Morris to Make Presentation on Behalf of UM Community at Virginia Tech

April 19, 2007

Coral Gables, Fla. – University of Miami head baseball coach Jim Morris will present a check on behalf of the university to the Hokie Spirit and Memorial Fund prior to Friday night’s Atlantic Coast Conference series opener at Virginia Tech while Miami players will wear a black wrist band in memory of the victims from Monday’s tragedy the university announced Thursday. Miami will play game one of its three-game series Friday at 7 p.m. at English Field on the campus of Virginia Tech.

Morris will present a check for $10,000 to a member of the Virginia Tech athletics department from the University of Miami to be used for the fund established for the victims of Monday’s tragedy.

“”We wanted to contribute to the Hokie Spirit & Memorial Fund on behalf of our students, faculty and staff to show our support during this tragic time,” University of Miami president Donna Shalala said.

“The University of Miami’s athletics department and campus community are deeply saddened by the tragedy that occurred at Virginia Tech,” UM director of athletics Paul Dee said. “As our friends and conference competitors, we extend our deepest condolences for the losses on campus.”

Miami’s equipment and travel coordinator Robert McDaniel has ordered black wristbands that every UM player and coach will wear during the three-game series. The event will be the first on campus for Virginia Tech this weekend. The school decided to cancel its spring football game scheduled for Saturday; but will host ACC events in baseball, softball and women’s lacrosse.

The Hokies and Hurricanes will continue the series at 5 p.m. on Saturday. The series finale will be played at 12 p.m. Sunday.