@CanesHoops Visits Homestead Air Reserve Base

On Tuesday afternoon the University of Miami men’s basketball team visited Homestead Air Reserve Base, where the team learned about military procedures, held an interactive basketball practice with airmen, ate dinner with the troops and took photos with an F-16.

“We want the guys to know life is more than just about basketball,” said Coach Jim Larrañaga. “We want to get out in the community and show our support for people who support us. We want to give back to the Air Force for all of their support of us and to show our appreciation for what they do for our country. They are sacrificing, maybe even their lives, to protect us and this is a very small way to show support and appreciation for them.”

Upon arrival at Homestead ARB, the team was greeted by Colonel Christian G. Funk – Commander, 482nd Fighter Wing, Homestead Air Reserve Base – and introduced to an F-16 airplane.

“I was amazed when Col. Funk said that plane could fly 800 miles per hour,” said Angel Rodriguez. “I didn’t know it could go that fast. That was crazy to me – 800 miles per hour is insane.”

After pictures with the F-16, the team went to the gymnasium, where a lineup of troops were waiting to take on the Canes. Coach L divided up the teams, and players paired up with airmen for 3-point and free throw shooting games. The winners celebrated, and the losers did pushups.

An assisted-dunk contest ensued with 7-foot center Tonye Jekiri lifting young children to the rim for their throw downs.

The evening wrapped up with dinner from Chick-Fil-A in the cafeteria, where the Miami players interacted with the airmen over chicken sandwices.

“I appreciate the real heroes, I always love to meet people from the military, it’s a pleasure I’ve always had,” added Rodriguez. “We can’t do enough to give them back everything they have given us.”