Wireless Internet covers UM
Security improvements are in store for wireless Internet service on campus, according to Orlando Pimienta, project manager for telecommunications on campus.
The IT program, under the leadership of Dean Lew Temares, is also working on constructing a log-off screen, so that only the designated user can close the window they are working in.
Currently, users must log in every four hours to ensure that the person using the computer is actually the person who originally logged in.
With about 400 UM students taking advantage of the wireless Internet coverage on campus, the department of Information Technology is determined to continue, improve and expand the service.
“The goal is to cover the entire campus with wireless Internet access,” Pimienta said, “so students can use their computers to surf the web anywhere.”
UM began installing Wireless Internet service on campus in December 2000.
Installation began in the on-campus apartment area, as those residents did not have the high speed ethernet connectivity that dorm residents have access to.
Now the wireless service spreads all over the school, including the University Center and many outdoor areas, as well as the fraternity houses.
Wireless high speed Internet access is available to everyone with a laptop and a pre-installed wireless card.
With this card, students have access to the Internet “unplugged,” or without the need to plug into a modem or the use of a telephone lines.
“It’s cool because I have to share a phone line with my three roommates,” said apartment area resident Carissa Shroeder. “With wireless, I don’t take up the phone line to check my email or do homework. And it’s really fast.”
The wireless Internet service costs the University about $300,000 to $00,000 a year, according to CaneNet, the UM student Internet network.
However, you can only use it if you purchase a wireless card, ranging between $110-$150, and available at the Technology Products Center on campus, or at any computer store.
Students who choose not to connect to the wireless Internet said they don’t because of the slightly high price, and also because it is unnecessary.
“If you live in a dorm, you do not really need this. You have great ethernet access in your dorm room,” said Pearson resident Daniel Brown. “And the service is so fast. It’s one of the reasons I like living on campus.”
Also, the card does not give access to the Internet off-campus. Thus, if someone wanted to take their laptop with them to Cancun over Spring Break, they would have no connection.
Anyone wanting to purchase a card or needs more information can go through CaneNet at 305-284-6565, ext. 3, or at www.CaneNet.miami.edu or call the Technology Products Center at 305-284-2000.
There is also a map available on the UM web site that gives the exact locations that wireless Internet is available on campus.
Anniversary show sends professors back to school
On Friday, March 22, 2002, the Equity Playhouse celebrates its 40th anniversary with the production of Back Then When, an off-th- wall look at the life of a typical law student. If you are curious as to what it must be like to attend law school, or have ever wanted to switch places with a professor after an embarrassing moment, then this show is for you.
It focuses on a group of law professors who are sent back to the days when they were young law students, and are subjected to the same horrors that they inflict on their own students. It is truly a student’s dreams come true. This is a great opportunity to support fellow University of Miami students who have been hard at work for months preparing for this show.
This year’s show takes on special meaning as Jeffrey Norkin, a UM and Equity Playhouse alumnus, comes back to take on the role of Professor Richard Hausler, one of the Law School’s most beloved professors, who after teaching at the law school for 52 years, passed away in March of 2000. Professor Hausler loved attending the Equity Playhouse shows year after year.
The Equity Playhouse has been putting odd twists on things since 1962. Back then, a young law student named Ted Klein was singing songs in the Law Review Office and a gorgeous young student named Taylor Mattis looked up at him and said, “Let’s put on a show!” They did, and Equity Playhouse was born.
In 1992, Equity Playhouse became an official organization, making it the only school-sponsored group whose stated purpose is to make levity of this supposedly austere institution. Equity Playhouse is a student run organization with no interference from administration other than making sure that the show is tasteful. The shows generally last about two hours, with a fifteen-minute intermission, wrapped up with a cast party.
Back Then When was written by Linda Calambas and Valerie Maurer, and is directed by Calambas. Other than the special appearance by Norkin, the cast is made up entirely of law school students.
The show will be held on Friday March 22 in the Auditorium at Ponce De Leon Middle School, 5801 Augusta Street, right across from Burger King and Book Horizons. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the show starting at 7:00 p.m.
Tickets are only $5.00 for students and $10.00 for faculty and alumni, and can be purchased between March 4-7 and March 18-21 between 12-6 p.m. on the bricks (the patio right in front of Subway). Tickets are also available at the door. All tickets include an entry to Sandbar in Coconut Grove, a $1 discount on a drink, and cake, compliments of Equity Playhouse.
