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Three takeaways from Miami’s 50-15 win over USF

Zach Cohen
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Three takeaways from Miami’s 50-15 win over USF

After a rocky start, Miami took over Raymond James Stadium on a pristine Saturday night in Tampa. The offense, led by Cam Ward’s best performance in a Miami Hurricane uniform, was making it look easy out on the field, taunting South Florida’s defense. Meanwhile, The Hurricane defense was stellar in the second half, not allowing any points.

As the Canes’ continue to prove why they are a force to be reckoned with, here are three takeaways from Saturday’s win.

Penalties are an issue

Yes, penalties are part of the game but every two seconds, especially during the first half, the referee came onto the stadium’s PA microphone and announced a penalty on Miami. Penalties were the main reason the game was so close in the first half. They finished the game with 11 penalties for 113 yards. Miami had trouble keeping up with South Florida’s offense early on in the game which they will have to work on as they start facing more formidable opponents. Penalties can be the deciding factor of a game. 

Run the ball in the Red Zone

Everyone loves to see Cam Ward throw the football, but the run game is as important. Damien Martinez and the running back room rebounded from a lackluster performance against Ball State in a big way. Rushing for a total of 146 yards-not including Ward’s 43 rushing yards. Martinez was more than effective in the red zone last night, scoring three rushing touchdowns. The run game will need to be explosive in the red zone down the stretch as they will face harder defenses.

Miami’s Defense is lockdown

Whatever Mario Cristobal said to his defensive group at halftime worked. Miami allowed zero points in the second half after allowing 15 in the first. Miami forced two turnovers and had two interceptions in the second half. They also held USF to 32 rushing yards and a three for eight success rate on third down. Defensive Back, Mishael Powell was exceptional all night, making five big tackles and catching a toe tap interception in the end zone.

Next up, the Hurricanes host their first ACC opponent in the Virginia Tech Hokies this Friday night at 7 p.m. in Hard Rock Stadium. 

Hurricanes Volleyball bests FIU as 305 Challenge comes to a close

Drew Goyer
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Hurricanes Volleyball bests FIU as 305 Challenge comes to a close

Despite a rough start on Saturday, in front of a packed crowd of over 800 people Saturday at the Knights Sports Complex, the Miami volleyball team (9-2) rallied to close out the FIU Panthers (2-11), 3-1, sweeping their way through the 305 Challenge. 

It was an exclamation mark for the team as they closed out the 305 Challenge undefeated as the hosts. They swept #25 Arkansas 3-0 on Thursday night, and similarly swept Texas Tech 3-0 on Friday. This was an important response for the group coming home to Coral Gables after losing two out of three in Columbus, Ohio at the Sports Imports Classic.

The Hurricanes had significant star performances. Dominant junior Flormarie Heredia Colon had 17 kills, nine digs and two service aces. Sophomore Grace Keller tallied 12 kills and four digs.

The first set was by far the most competitive, with FIU eventually coming out on top 26-24. FIU had 15 total kills in the period, with two points in a row after the set was tied at 24. 

In the second set, the ‘Canes had to respond with urgency, and they did just that. They had a game high 15 kills, with four blocks in total. A key 4-1 run by the Hurricanes to take a five point lead at 21-16 pushed it out of reach for FIU.

With a chance to establish their dominance, Miami wasted no time jumping out to a lead in the third set. Dalia Wilson had one kill and two blocks as Miami led 10-3. With the score later being 18-8 and Miami ensuingly scoring six in a row, the ‘Canes took a two to one set advantage by a score of 25-10.

With victory in sight, the Hurricanes aggressively pursued a victory in the fourth set. They set an astounding mark of a 41.7% hitting average, claiming what would be the final set by a score of 25-16.

Next up for Miami volleyball is a date with the archrival Florida State Seminoles on Wednesday, September 25. The game will be played in Tallahassee, Florida at 7:00 PM ET.

‘It’s awesome playing with Cam Ward’: Miami quarterback shines as ’Canes pummel USF

Wrigley Kordt
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‘It’s awesome playing with Cam Ward’: Miami quarterback shines as ’Canes pummel USF

Looking to finish undefeated in non-conference play, the No. 8 Miami Hurricanes traveled to Tampa to take on the University of South Florida on Saturday. Despite a feisty performance from their cross-state opponent, the ‘Canes pulled off yet another dominant victory, beating the Bulls 50-15.

