Hurricane Sports Newsletter by Miami Hurricanes

Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tennis Season Opener Jan. 12-14 in Coral Gables

www.HurricaneSports.com

January 9, 2012

Get to Know Miami Hurricane Student-Athletes Jared Wheeler, Malcolm Grant, Santiago Nieto

Photo of the Week

DeQuan Jones throws down a dunk with authority against Appalachian State

Video of the Week

Raising Canes - The Jacory Harris Story

Click to play

2011-12 Calendar of Events

Click the text below for more information about each Hurricane athletic event

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@HurricaneSports

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Games of the Week

Season Baseball Tickets

The annual rite of spring, baseball season, begins with FanFest on February 11, 2012 when fans will have the opportunity to bring the family to Alex Rodriguez Park and meet the 2012 Canes. This year’s team returns the entire starting rotation and a host of talented young players ready to make an impact as they look to advance to their record 40th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. Season tickets are on sale now starting at less than $4 a game for general admission or take advantage of our family plan offer with tickets less than $1.50 a game. See page 12 for more information about season tickets.

Save the Date January 12

In one of the most anticipated games of the year, Miami will go head to head with ACC foe Maryland. Get the inside scoop on this Top 10 showdown directly from Coach Katie Meier at her pregame Chalk Talk. See the advertisement on page nine for more information about the Chalk Talk.

M. Basketball vs. Clemson

Miami faces Clemson in the ACC home opener on Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. in the BankUnited Center.

M. Tennis - Jan. 12-14 Miami Invitational

The Canes begin the season with three matches in three days, facing Texas Tech, Illinois and Texas A&M.

Quick Links > Are you following the rivoting Raising Canes series on HurricaneSports.com? Here’s a link to 40+ plus episodes on YouTube. > The UM Ticket Office can now be reached through Live Chat during standard business hours. > UM Athletics and Spanish Broadcasting Systems have inked a new deal to bring Spanish language radio broadcasts to CIMA 106.3 FM. > UM has launched a ProCanes Monday Morning Recap that highlights the exploits of Miami alums in the NFL. > Text “canes” to 55888 to join the Canes Mobile Fan Club.

@HurricaneSports Tweet of the Week @NewOrleansSaints: @TheJimmyGraham set a franchise record for receptions in a season with 99 & tied the team record for TDs in a season

Gabriel F lores Men’s Tennis For the University of Miami’s standout sophomore tennis player Gabriel Flores, tennis was a given and going to college was too. “I am from Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, which is basically San Juan. I trained in a small club because there are not a lot of players where I am from. There was only three or four of us and we are all now playing college tennis.” From a very young age Gabriel was around tennis because of his family’s tie to the sport. “I started playing when I was six years old because my older brothers played. After school they used to go to practice and I would sit there and watch them. Then one day I tried it and fell in love with it.” His tennis career started with him looking up to his brother but would become much, much more. As he came into his own and became one of the best young players not only in Puerto Rico but also in the nation, Gabriel’s path to UM was almost put on hold. “When I was 14 or 15 years old I was recruited by IMG Academy where I trained with professional players, I was kind of living the professional life.” Being a so young and faced with such an important decision, many people would have jumped at the opportunity to go pro but Gabriel had other plans. “I really thought about it but my goal was to do my four years of college and play college tennis. It was a big motivation for me because of the competition and different atmosphere.”