Entertainment News
Tonight
Lynyrd Skynyrd will perform at Sunrise Musical Theatre. Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $27.75-35.75. For info, call 954-523-3309.
March 9
The Estate will perform and a listening party for the new EELS CD at Piccadilly Garden, 35 N.E. 40th St. For info, call 305-242-3120.
March 11
Natalie Merchant will perform at the Beach’s Jackie Gleason Theater,1700 Washington Ave., at 7:30 p.m. For info, call 305-673-7300.
March 13
311 and Hoobastank will perform at Sunrise Musical Theatre. Show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are $25-27.50. For info call 954-523-3309.
March 14-17
The Italian Renaissance Festival at Vizcaya, featuring five stages of entertainment, a daily character parade, and the Living ChessGame. Entrance pass is $15. The festival runs from 9:30 a.m. to 5: 30 p.m.
March 16
Deep Banana Blackout will perform with Bum-Ruckus at the Culture Room in Fort Lauderdale. Show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are $12. For info call 954-523-3309.
March 17
Nelly Furtado will perform at Level, 1235 Washington Ave.. Show starts at 8 p.m. and you must be 21+ to enter. Tickets are $30. For info call 305-358-5885.
The Lowe Museum Fosters the Advancement of Art on Campus
An institution that has progressively cultivated an emergent art scene associating art students, campus faculty and the South Florida community, the Lowe Art Museum is an underpinning establishment at University of Miami with a rich history and a promising future.
“We have an ideology of serving town and gown, as we like to say,” said Denise M. Gerson, Associate Director for Curatorial Affairs. “And what I mean is that we are an important museum in this area that is here to educate both the campus community and the greater Miami-Dade population.”
The Lowe has just closed an exhibition of famed American sculptor Louise Nevelson and has also exposed recent works by Milton Avery. As noted by Gerson, the museum chooses pertinent exhibitions that attempt to complement their own collections.
“We have a philosophy that directs us to offer changing exhibitions in all media and genres and that relates in some way to our permanent collection,” she said.
In her 12 years at the Lowe, Gerson has ascended from her start as a curator assistant to her current position as the curator of exhibitions. This title holds her responsible for the organization of all exhibitions and for matters concerning research in the museum’s collection, which totals at around 12,000 pieces and was seen by over 135,000 people during the last fiscal year.
“This is the only museum around here that has the breadth of collections that we have,” she said. “We display almost 5,000 years of art.”
The holdings are divided into Western and non-Western art, with works displayed in discrete areas such as Asian, African, Native American, Renaissance and Greco-Roman art. Sections for American Contemporary art showcase acclaimed artists like Roy Litchenstein, Frank Stella and John Sloan. In the early 1980s, the Lowe garnered credibility as the first museum in South Florida to exhibit works of Andy Warhol.
The on-campus collaboration between the Lowe, the art department and the New Gallery is key in the nurturing of the university’s art scene. Many faculty members are professionally and voluntarily involved in its functioning. For instance, Marceline Wiltmer and Perry Lee Roberts of the art department are both adjunct curators of African and Renaissance art, respectively.
Faculty members provide invaluable assistance to the museum as art historians and contributors as well. The museum holds an annual individual or collective exhibition of faculty artwork in April or May. Students are also able to have their own exhibitions.
“We try to stay in touch with the art department,” Gerson said.
The New Gallery has its own direction and runs on a different schedule than that of the Lowe. Gerson is convinced, however, that this independence will promote the growth of an art scene on campus, despite a general lack of awareness among the majority of students. The number of students set to graduate from the masters program of film arts has increased to a dozen, with many art students utilizing digital technology to experiment with innovative techniques in computer-generated art and photography. Gerson is hopeful for a new art building and sees the art scene on campus getting “bigger and better for sure.”
Linking this scene to the greater panorama of artistic creation around Miami, Gerson, who has been a resident of South Beach in the past, gives credit to SoBe for generating a bohemian, independent outlook on the expansion of art in the region. Recently though, the scene has witnessed a gradual migration downtown, as many galleries open around the Design District and the Biscayne area.
“I don’t see any meaningful crossover between these galleries and South Beach, which has been the core for artists around here,” she said. “But we still regularly go to the new galleries to familiarize ourselves with the art, sometimes inviting some artists to show their work here, such as Carlos Alves.” Alves is a local artist who did the the rosaries on the fountains on Lincoln Road.