Despite the lopsided final score, USF’s unique style of play gave the Hurricanes headaches throughout a highly-contested first half. The Bulls averaged the most offensive plays per game in college football last season, and that high-tempo style of offense proved troublesome for Miami’s defense in the early going. In fact, the ’Canes trailed for the first time all season following a first-quarter USF touchdown.

“We don’t play that offense all year,” head coach Mario Cristobal said. “They go at a scorching pace.”

“They go tempo, and that’s a hard thing to stop,” linebacker Francisco Mauigoa said.

In addition to the Bulls’ rapid tempo, the Hurricanes had to face quarterback Byrum Brown, one of the more dynamic dual-threat players in the sport. He came into the matchup with over 250 rushing yards to go along with 448 passing yards.

“He becomes dangerous when he gets out of the pocket,” Mauigoa said. “One of the challenges was being able to keep him in the pocket.”

But as the game wore on, the defense adjusted, pitching a second-half shutout as the ’Canes built up their lead. They held Brown to 27 yards on 14 carries, and his only touchdown came on a Philly Special-esque play in which he caught a pass from wide receiver Sean Atkins.

Despite the high level of play from the defense, the star of the show was once again quarterback Cam Ward. Outside of an interception that traveled through the hands of receiver Jacolby George, the signal-caller put together another near-perfect performance, throwing for 404 yards and three touchdowns while completing 71 percent of his passes.

The big outing bumped Ward’s season numbers up to 1,439 yards and 14 touchdowns, putting him on pace to shatter the program’s single-season passing yard and touchdown records.

“It’s awesome playing with Cam Ward,” receiver Isaiah Horton said. “He’s made his mark instantly.”

Arguably the most impressive part of Ward’s day was his mobility. His rushing totals — four attempts for 25 yards — may not jump off the page, but his escapability was crucial against a USF defense that dialed up plenty of exotic schemes aimed at pressuring the quarterback.

Though the Bulls’ defense may not have gotten to Ward, it managed to keep two of his favorite targets, receivers Xavier Restrepo and Jacolby George, mostly in check. The duo combined for 26 yards in the first half.

But that opened things up for Horton, who caught Ward’s first touchdown pass of the day, a six-yard strike to put the ’Canes up 14-9 late in the first quarter.

That was just the start of what became a career day for Horton, who hauled in eight passes for 108 yards; both of those totals were career highs for the sophomore receiver.

“I’m not surprised that he made those plays today,” Ward said. “That boy’s a ball player.”

The win propels the ’Canes to a 4-0 record ahead of their ACC opener against Virginia Tech. As conference play begins, the team has its sights set on the road ahead.

“Nobody’s satisfied,” Cristobal said. “Now it’s conference play, which is a whole different animal.”

“The only games that matter are ACC play,” Ward said.

The ‘Canes return to Hard Rock Stadium to face the Cavaliers on Friday. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

UM Celebrates Emmy-Winning Alumni at Cosford Cinema Event

Mel Tenkoff
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UM Celebrates Emmy-Winning Alumni at Cosford Cinema Event

The Cosford Cinema opened its doors to the ’Canes community for a celebration of UM alumni’s remarkable achievements in an event titled, The Road to the Emmys. The gathering, which welcomed students, faculty, parents and sponsors, provided a unique opportunity to gain insights into the inner workings of the media industry.

Karin Gwinn Wilkins, Dean of the School of Communication, set the stage for the evening’s celebration with a forward-looking perspective.

“Not only does the University of Miami turn 100 next year, but our School of Communication turns 40,” Wilkins said. “So we’re going to have a lot of fun with that theme. We’re going to think about how communication technologies and our media landscape have changed dramatically. So it’s a very different world.”

For decades now, the University of Miami School of Communication has been an opportunity-filled environment for future journalists, broadcasters and film. executives to make their dreams into a reality.

