Behind Enemy Lines: Georgia Tech
Behind Enemy Lines is a weekly feature on HurricaneSports.com, highlighting the passion of Miami fans in opposing team territory.
The Canes host Georgia Tech in an important ACC match-up. Atlanta is full of Canes fans but this week’s Cane “Behind Enemy Lines” is a former student-athlete at The U that loves to support his Canes…
Michael Sanders
University of Miami Class of 2008,
RHP for Miami Baseball
Atlanta, Ga.
How did you become a Hurricanes fan?
“In 1996, I was with my pops watching the National Championship Game between Miami and LSU. I was 9 years old and I remember it being one of the best games I had ever seen. J.D. Arteaga pitched and I really enjoyed his gritty style and the swagger the team played with. They were just different. Miami ended up losing in the bottom of the 9th on a walk-off home run and I turned to my dad and told him ‘all I want to do is play for Miami.’ It ended up being really cool because J.D. actually became the coach at UM the year before I graduated HS and offered me a scholarship to the U. I’ll always owe him for making that dream come true.”
Do you find it difficult supporting the canes in Atlanta?
“No, I always support The U. I attended the basketball game in Atlanta earlier this season and I make sure to go see any of the teams when they are in town. As far as Atlanta being where Georgia Tech’s campus is, I get a lot of slack when I wear my U stuff around the city. But I’ve always looked at it as a compliment for the reputation we’ve built as a top Academic & Athletic University.”
Is there a place you visit to watch games in the city?
“The alumni association has watch parties at sports bars in every major city. When I’m home, I head up to Mazzy’s sports bar in Norcross to support the football team. The bar gets packed with orange and green and it’s also a great place to network and meet other alums young and old.”
Have you found other Hurricane fans in Atlanta?
“There was definitely a strong population of Atlanta natives who attended UM during my time in Coral Gables. I’ve kept in touch with some of those people and even some out of state students who chose Atlanta for life after college.”
How do you support the Hurricanes? Any wall decorations?
“I’m actually having my baseball jersey from UM framed now so that will definitety make it on the wall. I’m hoping to invest in some memorabilia to include in my house, too.”
Do you have a favorite piece of Canes gear?
“I have hats my teammates signed from my 2005 and 2007 teams. Those were definitely two of the best college baseball teams ever assembled and there are so many great players who turned into great pros, and even some superstars, from those teams. Those hats mean the world to me.” Do you travel for any games?”My schedule gets pretty busy, but next time our football team heads to Tallahassee, I’ll be there to watch our team take on FSU. Also, I’ll try to make it to homecoming next year to see all of my friends and support The U.”
Any favorite memories from your time as a Hurricane basketball fan?
“I spent part of my freshman year living with Guillermo Diaz. I remember how hard he worked and watching his dream come true of getting drafted in to the NBA by the Clippers in 2006 was awesome. That was definitely a great memory for me. It always great to see people, and especially Canes’ dreams come true!”
