UM Sports Hall of Fame Unveils 2014 Class

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Current Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson and Hurricanes football greats Clinton Portis and Lamar Thomas headline the UM Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2014.

All eight members will be formally introduced at halftime of Miami’s home finale Nov. 23 vs. Virginia.

The Class of 2014 includes Johnson (football, 2000-02), James Jones (basketball, 1999-2003), Jeff Morrison (baseball, 1978-81), Wyllesheia Myrick (track, 1998-2002), Portis (football, 1999-2001), Rio Ramirez (diving, 1997-99), Javy Rodriguez (baseball, 1999-2002) and  Thomas (football, 1988-92).

The University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame was founded in 1966 by eight Dade County Circuit Court judges, who wanted to establish an organization that would recognize those student-athletes, coaches and administrators who excelled at their sport and brought acclaim to the University of Miami through achievements and championships. 

In 2002, Johnson caught 52 passes for 1,092 yards – an astonishing 21 yards-per catch average – and nine touchdowns, joining UMSHoF member Eddie Brown (1,114 yards in 1984) as one of only two Miami receivers to gain over 1,000 yards in a season.  His 193 yards (on six catches) against Virginia Tech in 2002 is the fourth-most receiving yards in a game by a Hurricane.  He ended his career with 92 catches for 1,831 yards, the fifth-highest total and his 20 touchdowns are tied for third-most. Johnson caught seven passes for a career-high 199 yards and two scores to lead Miami to its fifth national title. For his efforts, he was named the 2002 Rose Bowl Game Most Valuable Player. A 2002 All-BIG EAST first team member, Johnson also ran track, winning BIG EAST titles in 2002 in the indoor 60-meter and 100-meter dashes.

One of the finest all-around players in UM history, Jones is still listed in the record books as fourth in career blocked shots (192), seventh in career 3-point field goal percentage (.383), eighth in free throw percentage (.831), tenth in steals (137), 11th in field goals made (124) and 14th in total points (1,356).  He twice led Miami in rebounding and blocked shots, and once in steals. A four-time All-BIG EAST Academic team member, he was selected a 2003 Verizon Academic All-American. 

Another in the long line of great Hurricane lefthanders, Morrison teamed with UMSHoF member Neal Heaton to form one of the finest 1-2 pitching punches in college baseball history, leading the Canes to the College World Series all four years (1978-1981). He is still fourth in career earned run average (2.37), fifth in career victories with 38 (38-6 overall), sixth in career innings pitched (387) and seventh in career appearances.  In 1981, he had a 12-1 record with a 2.93 ERA with five complete games and two shutouts. A three-time COSIDA Academic All-American (’79, ’80, ’81), Jeff was awarded the NCAA’s Post Graduate Scholarship Award in 1981.

The 2000 BIG EAST Outstanding Track Performer, Myrick was a two-time All-American and a five-time conference champion.  She won her BIG EAST titles in the indoor 200-meter, the outdoor 100-meter and 200-meter in 2000, the outdoor 200-meter in 2002 and was a member of the 4×100 championship relay team in 1998.  She left Miami with school records in the indoor 55-meter dash, 60-meter dash and 200-meters, and the outdoor 200-meters.  She helped UMSHoF member Coach Amy Deem’s teams to four BIG EAST Outdoor Championship team titles.

Portis ranks fourth among Miami’s all-time leading rushers with 2,523 yards on 440 carries (seventh-most). He is tied with Edgerrin James for the school lead with 14 100-yard rushing games. His eight 100-yard rushing games in 2001 are the second-most all-time, and he gained at least 100 yards against all five of Miami’s ranked opponents that year, including 122 yards against FSU and 104 in the National Championship Game against Nebraska. His 21 career touchdowns rank eighth in school history.

The 1998 NCAA Diver of the Year, Ramirez defected from Cuba in 1993 at a meet in Puerto Rico with $13 in his pocket and soon became one of Miami’s most decorated divers.  He was a three-time All-American and a four-time NCAA Champion, winning titles in the 1-meter springboard (1997, 1998 and 1999) and the 10-meter Platform (1999).  Rio was named the 1998 NCAA Diver of the Year when he won the 1-meter springboard, finished second in the 3-meter springboard and eighth in the 10-meter platform at the national championship meet.

One of the stars on both of UMSHoF member Coach Jim Morris’ National Championship teams (1999 and 2001) Rodriguez is second all-time in steals with 135. He led the Canes three years in stolen bases and led the NCAA in steals in 2001 with 66, the school single-season record. He twice led the Canes in batting average (.382 in 2001 and .376 in 2002) and is second all-time in hits (321).  He is third in at-bats, fourth in total bases and fifth in runs scored.  A career .369 hitter, his total is the all-time highest career average among UM’s middle infielders.

A two-time (1991 and 1992) All-BIG EAST wide receiver, Thomas left Miami as the school’s all-time leader in receptions with 144 (now second behind Reggie Wayne), second in touchdown receptions with 22 and receiving yards with 2,271 (now fourth). He led the Canes in receiving touchdowns in 1991 and 1992 and his 10 touchdowns in 1992 are the third-highest in school history.  He established a UM record with three touchdown receptions against Texas Tech – since tied twice. Lamar had a penchant for big catches in big games, most notably his seven receptions for 107 yards and the winning touchdown against Florida State in 1992.

With the addition of the eight newest members, the Sports Hall of Fame will increase to 282 honorees.The eight-member class will be inducted at the 46th annual UMSHoF Induction Banquet, which will be held April 10, 2014.

For more information on the banquet, fans can visit www.UMSportsHallofFame.com or call 305-284-2775.