Golden Honored with Lombardi Coaching Award

HOUSTON – Miami Hurricanes head coach Al Golden was presented with the 2013 Lombardi Award for Excellence in Coaching on Wednesday night at the 44th Rotary Lombardi Award Ceremony. The ceremony was televised live on CBS College Sports.

Legendary BYU coach LaVell Edwards presented Golden with the award.

“What a great honor to receive this award from Coach Edwards,” Golden said in his acceptance speech. “I humbly dedicate this award to the 2013 Miami Hurricanes. They overcame a lot of adversity over the last three years. And in so doing, they taught us a lot about perseverance, and leadership itself, and – maybe perhaps – overall about class.”

During his acceptance speech, Golden thanked Miami AD Blake James, President Donna E. Shalala, his wife Kelly and his mom and dad.

No. 25 Miami (9-3) will play No. 18/16 Louisville (11-1) in the 2013 Russell Athletic Bowl on Dec. 28 in Orlando. Tickets, which are priced at $77 and $82, can be purchased through the UM Ticket Office online at CanesTix.com, in-person at BankUnited Center (M-F 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.) or by phone at 1-800-GO-CANES.

Miami is also hosting BankUnited #CanesFest Family Friday Bowl Practice from 5-7 p.m. Friday at Cobb Stadium. Admission is free. Sebastian the Ibis, Miami cheerleaders and the Sunsations will be at practice. Bounce houses will be on site for the kids, who can also take their photo with Santa. The Hurricanes will also be collecting toys for “Toys For Tots”. Fans in attendance will also have the chance to purchase Russell Athletic Bowl tickets.

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