Just a few years later Gabriel’s talent was starting to garner attention from schools all over the nation. “When I was in 11th grade I started to get emails and letters from all types of universities, like Division I and top 20 schools.” Usually choosing a school is hard for a top athlete but for Gabriel the choice was easy. “When Miami contacted me and I spoke with Coach Rincon, the University of Miami instantly took my attention. I chose Miami, mainly because of the athletic program, the history of the university and the location.” College tennis is very unique in that the vast majority of its athletes are foreign. This makes the selection process very difficult for some because of the culture shock that comes with moving to the States, especially to the small towns that dominate the college scene. For Gabriel the University of Miami made this decision much easier and the transition to life in the States was seamless. “It was not that hard for me. My English is pretty fluent, so that was not a problem,” said Flores. “For the other schools that were recruiting me like Auburn and Michigan there are not a lot of Latin people. Miami took my attention because it is only a two-hour flight from Puerto Rico. I feel real comfortable here; it feels a lot like home.” Miami’s Hispanic influence was very important to Gabriel but the same could be said for the majority of his teammates. “Some of my teammates’ English is not that good, but they can get away with it here. Also

since everyone on the team speaks Spanish we all feel real comfortable together.” Gabriel’s path to college tennis reads the same as many other athletes out there. He was introduced to tennis by his family in a place where tennis is not that big of a deal. His love for the game turned into great talent that was noticed by many. Where Gabriel’s story becomes interesting was when a young boy turned down the glitz and glamour of going pro for the chance to go to college. For a 14-yearold to make such a mature decision speaks volumes of the kind of person Gabriel is. This maturity came into play again when he chose what school to spend the next four years of his life at. For Gabriel, Miami not only offered a great education and strong tennis program but something no other school could. He was instantly able to fit in with his team and the new city he called home. Being able to skip the transition period most foreign players have seems to be paying dividends for Gabriel. With a singles record of 20-14 that included seven straight wins in February and a win against Nebraska in the NCAA Tournament, he has been very impressive and an instant asset to Miami’s tennis program. Gabriel is living out his dream, playing college tennis at the U and the U is lucky that he chose to live it out here.

Trey McKinney Jones

Click here to learn more about Trey

milwaukee, wis. | guard | R-junior

They are stories of perseverance. Stories about growing up, becoming men and being a part of a family. One-by-one, we hear from them. These are the Miami Hurricanes...

I was raised in Milwaukee, Wis. I started playing basketball in the third grade. My favorite holiday is Christmas because I get to see my family, all of my family. Nobody knows that I can cut hair. I cut or line up a few guys on the team when they need it. I cut my own hair. To be a Miami Hurricane means that you need to put it all on the table for The U. Oddest nickname I’ve ever had is Virge, because of what my name was when I was born. Right now I’m listening to the J. Cole album. If I wasn’t playing basketball I would be I would be playing football somewhere. When I was younger I wanted to be a professional basketball player, just like my uncle. I secretly wish I didn’t have to take classes and could just be an athlete. Legacy is the road to the top or the climax of your career. My favorite current UM athlete is Julian Gamble because I’m probably the closest with him. He’s my roommate and after my visit he was the main one who texted me and called me to make sure everything was all right. Becoming a man is necessary in order to become a college basketball player. The U is different than any other school. I’m afraid of sharks. My family came to visit this summer and we rented a boat and we’re out in the middle of the ocean and I jumped in. That was probably the scariest thing I’ve ever done. After college I want to play professional basketball. One thing everyone should know about Miami Basketball is that we’re all brothers and we like to have fun.

Fast Breaks

At The U, I’ve learned so much from my teammates as a whole. I couldn’t pick just one person because you learn different things from everyone. In March I want to still be playing basketball in the tournament. I never thought I would actually be going here. Growing up I always liked Miami because of the jerseys, I’m not going to lie, but I never thought I would actually be here right now when I was really young. Before every game I need to pray. My favorite song lyric is … I honestly have a problem remembering song lyrics so I can’t come up with one on the top of my head. I get that from my mom. She’s the same way (laughs.) My favorite midnight snack is Cheez-Itz. Coach Larranaga is a great coach who I believe is going to take us to that next level.

