The men’s basketball team began a new era when it introduced Frank Haith as the new head coach. The 38-year-old joins the Miami family after spending the last three seasons at the University of Texas as the associate head coach to Rick Barnes.

A graduate of Elon College, Haith grew up right in the heart of ACC territory and knows all about the basketball rivalries of the conference where he said he was an “ABC” fan – Anyone But Carolina.

“Going into the league that we are going into is very exciting,” Haith said. “There is no question that attracted me to the job.”

Athletic Director Paul Dee stated earlier that he would prefer someone with head coaching experience, but he hired Haith because of his experience and knowledge of the ACC, the conference Miami will be playing in next season.

“His experience in the ACC meant a great deal to me,” Dee said. “I think the players he has coached, the people he has recruited, and the type of people he has recruited speak well of him.”

Before joining the University of Texas in 2001, Haith worked as an assistant at Wake Forest University from 1989-1990 and again from 1997-2001. Other stops Haith has made in his coaching career include UNC-Wilmington, Texas A&M, and Penn State.

Haith signed a five-year contract that is worth around $350,000 a season. Dee had to find a candidate that would be willing to work for less money since the University will still be paying former Head Coach Perry Clark for the next three seasons.

Haith said that he is ready for the challenge of turning around a program that has had back-to-back losing seasons and missed the Big East Tournament last season.

Haith also put together a staff, which replaced all of Coach Clark’s. He met with members that were part of Clark’s staff as well as those he knows from elsewhere. He made it a point to say that he hired only those who he knows.

Haith said he wants to get the students and the community more involved with the basketball program, something that Clark never was able to do in his tenure. As for how he plans on getting fans in the seats at the Convocation Center, Haith said that he would even go out to the dorms and get students to come to games.

“[The fans] have to see my passion and enthusiasm and see our players’ enthusiasm,” Haith said. “I want our players to be a part of the community and student body. Once people get to know them, I think we can generate interest and enthusiasm for our program.”

Many say that Haith’s greatest strength is recruiting. He was able to bring in the top recruiting class in the country last season at Texas and has brought in a total of six McDonald’s All-Americans in his career, including current NBA player Rodney Rogers.

It will be an uphill battle for the new head coach, as he doesn’t enter the prettiest of situations. The team’s leading scorer, Darius Rice, is gone; they will be entering the strongest basketball conference in America, and they are coming off of two consecutive losing seasons.

Haith said he has always dreamed about taking over a situation like this.

“I wasn’t going to move unless it was the right job,” Haith said. “Once this job opened up, I knew this was the job I wanted. This is a family. They are my extended family.” I

After last season’s back-to-back losses to Virginia Tech and Tennessee that broke the Hurricanes’ 34-game regular season win streak and kept the ‘Canes out of the Sugar Bowl, quarterback Brock Berlin experienced fan-wrath firsthand.

Despite what was in some cases extremely personal criticism, Berlin said that he has been able to keep his focus.

“For me, I just don’t listen to any of that stuff,” he said. “I know what type of player I am and what I can do and I just go out there and perform.”

His performance last season led to speculation that his job as starting quarterback was in jeopardy. Berlin said he remained positive that he would ultimately be retained as starter.

“In my mind I definitely felt like I was going to be the starter,” he said. “I really feel like I’ve learned a lot from last year and I’m excited about this year.”

Berlin feels pressure to constantly prove himself, but adds that this helps keep him focused on what he’s out there to do.

“I want to come out and perform well at every practice and learn from things,” he said. “All I can do is give it my best and go from there.”

For Berlin, faith in God is an important part of his life that strengthens his ability to handle the tough times he encountered last season. He also feels his faith plays a central role in game preparation and his outlook as leader of the team.

“My whole life revolves around my faith in God and family,” said Berlin. “I lean hard on that and ask the Lord to help me get through things.”

Having his abilities doubted is nothing new to Berlin. Almost from the beginning of his time as a member of the Hurricanes, people have been critical of him. For a brief time that criticism was put to rest by the ‘Canes’ come-from-behind win over the Florida Gators last September.

