Behind Enemy Lines: Michigan State
Behind Enemy Lines is a weekly feature on HurricaneSports.com, highlighting the passion of Miami fans in opposing team territory. And if you’re reading this from Orlando, Fla., give us a shout at @HurricaneSports – we want to hear from you.
This week’s Cane “Behind Enemy Lines” …
Jonathan IglesiasMichigan State University College of Human MedicineEast Lansing, Mich.
How did you become a Hurricanes fan?“My dad is an alumnus and has always contributed to the school so I’ve been a Canes fan since the day I was born. I still have the Miami Herald sports sections celebrating the 1987, 1991, and 2001 national championships.”
Do you find it difficult supporting Miami while living in Michigan?“Supporting Miami anywhere outside of South Florida is tough since the national media likes to characterize Miami fans as ‘fair-weathered fans.’ People seem to either love or hate Miami, but the ESPN documentary definitely helped expand the fan base.”
Is there a place you visit to watch Hurricanes games in the city?“East Lansing is a college town. It’s all Spartans, all the time around here. My living room is the only place in the city to watch Hurricanes games.”
Have you found any other Hurricanes fans in Michigan?“I wouldn’t characterize anyone I’ve met as a true Canes fan. This is Big Ten country and we all know the Big Ten hasn’t fared well against teams from down south.”
How do you support the Hurricanes – Any apartment decorations? Favorite piece of Canes gear? Travel for games?“I try to go to as many games as I can when I’m back in Miami. Other than that, I try to catch as many games as I can and I’m always in my Canes gear. My favorite piece of Canes gear has to be a hat I had signed by my favorite coach, Jimmy Johnson.”
Any favorite memories or stories from your time as a Hurricanes basketball fan?“My favorite Hurricanes basketball memory has to be when Jack McClinton put up 38 points in our opening round game in the 2008 NCAA tournament. I remember him going crazy in the second half. He must have scored like 30 of his 38 points after half time. Then we went to the second round and almost took down Texas. The Tim James-led teams also had some great moments in the early 2000s.”