Thank you for such a wonderful ball game. My husband is ill with cancer, yet the OSU games provided an opportunity for friends and neighbors to gather at our house throughout last season. Although tense at times, any distraction is welcome when living with a terminal illness.There were no losers in that game. Every person on and off the field gave their all. Especially those who were injured physically and psychologically. I hope that someone is giving those young men REAL world benchmarks for their pain. They will heal–and I’m sure Miami WILL be back!For this year, thank you from one grateful buckeye, whose husband got to see OSU win the big one!Kathy & Mike Meyers We wish we could have been there, but of course that wasn’t possible. But, we did attend the Rose Bowl in 1970 when Jim Plunkett had us eating crow after ‘bragging’ the entire game!Our friends who did attend said that this was not only one great game, but that Miami fans, players, band members, etc. were all class!You should all be proud.
Jason Rasmussen: Orlando, Florida: i am a huge fan sorry that u guys got ripped of by that gay ref that game was yours. I hope Mcgahee gets better and plays next year u guys played great and ur awesome
Matt Rogers: Ft. Thomas, Kentucky: I may be close to Ohio fan but i’m green and oarnge all the way. I watched every game that Ohio State and you(Thee Miami Hurricanes)and they dont even come close to you guys. Every Miami fan knew that there wasn’t a pass interference in the endzone in that shocking overtime. But don’t worry, mostly everyone is coming back and we can start the next great dynasty. Just go out and findyourself a QB and you’ll do good, you saw what your backup did on that crucial third down. He showed that he can take the pressure and do what he’s supposed to do. I give my prayers to Willis Mcgahee and that he will get better so he will be able to play and bring you back to the national championship. Sorry i wrote so much, but i can’t talk about it with my freinds because their all osu fans. Better luck next year and never give up when you thyink your gonna lose the game.
Jeanie-Mae: Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Hey!! I can’t believe that you guys lost the Fiesta Bowl. (It was the first football game that I ever watched, and now I’m addicted to you guys!) That ref was COMPLETLY wrong. Pass interference?!? I don’t think so!!!They just can’t stand the fact that you guys are the best team ever. Oh, and I also want to shout out to Ken Dorsey……..My best friend watched the game with me, and we just absolutly love your ears! Jeanie-Mae
Kaelan Nealy: Temple, Texas: Hello my name is Kaelan Nealy. I am 8years old and from Texas. I am one of your biggest fans. You are the best team in the country. You played a good game vs. ohio state. Get well Willis Mcgahee. Ken Dorsey I got your jersey and Willis Mcgahee’s too. Ken Dorsey you are one of my favorite players.Bad call – yall should have won. I’ll see you next year. You will always be one of my favorite TEAMS!!! GO CANES!!!
: Jennifer Huffman, Pembroke Pines, FL: I am so proud of the entire UM football team! UM is truly #1 in the hearts of all the faithful football fans! I have loved each and every football game and can’t wait for next season to begin. I wish all of the graduating seniors continued success and good health in all their future endeavours! Thanks for the unforgettable memories! I will be watching for you guys in the NFL! To the rest of the team…Thank you for your hard-work, dedication, and memories of what college football is all about! I love you guys….good luck in 2003….and yes, we will be back!!!!! Go CANES….Always #1!!!!!Best wishes,Jennifer Huffman, UM Class of 2001
Kaelan Nealy: Temple, Texas: Hello my name is Kaelan Nealy. I am 8years old and from Texas. I am one of your biggest fans. You are the best team in the country. You played a good game vs. ohio state. Get well Willis Mcgahee. Ken Dorsey I got your jersey and Willis Mcgahee’s too. Ken Dorsey you are one of my favorite players.Bad call – yall should have won. I’ll see you next year. You will always be one of my favorite TEAMS!!! GO CANES!!!