As an institution located on a diverse campus, the Lowe is dedicated to outreach underserved groups with a multifaceted agenda.
“We try to attract minority students by showing works by ethnically diverse artists and then hope these students will come back for more,” she said.
The schedule at the Lowe has an edge of variety and doesn’t strictly adhere to the visual arts. Arranged by the curator of education, events such as poetry slams, yoga classes and musical performances take place monthly and are open to off-campus activities and people not affiliated with UM.
For now, there are no scheduled renovations, but the museum has arranged for a number of future exhibitions, including an exposition of works by Andrew Morgan, a former chairman of the Art Department, and a summer exhibition on contemporary Jamaican art. A booklet celebrating its 50th Anniversary will be distributed on March 7th.
Every summer, local artists are invited to present their pieces in the museum. Gerson personally believes that it is important to expose a lot of Florida artists, so as to show support for the state and private grants they receive.
When asked about the future of the museum, Gerson, sitting in her office, said she envisioned what she called a “unique resource” to be “continuously growing and becoming more and more significant” to the university. Gerson said she also plans to increase faculty and student participation, and that of members of the greater South Florida community.
“We have collections here that can’t be found anywhere in the region,” she said. “We’re a jewel in the UM crown.”
Spring Break with Wildlife
Scrap Cancun, forget Acapulco and get rid of the Caribbean cruise. This spring break, pack up some camping gear and head south to one of the state’s most beautiful natural destinations: Dry Tortugas National Park.
Long before it attracted the average
Joe and the rich and famous, the Dry Tortugas were a dumping ground for murderers, rapists, confederate soldiers, and other criminals.
The Tortugas’ most famous prisoner was Samuel Mudd, a Maryland doctor charged with treason for conspiring to kill President Abraham Lincoln. According to historical records, Mudd treated John Wilkes Booth shortly after the assassination.
But since one of its islands became a national monument in the 1930s, the Caribbean island cluster has been a tourist hot spot, attracting the likes of Ernest Hemingway, President Harry Truman, Queen Elizabeth II, Renee Russo and National Geographic researchers.
The remote seven-island chain lies about 70 miles west of Key West. The islands’ aquamarine waters, marine diversity, unique wildlife and solace lure snorkelers, divers, birdwatchers and other nature-lovers from all over the world. About 94,000 people visit the Tortugas each year.
Gulls, sooty terns, brown pelicans, and the blackpoll warbler are some of the native and migratory birds that spend their winters on the Tortugas. Bush Key, which lies east of Garden Key, is the world’s nesting center for the sooty tern, a black-and white bird native to the Caribbean Sea and the west and central regions of the Atlantic Ocean. About 100,000 flock to the key between March and September to lay their eggs.
The Tortugas are also the nesting grounds for several endangered sea turtles, including the loggerhead and green species.
The Caribbean-blue waters surrounding the Tortugas are home to a rich underwater ecosystem that includes sharks, sea anemones, tarpons, coral reefs, and some dolphins. Two shipwrecks lie off the coasts of the keys.
The Tortugas, the most inaccessible national park in the United States, is about 100 square miles in size. The tiny landmasses of coral and sand are Garden Key, Bush Key, Middle Key, Loggerhead Key, East Key, Long Key and Hospital Key.
Garden Key, the largest, is home to Fort Jefferson, the largest 19th century citadel in the coastal United States. The 16-million brick fortress has a lighthouse, a moat, about a half-dozen iron cannons, and iron and wooden carts.
The park is not accessible by land. You’ll need to take a ferry or a seaplane. The ferry ticket for overnight stay is $130. It’s much cheaper than the $329 plane ride, but if you can afford the airfare, take it. As the low-flying Cessnas skim the Marquesas Islands on the way to the fort, one can spot shipwrecks, nurse sharks, dolphins, stingrays and loggerhead turtles. The sunken Spanish galleons, the Atocha and the Margarita, are also visible from the seaplanes.
Occasionally, pilots have spotted marijuana bails and Cuban refugees. Migrant smugglers will sometimes drop them off at the Marquesa Keys.
The only camping grounds are on Garden Key. Conditions are rudimentary: toilets, no showers. The park offers about ten camping spots at $3 a night per person. Food is not sold on the island so you need to bring your own. The picnic area has several barbecue grills, and all trash must be carried off the island.
Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon discovered the keys in 1513 and named them Las Tortugas (the turtles) because of the sea turtle population living on them. The islands, dry, barren and devoid of water, were part of the Spanish crown until the Spaniards sold the territory to the United States in 1819.
The first structure built on the islands was the lighthouse on Garden Key, which dates back to 1826. The U.S. government began the construction of Fort Jefferson on Garden Key in 1846 to protect the commercial ships traveling through the Florida Straits from the Mississippi River to the eastern coast of the United States. Lack of funds and an outbreak of yellow fever halted construction for a few years in the mid-1800s.
The first garrison of soldiers arrived in 1861. During the Civil War, Fort Jefferson became the only Union fort in the southern United States. Between 600 and 1,200 soldiers lived at the fort during the war. After weathering several yellow fever epidemics, the army abandoned the citadel in 1873. In 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt decreed Fort Jefferson a national monument. Since 1960, when the government formally drew the park limits, the boundaries have changed to protect marine life. The area was elevated to National Park status in 1992.
Spring Break for the Starving
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear “spring break?” You guessed it. MTV’s sea of beautiful bodies grinding up against each other in a tropical paradise for the fun-loving and rich college student.
But what happens to the rest of us starving college students who eat $3-grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch every single day just because it’s the cheapest thing at the Rat? Lucky for us, we live in the sun and fun capital of the world, where it’s spring break every day. Besides the beach, there are a lot of fun, inexpensive things to do in Miami. Here are a few ideas:
Bicycling
Remember back in the day before your friends got cars and your bike became a garage ornament? Bike riding can be an adventure and a great way to relieve stress in the week off from school.
There are a bunch of places to go bike riding in Miami. One of the best is Everglades National Park’s Shark Valley, on Tamiami Trail about 35 miles into the Glades. What makes this park special are the looping bike trails that are shared by dozens of alligators, which are known to spread themselves out on the asphalt trails and pretend they are speed bumps.
Not to worry, the gators are not interested in bikers, though park visitors are warned to stay about 15 feet away. It takes about two hours to complete this bike path, and a day’s admission costs $8. Bike rentals are available. For more information, call (305) 221-8455.
Kayaking
If you’re in the mood for exercise and need to cool off, kayaking would definitely be the way to go. One of the best places to go kayaking would probably be in Oleta River State Recreational Area in North Miami. There, you can rent a kayak for $8 an hour and paddle through mangrove creeks to surrounding uninhabited islands for bird watching, picnics or…you know…
It costs $4 per vehicle to get into the park, which is located at 3400 N.E. 163rd St. For more information call (305) 934-7516.
Venetian Pool
If it gets really hot this spring break, Venetian Pool would be the first place to go to cool down. Formed from a coral rock quarry in 1923, this 820,000-gallon pool is filled daily with cool spring water, which cascades in its two waterfalls. Characteristic of the pool is also its underwater coral caves and beautiful Venetian-style architecture.
Also very characteristic of the pool is its freezing cold water. But if you get too cold, you can always warm up on the poolside sandy beach area, perfect for tanning. Admission into the park costs $5.50, and it is located on 2701 DeSoto Blvd., near the Biltmore Hotel.
The Youth Fair
It’s that special time of the year again, when you find yourself singing along to that corny commercial jingle “The fair…be there.” Complete with a flea market, expo area, and petting zoos you can smell from a mile away, the Miami-Dade County Fair will be in town from March 14 through the 31st.
Trademark to the fair are its rides, namely the Double Looper, which you can’t leave without riding. Gates are open weekdays from 3 p.m. until 11 p.m., weekends from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and on Friday, March 28 from noon to 11 p.m. General admission is $7, and the best bet if you want to ride as many rides as possible would be to buy the P*O*P (pay one price) ticket for $15 to ride all day. The P*O*P tickets are only good for Monday through Friday. The fair will set up at Coral Way and Southwest 107 Avenue.
Second round loss may prove costly
The Miami Hurricanes were able to turn in a better performance at the Big East Tournament in Piscataway N.J., than last year, when the team lost in the opening round. However, it may not have been enough to get the Hurricanes a bid into the NCAA Tournament.