“Whenever the Emmys would be on TV, I remember I used to go in front of my family or my mom, and I would give this Emmy acceptance speech,” said Elsa Bolt, a UM alumna and Emmy-winning executive producer at WPLG Local 10 News in South Florida. “In 2018, when I did win my Emmy, I realized that a childhood dream of mine actually came true without me even realizing it. I had gone a completely different path and the fact that it still came true, even though it was in a different way than I could’ve envisioned… was really incredible.”

Bolt, along with Louis Aguirre, Marisa Navarro and Osvaldo Martínez, have each garnered distinct experiences throughout their time in the industry, from their first step into a UM communications class to the day they received their Emmy awards. 

The event attracted a diverse audience of around 60 attendees, including students like Mateo Perez, a sophomore majoring in advertising and public relations. 

“I’m here to meet new people and see what opportunities lie in the media industry,” Perez said.

The dynamic group of journalists, reporters and executives on the panel have had involvement ranging both locally and nationally in companies such as Telemundo, NBC and Fox. They were even part of student media organizations during their time at the U.

Aguirre, an Emmy Award-winning journalist and co-anchor at WPLG-Local 10 in South Florida, credits his rise to success to his first communications professor. 

“It was my first telecom class, Introduction to Communications, taught by Professor Mitch Shapiro … He said, ‘I know all of you want a career in television, well I’m going to give you the facts. About 13 of you will actually succeed and have a job in television, and only 3 of you will be on camera,’” Aguirre said. “I was resolved in that moment to be one of those 3 people.”

Now, not only does Aguirre report on local and national news, but he also exercises his passion by spearheading the “Don’t Trash Our Treasure” campaign as an environmental correspondent. 

“My first Emmy that I won at WPLG was for a half-hour special, which I wrote and produced, called ‘Saving Biscayne Bay.’ That was when we had the most horrific natural disaster outside of a hurricane, that happened in South Florida. We lost 27,000 marine species in the middle of Biscayne Bay, because of all the pollution,” Aguirre said. “We were the only station in South Florida that really reported on the scientific facts of what was happening… and that Emmy, those Emmys, they mean a lot.”

Similarly, Martinez, the executive vice president of multiplatform news for the Telemundo Station Group within NBCUniversal, called attention to the importance of passion within one’s work.

“I think you have to, as a journalist, have a curiosity about the world, you have to want to tell people stories, to empower the voiceless. That’s why you get into it,” said Martínez. “At the end of the day… the memories that I have are the teamwork around the stories … It’s the teamwork and your heart and soul that goes into it, that ultimately, hopefully is what you will value.”

Martínez started working before his time at UM, eventually becoming an overnight writer at Channel 7 WSVN. He expressed how his double-major in broadcast journalism and English literature made him a structured and versatile professional, shaping his career from the beginning. 

“I learned to be a necessity… You learn a little bit about everything. My job at Channel 7 was to be a writer, but that’s not what my job ended as,” he said.

Navarro, director of production and post-production Services at Mediapro North America, is a testament to the fruitfulness behind honing one’s craft. 

Navarro explained that when she started at UM, she thought of becoming a film director, but ended up enjoying editing and post-production of motion pictures just as much. 

“You really shouldn’t be turning anything down. Because I think that that’s where you grow and that’s where you find your groove,” Navarro advised. “I think that when you are in a production track, you should be doing absolutely everything. Pulling cables, lighting a scene, running audio, whatever you can get your hands on you should be doing even if it scares you.” 

However, the media landscape is rapidly evolving as major companies merge, leading to increased consolidation, greater control over content distribution and the making of industry giants.

“When there are these shifts in the market, it’s your opportunity to find greater challenges,” Navarro said. “If you’re that one man band, if you’re the one that can shoot, edit, light a scene, record audio, and you’re the jack of all traits — you will become that essential person.”

Bolt discussed how going the extra mile when it came to learning about writing and film led up to her executive position at WPLG.

“I was really interested in journalism, but I also loved to write and I loved a lot of different things. And that’s what I think makes journalism so special is that it covers so many different interests and so many different topics,” she explained.

In closing, Martínez invited his fellow colleagues to provide a powerful reminder and an inspiring message to the audience.

