Raising Cane: Spring Fun Raising!
by Tracy Gale
Jan. 14, 2004
Coral Gables, Fla. (www.hurricanesports.com) – It’s only mid-January but are you already needing a fix of ‘Canes football? Can’t wait to hear what Coach Morris thinks about this year’s pitching rotation, or maybe you’re ready to talk ACC basketball? You can join the ‘Canes basketball teams at the UM Convocation Center for home games, and you can come out to the best place in Miami-Dade to watch a baseball game-Mark Light Stadium.
There is another way to get up close and personal with UM’s coaches and players: come to one of these exciting events listed below and support the athletic department and Hurricane alumni who raise money for great causes. The events are designed to be fun and interactive, so if you want to congratulate a football coach on his recruiting or a Lady ‘Cane on that consecutive win streak, here’s your chance! And don’t forget to bring your old jerseys, footballs and sharpie pens, too-you may be playing golf or eating dinner with one of your favorite Hurricanes!
This Spring’s events include:
Fuddrucker’s UM Baseball Celebrity Golf Invitational
January 26th
Head Coach Jim Morris kicks of the baseball season with his annual Celebrity Golf Invitational. The event will be held at Crandon Park Golf Course, home of the PGA Senior “Legends” tour stop each February. Each golf foursome gets paired up with a Hurricane baseball player-Coach Morris brings out 12 of his current ‘Canes, and alumni stars like Pat Burrell, Aubrey Huff and J.D. Arteaga have played in past years. Even honorary “alum” Alex Rodriguez played one year.
The UM Baseball Celebrity Golf Invitational is sponsored by longtime baseball supporter, Fuddrucker’s. The event, which raises money for the baseball Building Fund Campaign, netted over $150,000 last year.
The UM Baseball Celebrity golf scramble has sold out each year since its inception, so if you want to talk baseball and play a great course on Key Biscayne, call Florida Team Golf to register, (305) 255-3500.
“First Pitch” Banquet
January 27th
The UM Baseball “First Pitch” Banquet continues the kickoff to the 2004 season. Enjoy a reception, silent auction and dinner feast at the Biscayne Bay Marriott before the Hurricanes open the season at home “feasting” on the Florida Gators…
The “First Pitch” banquet will feature a prominent guest speaker from the world of sports. Always a wonderful event, the “First Pitch” Banquet is a great place for your kids (or you!) to get autographs of former Hurricane stars now in the major leagues–and from current ‘Canes who just might be in the big leagues in the near future.
Each table reservation ensures a student-athlete or an athletic department staffer joins your group for the dinner. Baseball season ticket holders, Diamond Darlings/Diamond Studs or Hurricane Club members receive special discounted pricing. To reserve your table call the Hurricane Club at (305) 284-6699. If you are calling from outside of Miami-Dade County call 1-800-GO-CANES, then press option ‘6’ to be connected to Hurricane Club.
Don’t forget about the Alumni Baseball game on Saturday, February 7th at Mark Light Stadium. The game starts at 7 p.m. It’s your chance to come see the current squad take on the former ‘Canes stars!
Basketball Banquets
April 12 (Men’s)
April 13 (Women’s)
What could be better than spending two nights in a row at the Mayfair House in Coconut Grove?! How about spending two nights at the Mayfair House celebrating UM basketball! This hip, ultra elegant hotel is the site for the 2003-04 season basketball banquets. The receptions begin at 6 p.m. each evening, followed by dinner and awards presentations at 7 p.m. Come out and celebrate two successful programs and talk hoops with Coach Perry Clark and Coach Fern Labati. To reserve tickets call the Hurricane Club at (305) 284-6699. If you are calling from outside of Miami-Dade County call 1-800-GO-CANES, then press option ‘6’ to be connected to Hurricane Club.
Look for more information soon on these upcoming events:
Varsity ‘M’ Club
Late Spring
The University of Miami Athletic Department is reviving the Varsity ‘M’ Club, for those who have competed in a Hurricanes sports uniform. Information will be sent out to the UM athletic alumni for whom the Hurricane Club has active, updated contact information. If you earned a varsity letter in any sport please make sure the Hurricane Club has your current mailing address, phone number and email. Call (305) 284-6699 or, if calling from outside of Miami-Dade County call 1-800-GO-CANES, then press option ‘6’ to be connected with Hurricane Club.
Art Kehoe and Greg Mark Golf Jam
Late Spring
Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Line guru Art Kehoe and Defensive Line Coach Greg Mark will be hosting a tournament at the Melreese Golf Tournament in Miami. The proceeds will benefit Kehoe’s Down and Dirty Lineman camp and the Georgina Lopez Mark Scholarship Fund.
Larry Coker Golf Classic
July 30th
Coach Coker’s tournament will be a great event, beginning with a golf scramble at Weston Hills Country Club, and concluding with steaks at Shula’s Steak House in Miami Lakes. The Hurricane student-athlete alumni and coaching staff will be out in full force, and all proceeds benefit the Hecht Athletic Center Enhancement Project.