On Sunday, Miami fell 68-49 to No. 4 seeded Villanova in the second round of the Big East Tournament, dropping its record to 18-11. The No. 5 seeded Hurricanes were outscored by ‘Nova 38-20 in the second half after trailing by only one at halftime. The loss came one day after Miami defeated Georgetown 69-52 in its opening round game. Despite their 18-11 mark, Head Coach Ferne Labati thinks the Hurricanes deserve an invitation to the NCAA’s.
“I believe our kids have fought so hard,” Labati said. “We deserve the opportunity.”
Miami, who was routed by the Wildcats 80-52 at Villanova on Jan. 29, played a tough first half, shooting 45 percent from the field, while holding ‘Nova to just 37 percent shooting, and more importantly, a 24 percent clip from three-point range.
However, things fell apart for the Hurricanes in the second half, as Villanova reeled off 16 unanswered points early in the half, and took control from there. The Wildcats shot only 39 percent during the final 20 minutes, but hit five three-pointers during that span, including several from Trish Joliene, who finished with a game-high 22 points.
Junior Meghan Saake, who earlier in the week was named the Big East Defensive Player of the Year, led Miami with 14 points, although only two of them came in the second half. Sophomore Chanivia Broussard added 13 points, and sophomore Shaquana Wilkins chipped in with nine points and a game-high eight rebounds. As a team, the Hurricanes shot 35 percent from the field, including a dismal 27 percent in the second half, and were outrebounded 42-33.
On Friday, Miami started out sluggish against No 12. seeded Georgetown, trailing 31-30 at halftime. However, the Hurricanes shut down Georgetown in the second half, holding the Hoyas to just 23 percent shooting, and outscoring them 39-21 to run away with the victory. Four Hurricanes scored in double digits, led by Broussard, with 16. Saake added 12 points and Wilkins scored 11. However, the most surprising performance came from freshman point guard Yalonda McCormick, who had 10 points, while grabbing five rebounds, and handing out five assists.
So, with a 1-1 showing at the Big East Tournament, all Miami can do now is wait for the NCAA Tournament Selections, which will be announced Sunday evening. With most at-large teams needing at least 20 victories to receive a bid, the Hurricanes best bet seems to be a berth into the NIT Tournament, which begins next week. However, Miami finished fifth in what is arguably the best conference in the country, and Labati thinks that the reputation of the Big East should get the Hurricanes a berth into the NCAA’s.
“I know you guys think I’m so prejudiced towards the Big East,” Labati said. “But I think the Big East is so underrated. I think at least six[teams] should go[to the NCAA’s.] That’s how good our conference is.
Big East wide open
The 2001-02 college basketball regular season began and will conclude with three Big East teams in the top 25 poll. However, the Big East has had a roller coaster of a season, as three new teams have arisen as the conference leaders, and the so-called favorites are now battling for their post-season lives.
Top 25 teams, Pittsburgh (23-4, 13-3), Miami (23-6, 10-6), and Connecticut (21-6, 13-3), are a lock for the NCAA tournament. Notre Dame (20-9, 10-6) and St. Johns (19-10, 9-7) appear to have also landed down spots for the postseason. Despite Sunday’s loss at Villanova, the Johnnies probably secured its spot in the NCAA Tournament by beating Notre Dame last week to improve its record against top 50 RPI teams to 6-5.
Not one of these teams was ranked entering the season.
The Big East’s defending champions, Boston College (19-10, 8-8), beat Syracuse (20-10, 9-7) on Sunday. As a result, both teams are on the bubble and must go deep in the Big East tournament to secure bids. Both teams, along with Georgetown (18-10, 9-7) began the season ranked and have all dropped out. Georgetown must win the Big East tournament to secure a spot in the NCAA tourney.
After Notre Dame handed Miami an embarrassing 90-77 loss on Feb. 23 at the Miami Arena, the Hurricanes rebounded with two straight victories over Providence and Virginia Tech to finish the regular season. As the No. 2 seed out of the East, Miami has a first round buy and will play the winner of Syracuse and Seton Hall. The ‘Canes have not faced either team this year. It is vital for Miami to fare well in the tournament to increase its seed in the NCAAs.
“I have to say how proud I am of this team and what it has done this season in a very tough conference,” UM coach Perry Clark said. “But that said, we have to put it behind us. Our focus now is the Big East Tournament and the NCAAs.”