“Being a journalist is a privilege. No matter the hardships that face us, we get a front row seat to history on a daily basis. We get an opportunity to impact people’s lives, and change lives. That doesn’t happen in every field and every job,” Martínez said. “The fulfillment that will come with the impact that you will be able to have because you have that voice, is not something I hope you walk away from.”

Miami volleyball sweeps Texas Tech in second match of 305 Challenge

Max Diaz
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Miami volleyball sweeps Texas Tech in second match of 305 Challenge

Another game, another sweep.

It was a great Friday night for the Miami volleyball team (8-2), as they swept the visiting Texas Tech Red Raiders (8-3), 3-0. The final scores of the match were: 25-23, 25-23, and 25-17. The Hurricanes tallied 50 kills, 58 digs, five service aces and four blocks.

The stars of the match for the ‘Canes were star sophomore Grace Lopez, who notched 19 kills on a .562 clip, six digs, and one block, while the powerful hitting junior Flormarie Heredia Colon had 16 kills, seven digs, two blocks, and three service aces, and redshirt freshman Ariana Rodriguez who secured a double-double with 44 assists and 10 digs.

This dominating win for the Hurricanes comes just one night after their sweep win against Arkansas Razorbacks in their first match of the 305 Challenge.

While the final score, 3-0, makes it seems like it was an easy win for the ‘Canes, the first two sets were hard fought battles that came down to the wire. The first set started out well for the ‘Canes, leading 11-6 after a block by redshirt freshman Bianka Lulić and Heredia Colon. However, Texas Tech fought their way back to tie the set at 19-all after an ace by Red Raider senior Maddie Correa. The set was tied late at 23-all, but the ‘Canes were able to close it out after a kill by Lopez and an attack error by Red Raiders sophomore Reagan Engler to give the ‘Canes the set, 25-23.

The ‘Canes started out the second set hot, leading 6-2 after an ace from junior Milana Moisio. The Hurricanes kept a strong lead set after a 5-0 run that featured three kills by Heredia Colon. Soon after, Texas Tech went on a run of their own, going 8-2 to bring the set back to even at 16-all. Both teams battled hard in the final stages of set two and there were many back and forth points, but the ‘Canes came out on top in the end after a kill by Lopez to hand the ‘Canes a 25-23 set two win. 

The third set started out close with both teams tied at 8-all. Soon after the tie, the ‘Canes went off, going on a 12-4 run to give them a 20-12 lead in the set. The Red Raiders never got close again in the set, with the ‘Canes closing it out with two kills by junior Dalia Wilson, an ace by senior Paula Guersching, a kill by Heredia Colon, and finally a kill by Guersching to give the ‘Canes a 25-17 set win as well as the match win.

The Hurricanes will face off against the FIU Panthers for their final match of the 305 Challenge at 3:00 pm on Saturday, Sept. 21. 

Mr. Reliable: Xavier Restrepo

Zach Cohen
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Mr. Reliable: Xavier Restrepo

“Touchdown, Xavier Restrepo.”

Miami fans have probably heard that phrase regularly by now. When it comes to embodying what it means to be a Hurricane, few players fit the mold better than Restrepo. Though he stands just 5 feet 10 inches, his relentless presence on the field is impossible to miss. 

Restrepo has dominated so far in the first three games of the college football season. In his first matchup against The University of  Florida, he had seven receptions for 112 yards, including a touchdown and two highlight reel plays. 

On an errant throw by quarterback Cam Ward, Restrepo reached across his body and behind him to make a spectacular catch. Later in the game, on a short pass by Ward, Restrepo performed a spin move juke on two Florida defenders, picking up extra yards to set Miami up in scoring position.

Whether it’s dazzling the crowd with impossible catches or carving up defenses with precise route running, Restrepo’s work ethic is second to none. From returning kicks as a freshman to emerging as the team’s top wideout in his fifth year, Restrepo has excelled in numerous roles in his time with the Hurricanes.

In UM’s Week 2 home game against Florida A&M University, Restrepo picked up 104 receiving yards on just four receptions, averaging 26 yards a catch. He also had a 50-yard touchdown. This wasn’t any ordinary game for Restrepo, as he moved up the Hurricanes’ all-time receiving yards list and is now 10th all time with 1,980 yards after his two-touchdown performance against Ball State.