Some have said that the victory over FSU in the FedEx Orange Bowl last January put to rest similar doubts following last season’s losses. Berlin doesn’t spend any time pondering how each victory is viewed, but he remains focused on being the best player he can be.

“We won the game and that’s all that matters,” he said. “I’m out here to play and play to win – that’s what we do.”

Berlin has sometimes found Ken Dorsey to be a very tough act to follow.

“You’re always going to be compared to the previous guy, that’s the way the ball bounces,” he said. “He’s a great guy and I learned a lot from him.”

Berlin added that Dorsey contacted him during the low point of last season to try to give him friendly support.

“He called and we talked over some things,” he said. “He’s been a big help for me.”

Berlin has kept a positive, focused attitude in anticipation of the 2004 season.

“We’re going to go out there and give it 100 percent and win,” he said. “Our main goal is to win every game and win a national championship and that’s what we’re aiming to do.” I

Another stellar senior class has culminated its football careers at UM.

They graduated with an overall record of 46-4 over the past four seasons, including five victories over FSU, three wins over Florida, and invitations to all four BCS bowls. This four-year run will be one to remember for ages.

Instead of dwelling on what should or could have been, the last four years of Miami football have been a great success for a program that Sports Illustrated in 1995 said should “drop football” all together. Hail to Mr. Butch Davis for saving this program, and bringing it back to national prominence.

First and foremost, after losing to arch state rival Florida State five seasons in a row from 1995-99, the ‘Canes have defeated the Seminoles the last four seasons and twice this past season with the 16-14 Orange Bowl victory. History was made in every contest.

“We don’t bow down to FSU,” past linebacker and New Your Jets draft Jonathon Vilma said after the Orange Bowl victory. “They better put this on my grave, that I was on the UM team that beat FSU five times in a row.”

Here is a quick look back at the five consecutive UM victories over FSU.

2000

The ‘Canes’ 27-24 victory over FSU in 2000 ended the Seminoles streak over UM, and brought back the old Miami swagger. Ken Dorsey and Jeremy Shockey had breakout games, and history was made again when FSU’s Matt Munyon’s 49-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right as time expired.

2001

It was followed by Miami’s 49-27 victory over FSU in 2001. The ‘Canes ended FSU’s 54-game home unbeaten streak and handed the ‘Noles their second loss of the season, putting them out of the National Championship hunt.

2002

In 2002 it came down to another missed FSU field goal attempt, as Miami slipped passed the ‘Noles 28-27 after Xavier Beitia pushed his game-winning attempt wide left as time expired.

2003

This past season, Jarret Payton led the ‘Canes over FSU 22-14 with 97 rushing yards and a touchdown in his first career start.

2004

As if four wins in four seasons over FSU were not enough for the senior class, the BCS matched up the two rivals once again in January’s Fed Ex Orange bowl.

Jon Peattie made three field goals, the game winner being a career long 51 yards and Beitia pushed a 39-yard attempt wide right with 5:30 left in the game.

“We’ve got something on their kicker,” Vilma said. “I don’t know what it is, but I’m glad we got it.”

Another linebacker from last season and Denver Broncos draft D.J. Williams added, “It feels great to beat anyone, but it’s especially sweet to beat your biggest rival. Maybe it’s a mystique, some kind of a curse. I know it’s always in the back of their kicker’s mind.”

“There isn’t anything like beating your rivals five times in a row,” said past defensive back Alfonso Marshall, who was drafted by the Chicago Bears. “I can hold my head up high and have bragging rights for the rest of my life…this Orange Bowl victory is just so important for Miami.”

Just when college football fans think the only goal is to win the National Championship, we must not forget the importance of beating your rivals and holding bragging rights over them.

“I never lost an in-state game…we beat FSU, Florida, and FAMU,” said last years safety Maurice Sikes. “This senior class gets to say we beat FSU five times. That is something very special. What a remarkable feat.” I

There is no valid reason why the football team should not contend for the national title this season.

The 2004 Miami Hurricanes may not be as good as last year’s team on paper, but they have a favorable schedule. The two toughest games on Miami’s schedule are Florida State and Virginia Tech, and both of those games will be played in the Orange Bowl. Their only tough road game will be in Raleigh, N.C., in October when the Hurricanes battle the N.C. State Wolfpack.