My favorite movie is The Dark Knight. The teammate that would win Dancing with the Stars is Malcolm Grant because he’s the one dancing all of the time, being silly. The teammate that would win American Idol is Julian. I‘ve never heard anybody else sing but Jules so I would have to give it to him. The actor I would want to play me in a movie is someone who semi-looks like me to play me. I would have to pick someone who’s light-skinned so either Terrence Howard or Will Smith. Maybe Terrence Howard since he has light eyes. Check out more player profiles on Miami’s athletics website at Fast Breaks Central.

Getting to Know U jared wheeler | RS jR | HOLLYWOOD, FLA. What is your favorite meal?

Country fried chicken with white gravy, mashed potatoes, mac & cheese.

What is your all-time favorite Christmas present? My first bike.

If you could visit one place in the world, where would it be? Bovaria, Germany.

To be a Hurricane means...

To be hardworking and dedicated.

Nobody knows I can... Play the guitar.

What one superpower would you like to have? The ability to control time.

Malcolm grant | SENIOR | BROOKLYN, N.Y. Other than basketball, I’m talented at... Singing.

What is your first memory of playing basketball? Trying to dunk like Michael on my Fischer Price goal.

One thing you’d notice if you came in my dorm room... My shoe collection.

When I was little, I wanted to be... Kenny Anderson.

The weirdest thing I’ve ever eaten? Sushi.

My favorite cartoon growing up was... Sonic.

SANTIAGO NIETO | SENIOR | KEY BISCAYNE, FLA. What is the best thing about being a Hurricane? Being part of a legacy.

What is your favorite movie? Green Street Hooligans.

What person would you love to trade places with for a day? The CEO of Google.

I can’t go a week without watching... TV. How I Met Your Mother.

What is one thing on your bucket list? Bunjee jumping.

What is one song that gets you pumped up before a game? Enter Sandman.

Coach's ChalkTalk

Thurs., Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. vs. Maryland Adult: $15 Youth: $5

Chalk Talk Package

In one of the most anticipated games of the year, Miami will go head to head with ACC foe Maryland. Both squads have been ranked tenth or above since week one, but only one team can come out on top. Get the inside scoop on this TOP TEN SHOWDOWN directly from Coach of the Year Katie Meier. Each game ticket includes a pre-game Chalk Talk invitation, snacks and a cash bar. Plus, you will receive a complimentary long sleeved Miami Basketball T-shirt.* All for unbeatable price of $15. The Chalk Talk will begin approximately at 5:30 p.m. providing you plenty of time to mentally prepare for the matchup. *T-shirt sizes are not guaranteed. T-shirts are not included in the youth package.

Youth Sports Day VS

Sunday

Jan. 22, 2012

12:00pm

Only $7 each! c

Each ticket includes the following:

Fan Tunnel Facility Tour

Poster Raffle Prizes

*Must be in 6th grade or below to participate.

For more info, please call 1-800-GO-CANES or email canestix@miami.edu

S E A S O N

I N D I V I D U A L

Season Tickets*

Individual Tickets**

Field Box . . . . . . 495

Family Plan . . . . 260

Chair Back . . . . . $395

Adult . . . . . . . . . $120

Season Ticket

Chair Back - . . . $198 Weekend Season Ticket Section H only (Saturday & Sunday games only)

G A M E S

Season Ticket (2 adult / 3 youth) Season Ticket

Youth / Senior . $100 Season Ticket

15 Game . . . . . . . $90 Flex Plan

Field Box

Adult GA

Premium Single Game . . . $20 Non-Premium Weekend . $16 Non-Premium Week Day . $12

Premium/Weekend . . . . . $10 Week Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8

Chair Back

Premium/Weekend . . . . . . . $9 Week Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7

Premium Single Game . . . $18 Non-Premium Weekend . $14 Non-Premium Week Day . $10

Youth/Senior GA

Group Tickets

Premium/Weekend . . . . . . . $8 Week Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4

Suites are available on a season and single game basis . Contact the Hurricane Ticket Office for more information.

Season Ticket

* University of Miami full-time and part-time benefited employees receive a 20% discount off the full season ticket price shown above. ** Premium games are the Florida series and ACC games . Week day games are Monday thru Thursday, excluding the Virginia game .