“It means a lot, you know, but honestly, the only thing that matters right now is that we went 1-0 this week. I’m just super excited to take the field with my guys every single week,” Restrepo said to reporters after Miami’s win over FAMU about his progress up the career all-time receiving yards list. “We put in the hard work Monday through Friday again to have an opportunity like this. It’s all God.” 

Restrepo’s rise didn’t happen overnight. As a three-star recruit, according to ESPN, from Deerfield Beach, Florida, he put up incredible numbers in high school: 3,000 receiving yards, 2,500 rushing yards, along with 48 touchdowns, according to Miami Athletics. He led Deerfield Beach High to the semifinals of the 2019 Florida Class 8A state playoffs. However, his high school success didn’t immediately translate to college.

In the shortened 2020 season, Restrepo did not see that much time on the field. Appearing in seven games, he caught just one pass for 12 yards. 

In 2021, he emerged as one of the top receivers for the team, totaling 24 catches for 373 receiving yards. He finished the season fourth on the team in receiving yards and fifth in receptions. Restrepo looked to carry his outstanding season into 2022, but a season-ending foot injury sidelined him for most of the year, leaving the Hurricanes without one of their most reliable targets.

“He’s pretty much good at everything he does,” former UM quarterback Tyler Van Dyke told reporters about Restrepo in 2022. “He’s just a hard worker, and on the field, he knows the defense. He always finds those holes and finds those windows for me. It’s really helpful.”

Restrepo saw an increase in opportunities in 2023 and delivered one of the most illustrious seasons by a wide receiver in program history, starting all 13 games and earning All-ACC First Team honors. 

He set the program single-season record with 85 catches and recorded 1,092 yards and six touchdowns. Restrepo had the sixth 1,000-yard season by a pass-catcher in program history and had five 100-yard games over the course of the season. 

Not only has Restrepo made a great impact on the field, he has also prioritized giving back to the South Florida community. The past two seasons, Restrepo and his family have been holding youth football camps where they teach young athletes position specific drills and skills challenges facilitated by teammates, coaches and mentors throughout Restrepo’s childhood.

“I would give back any moment and opportunity I can,” Restrepo said to New Era Prep. “I’ll never forget where I’m from, this community raised me, loyalty is everything to me. Giving back to the kids means the world to me. I’m a firm believer in Christ. Every time he gives me the opportunity to reach the younger generations that look up to me, I’ll never turn it down.”

As Miami continues its win streak to start the season, Restrepo has the chance to put up historic numbers for his team and do what he set out to do when he became a Hurricane — bring a national championship back home. 

Miami soccer, propelled by its offense, secures tie against SMU

Ali Campbell
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Miami soccer, propelled by its offense, secures tie against SMU

In a game with offensive firepower from both sides, the Miami Hurricanes’ soccer team proved to be an even matchup for the SMU Mustangs, concluding in a 3-3 tie. The match, held at Cobb Stadium, saw freshman Giovana Canali record the first multi-goal game of her career, while sophomore Crosby Nicholson reached the back of the net for the second week in a row. 

Head coach Ken Masuhr praised his team’s effort during the contest. 

“Getting points in this league is incredibly difficult, and while it stings to give up chances, I am proud of our response,” Masuhr said. “We will learn from this performance as we prepare for two important matches on the West Coast.” 

The ’Canes set the tone early. Less than five minutes into the match, Canali recorded her fourth goal of the season off a pass from Kyla Gallagher, putting Miami up 1-0.                   

SMU quickly came back in the 19th minute with a long-range goal of its own to tie the match at 1-1. In the waning moments of the first period, SMU and Miami created good looks, but no goals were scored, and the game remained at an even 1-1 going into the half.

The second half began with another quick goal – this time from SMU. The Mustangs took advantage of a breakdown in the Miami defense, putting them up 2-1 in the contest. 

The Hurricanes continued to press, with their efforts paying off in the 62nd minute when they earned a corner kick. This prompted freshman Ciara Alarcon to give a quality pass to Canali, who then scored for the second time in the contest, evening the match at 2-2.

SMU regained the lead during the 70th minute with an exceptional strike to take the lead back at 3-2, but Miami didn’t back down. 