With an easy schedule, there is no reason why this team should not be a contender for the national title game. Brock Berlin returns for his second year as the starting quarterback. While Berlin still has much to prove, he has a year of experience under his belt, and that should help him entering this season.

Overall, the Hurricanes lost much talent, but as is the norm in South Florida, they will reshuffle the deck and be poised to make another title run this season.

The running back situation is perhaps the most intriguing, with Frank Gore trying to battle back from another injury and Tyrone Moss battling to win the starting job. This means that Miami has a good backfield that is capable of making big plays.

The receivers are all a year older, which is good news for Ryan Moore, Darnell Jenkins, Roscoe Parrish, and Kevin Everett. Greg Olsen is a promising young tight end that should get some playing time. The Hurricanes’ offense should definitely be one of the nation’s best units, but it will all come down to Berlin and his ability to execute and make plays.

Defensively, the Hurricanes lost Vince Wilfork, D.J. Williams, Jonathan Vilma, Al Marshall, Mo Sikes, Darrell McClover, and Sean Taylor. However, the defense is not in bad shape for next season.

On the line, Baraka Atkins, who could become one of the best pass rushers in the country, will lead the Hurricanes. Santonio Thomas, Javon Nanton, Orien Harris and Thomas Carroll will play a big role as well. The defensive line will definitely miss Wilfork, but it should be able to absorb the blow.

The biggest area of concern is the linebacker spot. The Hurricanes lost three linebackers to the NFL draft, including Vilma and Williams, their best two players at the position. If Willie Williams plays, he might be able to provide depth and give the Hurricanes a solid player, but they are lacking a lot of experience here. They have Rocky McIntosh, who has played some. They also have Leon Williams, who is a senior, but has not played much in college. Other than that, they lack experience and could be the weak point of the Hurricane defense.

Despite losing Taylor and Sikes, the secondary is in good shape for this season because of the return of Antrel Rolle. Rolle, who decided to stay for his senior year, gives the Hurricanes arguably the best cornerback in the nation. Along with Rolle, the ‘Canes have Kelly Jennings and Glenn Sharpe, who have big game experience. The safeties are young, but they are very talented, as Brandon Meriweather got to play a lot last season and strong safety Willie Cooper led the defense with eight tackles during spring practice.

Overall, the Hurricanes lost much talent, but as is the norm in South Florida, they will reshuffle the deck and be poised to make another title run this season. If they beat Florida State in the first game of the season, they have a schedule that is favorable for them running the table. How sweet would it be for the first year in the ACC to result in a conference title and perhaps a national championship? I

The last summer Olympic flame was extinguished four years ago in Sydney, Australia. But for many, the fire never dies. From the power and speed of track and field to the grace and precision of platform diving, a talented group of University of Miami student-athletes and alumni are vying to compete in the 2004 Olympic Games.

In geological time, 11 seconds wouldn’t even register on the clock. But in a sport where athletes measure time in hundredths of seconds, it can be an eternity.
University of Miami junior sprinter Lauryn Williams knows that fact all too well. Last summer at the Pan American Games, an important precursor to the Olympics, she blazed to victory in the 100-meter final, crossing the finish line in 11.12 seconds.
“All sprinters at this level have incredible speed,” says Williams, a finance major. “It’s technique that separates the best.”
So Williams compiles a mental checklist of do’s and don’ts that she covers before each race. Combined with an intense training schedule, that list has helped her become one of the fastest human beings in the world and one of the UM track team’s handful of Olympic hopefuls.
Just how good is she? “She has all of the physical tools,” says head women’s track coach Amy Deem. “She’s young, but what’s most impressive about her is her mental approach to the sport; she understands what it takes to be great.”

