`Canes in El Paso: Recapping Tuesday
Dec. 29, 2010
EL PASO, Texas – The University of Miami football team spent its second full day practicing in the morning before visiting with troops at Fort Bliss the remainder of the day.
The `Canes are continuing preparation for Friday’s Hyundai Sun Bowl versus Notre Dame. The game will be televised live on CBS at 2 p.m. EST.
Head Coach’s Press Conference
A press conference was held at 8:30 a.m. MST with Miami interim head coach Jeff Stoutland and Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly.
‘Canes Hold Second Practice in El Paso
For the second straight morning, the Hurricanes practiced for just under two hours at Burges High School’s Mustang Stadium in El Paso. Wide receiver Leonard Hankerson and cornerback Brandon Harris were among those who stood out, while the `Canes were turnover free in all 11-on-11 sessions.
Freshman quarterback Stephen Morris suffered a left ankle injury and did not return to practice. Interim head coach Jeff Stoutland said after practice that he will wait and see how Morris recovers before he makes the final decision on whether he or junior Jacory Harris will start at quarterback Friday.
`Canes Spend the Afternoon at Fort Bliss
After a quick lunch break after practice, the entire team paid a visit to nearby Fort Bliss for an afternoon with the troops. When the `Canes arrived, they were welcomed by troops who first displayed different repelling techniques the Army uses.
Following the quick introduction and demostration, the team had a chance to spend time with military personnel in and around tanks and vehicles used in combat. The `Canes had the opportunity to sit inside of tanks, wear military gear and learn from the experts on the capabilities of each vehicle.
The team then moved inside where they took part in a simulated shooting demonstration where the student-athletes had the opportunity to practice the same way the troops train.
“It was a great experience,” junior tight end Jordan Futch said. “We get to see a little piece of their lives and we get to see how serious it is and how important it is that we have our troops that protect us. We have a great Army.
“We do a lot of hard work and we have a lot of ability, but they really showed us that they are a unit,” Futch added. “Their lives are dependable upon each other and it really showed us how much more we need to depend on each other, rely upon each other and show the brotherhood they showed us today.”
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Hynpotist’s Show Highlights Dinner with Troops
The entire University of Miami football team, staff members and athletic administration capped the day’s events with a dinner amongst troops on the Fort Bliss Army Base. The dinner gave the `Canes a chance to mingle with members of the United States Army stationed at Fort Bliss.
After dinner, the crowd – which also included the athletic staff/administration and football team from Notre Dame – was treated to the comedy styling of world-class entertainer and hypnotist Doug MacCraw. MacCraw performed his hypnosis on several members of the crowd, as well as members of the Hurricanes and Fighting Irish football teams.
MacCraw performed hypnosis on several personalities from the University of Miami, including freshman tight end Andrew Tallman. Afterwards, Tallman was the highlight of the night for his teammates as he was in a trance for most of the night under the hypnosis of MacCraw, who stated the hypnosis will make him even more relaxed and physically able come Wednesday.
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What’s Next?
On Wednesday, a press conference will be held at 8:30 a.m. MST with Miami coordinators Mark Whipple (offense) and John Lovett (defense). Following that, the `Canes will hold their third practice at Burges High School at 10:15 a.m. In the afternoon, the team will hold meetings before joining the Fighting Irish at the Oasis Lanes & Amusement Center for a night of bowling and arcades.