Just three minutes after this, Julia Edwards navigated through the defense to find Moira Flynn, who quickly passed to Nicholson, who slotted a shot to the back of the net to tie the match once again at 3-3. 

With the game coming down to the final minutes and Miami coming close to earning the win, the match ultimately ended in a draw. UM finished with 18 shots, 10 on target, with the Mustangs recording 10 shots and four on goal. 

The Hurricanes now turn their attention to an upcoming two-game road trip to California, beginning with a tough matchup against the Stanford Cardinal on Thursday, Sept. 26, at 10 p.m.                                      

UM Students on Kendrick Lamar performing at Super Bowl 59

Emil Salgado Vazquez
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UM Students on Kendrick Lamar performing at Super Bowl 59

In the Caesar’s Superdrome spotlights, Super Bowl 59 will feature 17-time Grammy winner Kendrick Lamar take the stage to create an unforgettable halftime show. Who knows what Lamar might have in store for his solo act.  

Lamar commemorated the announcement with a YouTube video which showed him standing in front of the American flag on a football field, using a passing machine to train with an off-screen player. Lamar also appeared to snub rival artist Drake.

“You know there’s only one opportunity to win a championship,” he said in the video. “No round twos.”

This performance will make Lamar the first rapper to perform at the Super Bowl as a solo act. 

“If I hadn’t already seen him live, then I would probably spend the money to go,” Junior Jake Ragonese said. “I was very happy because seeing an artist you like being chosen for the halftime show is a big deal.”

Hip-Hop fans on social media expressed some dismay over the choice, with some saying Lil Wayne, a rapper from New Orleans, would’ve been a more sensible option.

“It hurt a whole lot,” Lil Wayne said in an Instagram Live video.

The announcement comes after a wild year for Lamar with a re-escalation of his beef with Drake. It started back in March with his feature on “Like That,” which spent three consecutive weeks at the No. 1 spot of the Billboard Top 100. 

Social media crowned him the winner when Lamar released the viral song “Not Like Us,” with the accompanying music video featuring the community of Compton and Lamar’s family coming together to party. 

Additionally, some fans consider Lamar’s earlier song “Meet the Grahams” the real finisher, as Lamar took extreme shots at Drake, his family and his life. 

He held a victory concert on Juneteenth, called The Pop Out: Ken & Friends, held in Inglewood, California. But some don’t think Kendrick’s the champion.

“Even if you won the beef, it doesn’t make you the better artist,” freshman Henry Greenberg, a Drake fan, said.

Songs from Lamar and Drake at the beef’s peak went viral. Drake’s “Push Ups” and “Family Matters” were his top performers, peaking at number 17 and seven respectively on the Billboard Top 100.

Lamar’s “Euphoria” and “Meet the Grahams” peaked at number three and 12 respectively on the Top 100. Perhaps the best-performing song that came out of the feud was Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” which earned a spot at No. 1 on the Top 100 and kept that spot for two weeks.

“Kendrick is just the superior rapper,” Ragonese said. “I don’t know what Drake was thinking.”

Fans hope Lamar performs both his latest hits and his classics, like “Money Trees,” “Alright” and “DNA.”

“I’d like to hear him do ‘m.A.A.d. City,’” Ragonese said. 

If you’ve never watched Kendrick Lamar perform, this could be your chance to change that. 

With Pulitzer-winning lyricism and creativity, there’s a good reason for why Lamar commands as much respect as he does from rap legends. The halftime show will be an experience you can’t miss.

Young Miko rocks out at Hard Rock Live

Gabriel Mena
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Young Miko rocks out at Hard Rock Live

I hop out of the Uber at 5:56 p.m. and start running  toward the Guitar Hotel’s Hard Rock Live entrance. Adrenaline pumped through my veins. Sound check was scheduled to start at 6 p.m. sharp, and with Young Miko, you can’t even miss that.

I got to my seats. Out of nowhere, I  hear a familiar voice whispering: “I see you guys.” Young Miko then walked on stage in her signature baggy style clothes. The Puerto Rican princess greeted the VIP crowd and performed “Princess Peach” and “FINA,” two of her biggest hits. 

