Wilfork/Carey to Throw out First Pitches During FSU Series; Burrell Bobblehead Giveaway Saturday
April 13, 2004
Coral Gables, Fla. (www.hurricanesports.com) – Hurricane fans will have plenty of entertainment when the 4th-ranked Hurricanes host No. 14 Florida State in a three-game series at Mark Light Stadium this weekend to conclude their annual six-game home-and-home series.
Former Hurricane linemen and NFL prospects Vernon Carey and Vince Wilfork throw out the ceremonial first pitches on Friday, April 16, and Saturday, April 17, respectively.
Also on Saturday, the first 3,000 fans through the gates will receive a free limited-edition Pat Burrell Hurricanes Legend Bobblehead doll, courtesy of Oleomed.
Game time for Friday and Saturday is set for 7 pm. Sunday’s game starts at 1:00 pm.
Miami Head Coach Jim Morris is just two wins shy of 500 wins at the University of Miami. Morris just passed the 1,000 career-wins plateau. He would become the second coach in Miami history to win 500 games with the Hurricanes.
The Hurricanes took two-of-three games from the Seminoles last weekend in Tallahassee.
Tickets are still available, and can be purchased by calling 305-284-CANES in Dade or toll free at 1-800-GO-CANES.
Carey, a 6-4, 330-lb lineman, proved to be a stalwart in Miami’s offensive line. His versatility as a standout guard and tackle had been put to the test this season by injuries in the Hurricanes’ offensive front. In spite of minor injuries, Carey produced a dominant season for the Hurricanes as he spearheaded an offensive front that has paved the way for Miami to average 394.4 yards total offense per game, including 215.1 through the air and 179.8 on the ground, while allowing only 17 quarterback sacks.
Considered a top NFL draft prospect, Carey looks to be taken early in the 2004 NFL Draft held on April 24, 2004.
Wilfork, a former University of Miami defensive tackle, won the hearts of fans that supported him through an exceptionally tough year in 2002. Wilfork tragically lost both of his parents in 2002, his mother to a stroke, and his father to diabetes. Wilfork’s strength and motivation to continue on in football has been inspirational not only to Miami fans, but to the community as well.
The “Big Daddy Draft Day Fest,” a draft-day party for the top NFL draft prospect and former Hurricanes football player, will be held at GameWorks, Shops At Sunset Place from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on April 24, 2004.
Fans attending the Big Daddy Draft Day Party will have the opportunity to watch first hand as Vince learns where his NFL career will begin. ESPN will feature live coverage, Vince will interact with fans, special celebrity appearances are scheduled, and the NFL Draft will be broadcast on every TV inside GameWorks for the full Draft Day experience.
Fans will also be able to bid on a variety of exclusive silent auction items, including autographed merchandise, UM tickets and a trip to see Vince play in his first NFL game. All proceeds benefit the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI). GameWorks will also sell a Big Daddy game card for 4 hours of game play, with partial proceeds benefiting DRI. Wilfork has pledged to match all donations received, and a check presentation will follow the draft.