“If they are successful in the water, they’re going to be successful in the classroom because it’s the mindset they have.” -Mariusz Podkoscielny
UM Swimming Coach

Williams flashed signs of that greatness last year, when, as a sophomore, she not only captured gold at the Pan Am Games but also won the Big East title in the 100 meters and finished third in the event at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. And this May she became the first female runner to win three consecutive 100-meter titles at the Big East Outdoor Track and Field Championships. While competing in Athens would be “an experience like no other,” Williams says, she won’t buckle under the pressure of going up against the world’s best sprinters, such as Christie Gaines and 2000 Olympic champion Marion Jones. “I’ve got a year of international competition under my belt, so I’m really not in awe anymore of the stars of my sport. If I make the team, I’m going to be out there to compete. I recognize their abilities, and I cherish the things that I’ve learned from them and the knowledge they have shared with me. But they are my opponents just the same,” Williams says.
Williams is not alone in her Olympic quest. Joining her is teammate Charlette Greggs, a 400-meter sophomore runner from Miami whose tall, slender build is ideal for her specialty. Last year, Greggs ran a personal best of 51.65, the fourth-best time in the nation. But she knows she can get better. She’d like to run in the 50-second range for her event and then make the finals of the 400 Olympic Trials, which would secure her a place on the team.

“In Sydney, I was more mature. I made my first final, got fifth in the 200 and eight place in the 100. Athens could be my third, and my goal is to win it all. ” -Lauryn Williams UM Sprinter

Williams’s and Greggs’s pursuit of Olympic glory is one that UM volunteer track coach Debbie Ferguson has fulfilled twice. A four-time NCAA sprint champion and All-American at the University of Georgia from 1994 to 1999, Ferguson, 28, competed in the 1996 Atlanta Games and in the 2000 Games in Sydney, Australia, where she won a gold medal as a member of The Bahamas 4×100-meter winning relay team. While Ferguson is assisting Deem in coaching UM’s staple of young sprinters, she also continues to concentrate on her own goals: making her third Olympic Games.
“When I competed in Atlanta, I was still in college, and honestly, I was just happy to be there. I was thinking more about autographs instead of thinking, ‘Okay, girl, you’ve qualified for the Olympics and you’re here to compete,'” Ferguson says. “But the second time around in Sydney, I was more mature. I got over the excitement of, ‘Oh, my God, there’s Gail Devers or that’s Marion Jones.’ I made my first final, got fifth in the 200 and eighth place in the 100. Athens could be my third, and my goal is to win it all.”
Ironically, Ferguson is helping Williams to become a better sprinter in the same discipline in which she also competes, the 100 meters. So come this summer at the Olympic Games in Athens, the two could conceivably line up side by side in the starting blocks and go head-to-head for a gold medal. But Ferguson and Williams don’t mind.
“I encourage Lauryn every day to kick my butt,” says Ferguson. “That’s the nature of the sport. That’s what it’s about.”
Says Williams, “There’s definitely a little competitive mentality there. But it’s good for us. It’s all in the family. We love each other, and at the finish line, whoever wins, we’re going to be supportive of that person.”

Swimming for a dream
University of Miami head swimming coach Mariusz Podkoscielny knows better than anyone what it takes to prepare for Olympic competition. As an 18-year-old from Poland who had just graduated from high school, he moved to Mission Viejo, California, to train for the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games.
The rigorous training and dedication obviously paid off, as Podkoscielny not only competed at Seoul but in the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain, as well. He once held the Olympic record in the 400-meter freestyle.
A former All-American at the University of Arizona, Podkoscielny now is passing on his invaluable knowledge of the sport to UM’s talented core of swimmers.
For UM breaststroker Martyna Krawczyk, who is training to compete for her native Poland in the 2004 Olympic Games, combining athletics with academics is a tremendous challenge.
“If they are successful in the water, they’re going to be successful in the classroom because it’s the mind-set that they have,” Podkoscielny says of his swimmers. “In the United States you can really do both at a very high level because the support system around you makes it possible.”
The experience of competing in an Olympic Games is like no other in the world, Podkoscielny says. “The moment you set foot in an Olympic Village, you’re surrounded by thousands of athletes who took different paths to get there. But at the end of the day, they’re all there for the same reason. And competing itself-racing against the best swimmers in the world and knowing that there are very few people who achieve that goal-that in itself is the thrill of a lifetime.” I