After, I got the chance to meet Young Miko face-to-face. Little did I know what an amazing show the 2023 Latin Billboard’s Rookie of the Year was about to put on.

Showtime inched closer as the crowd starts filling the venue. Then, at 9 p.m.,the lights dim, and the crowd starts chanting,“Miko, Miko, Miko.” 

The stage is set for the final show of the XOXO tour. Spotlights shine on  Miko as she comes into view wearing light blue and white sparkly and baggy clothes. She calmly raps the introductory track, “rookie of the year,” off her album, “att.” The crowd is fired up.

From the start of the show, I noticed the band was incredible. They gave fan favorite tracks “Lisa” and “Riri” an electric and rockstar makeover that really had the crowd revving their engines. A few tracks into the show, Miko stood on stage taking in the ear-splitting cheers. Then, she let out a belting call that resonated with the local audience: “Miamiiiii”.

Young Miko looking out to the crowd at Hard Rock Live on September 11, 2024.

The sound engineers did a great job on the mix. The audience could hear Miko clearly while still feeling the vibrations caused by the texture of the music. 

At this point, the crowd and Miko had become one and fed off each other’s energy. Miko scanned the audience section by section, making them explode into cheers and applause. As she sat on a wooden trunk prop with a fairy-like garden, she addressed the crowd to deliver some heartfelt advice: “Give yourself some space to grow.”  

She told us she had woken up very emotional because it was the last leg of the XOXO USA tour. This was noticeable in her melancholic tone and delivery of “en la pichi interlude” and “no quiero pelear.” 

Following that, the vibes were low. To hype people up, she finished the second act with “fuck TMZ.” The high intensity track that was complimented by Miko flashing her abs got the crowd very riled up. 

This was just the start of a crazy finale. Andres and AJ put on a masterful display on the guitar and drums, respectively. 

This gave Miko enough time for a quick outfit change. Her stylist equipped her with a blacked out cyberpunk look. As the duo finished up their back-to-back set, they smoothly transitioned into rock-fusioned versions of “Tamagotchi” and “Princess Peach.” 

After pausing to read some very funny but explicit signs, the final stretch of the concert featured heavy hitting tracks: “MADRE,” “COLMILLO,” “FINA” and “Chulo pt.2.” 

There was a slight auto-tune hiccup. Yet the track run produced a huge crowd pop that bounced off the walls just when I thought the crowd could not get louder.

As Miko sang world class banger “offline,” a sudden “Ayo” radiated in the background. Before I knew it, Colombian superstar Feid appeared on stage and the crowd went wild.

Young Mike and Feid at Hard Rock Live on September 11, 2024.

His swift entrance coupled with the follow up “Classy 101” performance leaves no doubt in my mind that this was one of the greatest guest appearances I’ve ever witnessed. 

To finish off, Miko’s Bizarap music session roared through the venue with rocking drums and electric guitar tunes. 

One thing is for certain, I definitely needed a “curita” for my throat after so much singing and screaming.

With her amazing stage presence, charisma, devoted fans and award winning music, Young Miko’s concerts are a spectacle you would not want to miss.

Miami volleyball sweeps Arkansas away in opening match of the 305 Challenge

Sarah Landau
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Miami volleyball sweeps Arkansas away in opening match of the 305 Challenge

Hurricanes Volleyball (7-2) turned up the heat Thursday night to earn a victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks (8-2), 3-0 in the 305 Challenge Tournament in Coral Gables, Florida.

Although the ‘Canes had a rough defensive start early in the first set, they quickly gained the traction they needed to maintain the upper hand throughout the match. 

Grace Lopez delivered a flawless performance from the first set with 18 kills and earned 20 points for her team. Similarly, Paula Guersching tallied up 10 kills of her own and served as a dominant force in the second and third sets.

One of the team’s most notable contributions to their 3-0 win was the blocking power of Ava Carney, Dalia Wilson, and Bianka Lulić. Their defense created a solid wall at the net that the Razorbacks could not get past.

Miami saw stellar serving from setter Ariana Rodriguez, who racked up four consecutive aces in the third set to add to the team’s momentum.