Order your tickets @ HurricaneSports.com or call 1-800-GO-CANES

2012 Hurricane Club Membership Renewals Goals • Raise $10.1 million for scholarship support • Increase Hurricane Club membership to 5,500 active members • Achieve a 40 percent participation rate among active members in the 40for40 Campaign in honor of the Hurricane Club’s 40th anniversary, with each member increasing his or her annual gift by $40

Important 2012 Dates • 01/01 Annual giving cycle begins • 01/31 Hurricane Club contributions due in full or on approved five-month pay ment plan from January 31 to May 31 • 01/31 Payment plan charge #1 • 02/15 Priority Points update #1 • 02/29 Payment plan charge #2 • 03/30 Payment plan charge #3 • 04/30 Payment plan charge #4 • 05/25 Payment plan charge #5 • 05/31 Priority deadline for Notre Dame and away-game tickets • 06/15 Priority Points update #2 • 11/15 Priority Points update #3 Please Note: • All Hurricane Club donations are due in full or on an approved payment plan by Tuesday, January 31, 2012. • Ticket invoices for 2012 Football & 2012-2013 Men’s Basketball will not be mailed until your Hurricane Club membership is renewed in full or on an approved payment plan. • Only Hurricane Club members at the Orange Level ($250+) and above are guaranteed priority to order tickets for the Miami vs. Notre Dame game, October 6, 2012 at Soldier Field in Chicago. The number of tickets allocated per giving level will be announced this June. Golden Incentive: We would like to offer you a special incentive to renew prior to Friday, January 13th. All accounts that renew and participate in the 40for40 Campaign will receive a Coach Golden autographed photo. It is our goal to have 40% of our active Hurricane Club members participate in the 40for40 Campaign. Click here to Renew your 2012 Hurricane Club Membership Now Please use your Account ID and your security password. If you do not have your security password, use the password reminder link at sign in. Click here to download 2012 Giving Opportunities Brochure

Save the Date

First Pitch Baseball Banquet, February 10, 2012 Featuring your 2012 Miami Hurricane baseball team and guest speaker, Skip Bertman, former Miami Beach High School coach, UM player, and UM assistant coach Location: Jungle Island Time: 7:00 PM Call the Hurricane Club at 305-284-6699 for more information.

Save the Date

University of Miami Baseball Golf Tournament, February 13, 2012 Come out and enjoy a great day of golf with Coach Jim Morris and some current and former UM Baseball stars Location: Deering Bay Golf Club Registration: 10:30 AM Lunch: 11:00 AM Shotgun Start: 12:00 PM Dinner & Auctions: 5:00 PM Sponsorship opportunities are available. Call UM Baseball at 305-284-4171 for more information.

Holiday Gift Packs

Weekend 3-Pack See the Canes face Sunday Jan. 22, 2012

Saturday Feb. 19, 2012

Sunday Feb. 26, 2012

E FRE CK A P SIX a-Cola oc of C uct with o r P d h Pack eac

Click Here to purchase the ACC 3-Pack

110 111

112 113 114

115

105 104

Wednesday Sunday Jan. 18, 2012 Jan. 22, 2012

HOME VISITORS

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120

Saturday Mar. 3, 2012

Click Here to purchase the UNC 3-Pack

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Thursday Feb. 9, 2012

Select Premium $84 $149

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VIHSI TOR OM E S

Wednesday Feb. 1, 2012

E FRE CK A P X SI Cola oca- ith C f o uct w Prod h Pack eac

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See the Canes play UNC plus any two games

Saturday Sunday Feb. 19, 2012 Feb. 26, 2012

Regular Select $33 $66

109 108

3-Pack

Regular Select Premium

Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Basketball Season Tickets start at just $99. For information, call 1-800-GO-CANES, email us at canestix@miami.edu or visit HurricaneSports.com.