Miami, Florida International Kickoff Season Early

July 27, 2006

SOUTH MIAMI, Fla. (www.hurricanesports.com) – The first-ever meeting between the football programs at the University of Miami and Florida International University at the Orange Bowl on October 14 has also been designated as a “Salute to Florida High School Football Day,” the schools announced in a joint press conference at Bernie’s Steakhouse Thursday morning.

UM head coach Larry Coker and FIU head coach Don Strock were on-hand to talk about the first-ever meeting between the two programs, and the joint tribute to high school football the schools will partake in.

“(Florida International) has come a long way in a short period of time,” Coker said. “I think it’s going to be a great football game and a great series for both schools. I think it’s going to be great for the city.

“Selfishly, it’s going to be a seventh home game for us. In reality it’s going to be a home game for Florida International fans, too. You can drive to the Orange Bowl from wherever you live in South Florida.”

While the first-ever meeting between the two schools will mark the beginning of a South Florida rivalry, it will also be a day dedicated to recognizing Florida’s rich high school football tradition. High schools from all over the state are invited to bring their teams to the Orange Bowl and attend the game, free of charge.

“This invitation is open to the entire state of Florida,” Coker said. “I think both (UM and FIU) will benefit from that. The (high school) players won’t know the difference. They will see a great football game and they’ll be in the Orange Bowl with a great crowd to see Florida International University and Miami.”

To reserve complimentary admission for your coaching staff and team, please call the UM football operations line at 305-284-4890 or 1-800-442-2631 before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, October 11.