Late into the final set, the Razorbacks attempted to claw their way back into the match with a scoring run to close the deficit to just one point (21-20 Miami). The Hurricanes remained calm, though, and regained their strength to close out the win with a final score of 25-23.

The Hurricanes sealed their win with their exceptional on-court chemistry throughout the match. Whether the set was out or the ball ricocheted off a block and into the sidelines, every woman had great court coverage and took turns sharing the spotlight.

The ‘Canes look to continue their success against Texas Tech on Sept. 20 in Coral Gables to close out the 305 Challenge Tournament.

The life and legacy of James Earl Jones

Brendan Cafferty
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The life and legacy of James Earl Jones


James Earl Jones, beloved stage and screen actor, passed away on Sep. 9. He was 93.

Born in 1931 in Arkabutla, Mississippi, Jones spent his early years living with his grandparents. Jones made his film debut at 33-years-old after serving in the Korean War in one of Stanley Kubrick’s early films, “Dr. Strangelove.” He continued to find success in his later years, but most will recognize him for one trait: his voice.

A deep, resonant baritone, Jones’ voice let him be instantly recognized.

In both animated and live action projects, Jones made use of his powerful voice. His work will be immortalized as one of the most iconic villains in film history, Darth Vader from “Star Wars.” Disney fans will also recognize him as Simba’s father, Mufasa, in the original and 2019 remake of “The Lion King.”

Yet, Jones was much more than a voice. He garnered much recognition as an actor as well. Jones is in esteemed company having received an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award. 

His first Primetime Emmy came in 1991, winning for both his roles in the drama series “Gabriel’s Fire” as the lead and his supporting role in the miniseries “Heat Wave.”

Jones would win “Best Actor in a Play” twice at the Tony Awards, for the stage version of “The Great White Hope” and “Fences,” as well as a lifetime achievement award in 2017.

Jones’ Golden Globe for “Most Promising Newcomer” came from his Oscar-nominated performance in “The Great White Hope” as boxer Jack Jefferson. Although nominated, he wouldn’t win an Oscar until 2012, when he was awarded an honorary award for his illustrious career.

His status as an EGOT recipient is a small piece of what cemented him in filmmaking history. 

His versatility in roles allowed him to span multiple genres of film. He made viewers laugh as Eddie Murphy’s stern father in “Coming to America.” He also starred in blockbuster thrillers like “The Hunt for Red October” and its sequels.

Jones’ career is one that left a cemented legacy in showbusiness. His powerful portrayals of recognizable characters still remains, and will be influential for years to come.

Come pop some tags with UThrift

Brendan Cafferty
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Come pop some tags with UThrift

Been wanting to switch up your style? UThrift has everything from cardigans to cargo pants right here on campus.

With the rising popularity of thrifted fashion, UM has hopped onto the trend with its very own clothing swap.

Hosting free pop-up clothing swaps every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., UThrift is a great way to find some new clothes on campus.

Every student can get one free piece of clothing each week. Any additional “purchases” only require the trade in of other clothes in good condition. Each donation adds to a credit system that is used for swaps. Credits will build up so students don’t have to “spend” them immediately. 

Club member and junior Brianna Barbaro encourages students to donate any disposable clothes.

“Recycle what you have,” Valeria Barbaglio, UThrift member, said.

As a relatively new program to the U, UThrift has quickly risen in popularity, tallying over 400 members on Engage. Club president Sophie Fournier hopes it grows beyond her expectations.

“Seeing how much it’s changed since I started, and all the new things we’ve been able to do and bring in, I really hope UThrift continues growing, and we gain passionate contributors,” Fournier said.

UThrift is an opportunity open for all students to share their passion for fashion. As Fournier said, trends are constantly changing, so it’s in the shopper’s best interest to come to these swaps.

Prospective shoppers can anticipate a variety of clothing, with a bulk of graphic tees and casual wear. 

Since its founding, UThrift has been a primarily on-campus initiative. However, don’t feel that your donations are strictly circulating around the school. Any excess clothes found in storage lockers at the end of the year are donated to local shelters and Goodwills. 

So, when you’re getting sick doing laundry with the same few outfits each week, don’t fret. UThrift has everything you need, and will take anything you don’t want.

 

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