Vin Marottoli: New Haven, Ct: Thanks for a great year. I can’t wait to see you at the Walter Camp Awards in New Haven. I wish I had gone to UM
jaime Alvarez MD: Fort Myers FL: To the Seniors:Thank you for helping bring back the glory.To the remaining players:You know, I know, the whole world knows we will be back, even stronger! Let’s bring that crystal ball back home next year. Kick some bootee-Let’s do it for Willis and for those stinking Big 10 and Big 12 referees!Go CAnes!!!!!!!!!
Devinn White: Tampa, FL: Dear Miami Hurricanes:I am very sorry that you lost to Ohio in the Fiesta bowl. I feel that you should have won that game! You’re still #1 with me!
David Garcia-Pedrosa: Miami, FL: Dear Willis,I hope you have a very quick recovery from your horrible knee injury. You have been my favorite player since you played against Penn State two years ago. I was really excited when you became the starter. While every one at my school (Gulliver….Same as Sean Taylor)thought the season was over becuse of the injury to Frank, I told them that you would do a better job. As much as I love the Hurricanes, I wanted you to go pro, because I would rather see YOU succeed. As every one is at UM, i was very sad by the loss vs. OSU in the Fiesta Bowl. All of my friends and family told me tht their was always next year, but i relized that i was sad not only with the loss, but with you getting hurt. It was soo sad for everyone to see such a hardworking person get injured like that. I was watching college BBall and Dick Vitale was saying on the air how sad it was for you. I dont mean to bring you down, actually it shows how many people were touched by you. Feel better and have a very quick !recovery. If you have the time, please E-Mail me back at DGP88@aol.com. I hope to see you playing for UM in the first game next season. Ill be wearing my Willis McGahee jersey!!You are my role-model.Please get better soon.
Kren Gasparian: Glendale, CA: First and most importantly I hope Willis Mcgahee is in good spirits and I pray that he recovers from this devastating injury to resume what looked like a promising career. I know Miami will be in good shape with Frank Gore and Jarrett but I hope Willis will be ok to do what he does best and loves to do which is to play football. To the team all I can say is I hope you guys remember that sick feeling inside your stomachs when next season approaches. I especially hope you guys remember the feelings inside your stomachs when the officials made that phanton pass interference call. When next season comes around play with the fire and determination that made you champs in the first place and show the country that all will be well in the Hurricane Nation. Good luck next year and “Go Canes!”
Kren Gasparian: Glendale, CA: First and most importantly I hope Willis Mcgahee is in good spirits and I pray that he recovers from this devastating injury to resume what looked like a promising career. I know Miami will be in good shape with Frank Gore and Jarrett but I hope Willis will be ok to do what he does best and loves to do which is to play football. To the team all I can say is I hope you guys remember that sick feeling inside your stomachs when next season approaches. I especially hope you guys remember the feelings inside your stomachs when the officials made that phanton pass interference call. When next season comes around play with the fire and determination that made you champs in the first place and show the country that all will be well in the Hurricane Nation. Good luck next year and “Go Canes!”
Greg Cowles: Austin, TX: This was the most exciting, explosive, dominant, & mature team I’ve ever watched. You have raised the standard for college football. You have nothing to be ashamed of. You are true champions. I salute you and look forward to watching Kellen Winslow, Sean Taylor, Maurice Sikes, and Frank Gore holding that National Championship trophy up next January. Go out there and take it back! Play every game like it’s your last and be a Hurricane from the first snap of the season.Go get it back.
Tammy Flores: Apopka: Lets kick some booty, next year!!Let the world see what a scornfulCANE can accomplish!!
Gary Fleming- BSME 1984 Charlotte NC: What a great season. My eight year old son and I went to the Tennessee game and we were there for the Feista Bowl. You have done the whole UM family proud by your performance on and off the field. We’ll get ’em next year!!!!Go Canes!!!!!
Michael Oberst, Morristown, New Jersey: I am probably the only freshman at Morristown High School who likes Miami. If Jarrett Payton gets to see this, I knew your girlfriend’s brother, Scott Jacobus. Good Luck to all the seniors in the future and to the remaining Hurricanes, go get that Championship back next year.From, Michael
Charles Rocha: Chicago Il: You played Like a Champion! I was very proud of the Team. Wilis get better, Well look for you next Year! Ken There is no reason to hold your head down, You were and are the best quaarter back in 2000, 2001 and 2002. Now lets see you in the pros, maybe in miami? K.Winslow, lets get back to the title game! J. Payton lets GO! Just WIN!You Are The Best team in the Nation!GO CANES,I was proud of you Guys!See you all next Year!Charles
Rob Vazquez: Pembroke Pines, Florida: Hey Guys,I want to thank you for providing us with one heck of a football season and team. My friends and I traveled with you to Gainesville, Knoxville, Tempe, and of course every home game.The loss in Arizona is nothing to be ashamed of. Hold your head up high as the Champions you are! You and I know that you can beat OSU on any given day. This time the hanky didn’t fall in our favor for no fault of ours.Take the pain of defeat and use it in your favor. Learn from it and come out stronger next season. Before you know it the season will be here again and so will we! Look for us in our seats as we will be there as always to rout you to another victory.Have fun and relax during the off-season.Rob
SCOTT SHELKEY: FT.MYERS BEACH,FL: YOU WERE ROBBED!! I WAS ONE OF THE PROUD HURRICANE FANS THAT TRAVELED TO TEMPE TO WITNESS UM DEFEND OUR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP. YOU HAVE MORE CLASS IN ‘DEFEAT’ THAN THOSE BIASED OFFICIALS WILL EVER HAVE! STAND TALL AND PROUD GENTLEMEN,YOUR STILL THE MOST FEARED TEAM IN THE NCAA,AND THE PROUDEST!WE WILL BE BACK……WE’VE NEVER LEFT. GO CANES !!!!
Mayra Nieto: Miami, FL: I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH! I WANTED YOU TO KNOW WE LOVE YOU AND ARE BEHIND YOU AND WILL BE WAITING FOR YOU THIS YEAR. WE WILL BE THERE TO ROUTE YOU ON AND HAVE YOUR BACKS. BE PROUD AS WE ARE OF YOU.PS – KENNY PLEASE DONT BE SO SAD – YOU BROKE MY HEART – YOU ARE A CHAMP IN OUR EYES…
Tom Lehman: Gloucester City, New Jersey: You guys have nothing to be ashamed of! Lets face it. You were robbed. In my opinion you are the national champions and you always will be. I think someone should buy Mr.Terry Porter some glasses this year before the new season starts. Please do all of your fans a favor in 2003 and prove to everyone just how superior you are and take that title back to where it rightfully belongs. Saw you at Temple this year. Way cool! Will not wish you luck as you will not need it. GO ‘CANES FOREVER!
Mike Perriello: Washington DC: Thanks for all of your hard work and effort. We had a great year! Keep your heads up. We have a lot to be proud of!
David Hill: Seminole Florida: Fantastic past 3 seasons everyone. I have been the biggest Hurricane fan since 1980 and without that blown call[Ohio Ref I geuss], it would have been back to back Champions. However don’t let that discourage anyone because 2 undefeated regular seasons in a row is a rare accomplishment. Looking forward to a healthy Willis and Gore next season. C A N E S – Go Canes!!!!!!!!
Larry Tentarelli: Boca Raton, FL: I want to thank the players and coaches for a tremendous season. I’m proud to say I’m a Canes Fan because you guys play with so much heart and intensity. Any football fan in the country would love to have a team that goes all out every week like UM.To win 34 straight games and finish near or at the top 3 years in a row is unbelievable. The team is first class all the way, and plays with the heart of a champion. Thanks again for a great season, and I’m looking forward to watching you guys in the Sugar Bowl in 2004. It’s true, the CANES don’t rebuild, they just reload! GO CANES!!!