Pittsburgh (No. 8 ESPN/USA Today Coach’s Poll, No. 10 AP) has emerged as the team to beat in the Big East Tournament. Junior guard Brandin Knight, who averages 15.6 points, five rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game, leads the Panthers. Knight appears to be the frontrunner for Big East Player of the Year. The Panthers are riding a seven game winning streak entering the tournament, and will play the winner of Boston College and Rutgers.
Connecticut (No. 23 ESPN/USA Today Coach’s Poll) has also won its last seven contests, and are making a case for Caron Butler to win the Player of the Year. Butler averages 19.7 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. The Huskies have a dominating presence on the blocks, in 6-9 freshman Emeka Okafor. Okafor leads the nation in blocks, with 4.4 per game and also pulls down nine boards a contest. UConn is on the rise and will play the winner of Georgetown and Villanova.
Star freshman point guard Chris Thomas and senior forward Ryan Humphrey lead an underrated Notre Dame Squad. Thomas averages 16 points and 7.5 assists, while Humphrey averages a double-double with 18.9 points and 10.6 rebounds a contest. Thomas lit up the Hurricanes on Feb. 23 with 32 points and 12 assists. When Thomas complements Humphrey’s down low presence, the Fighting Irish are tough to beat. Notre Dame will face the winner of St. Johns and Providence.
As always, the Big East Tournament is up for grabs. The conference definetely will have five teams playing in the Big Dance, with a strong possibility with a sixth invitee. The Big East had an extremely successful and surprising regular season, and has strong hopes of continuing its success in the NCAA tournament.
‘Canes, seniors defeat Hokies
In the last regular season game of the season, the Miami Hurricanes, who were celebrating senior day, needed a win and a St. John’s loss to clinch a first round bye in the Big East tournament.
The Hurricanes (23-6) held up to their half of the deal with an 83-77 win over the Virginia Tech Hokies (10-18) Saturday. The win improved the ‘Canes to 14-2 at the Arena this season and tied a Hurricanes record for most wins in a season with 23. The ‘Canes also improved to 10-6 in the Big East with the win.
“I’m extremely proud of this basketball team and what they have been able to do this season,” said head coach Perry Clarke after the game.
St. Johns also held up to its part of the bargain, as they were upset at Villanova 77-62 on Sunday. The Hurricanes earned the No. two seed in the east and will play the winner of Boston College and Rutgers at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Before the game, the ‘Canes paid tribute to their seniors: Elton Tyler, Jerry Schlie, and John Salmons. Clarke gave Schlie his first ever start as a Miami Hurricane. His early three pointer electrified the crowd and gave the team a huge boost.
“People want to come and support us. It means a lot and it feels good to have people cheer for you,” said Schlie, who had five points in the game.
The Hokies didn’t end their season without a fight. They hit 10 three pointers in the game and came storming back from down 18 at one point to get within three at 72-69 late in the second half.
Brian Chase and Carlos Dixon led the second half charge, as they both hit four three pointers .
However, the story on senior day was the play of Tyler, who carried the ‘Canes with 24 points and eight rebounds, 20 of which came in the first half. Tyler at two different points went on an 8-0 and 6-0 run respectively by himself.
Along with Tyler, fellow senior John Salmons had 11 points and 10 assists. All 11 points came in the second half of play.
Overall, the ‘Canes put five players in double digits, as Barnes, Rice, and Jones joined the parade, which is not unusual for this team, as all five starters average double digits. The ‘Canes closed out the game by hitting their free throws down the stretch.
After the game, Clarke had nothing but positive things to say about his seniors.
“The way these guys stepped up to being the hunted is a testament to them. These two guys (Tyler and Salmons), along with Jerry, because of what they have been through, have meant a lot to our basketball team,” said Clarke.
In their farewell game, the Hurricane seniors got to go out in style in front of the home crowd. They were all satisfied with the experience they have had the last four years, which included a sweet 16 run.
“Playing with Elton and Jerry for four years has been a great ride for me. I am happy I made the decision to come here,” said John Salmons.
Salmons will leave Miami as the only player in UM history to amass over 1000 career points, 600 career rebounds, 400 career assists, and 150 career steals in 121 games played as a member of the Hurricanes.
Sports Briefs
WOMENS TENNIS
The No. 30 University of Miami women’s tennis team outlasted No. 41 Florida State, defeating the Seminoles, 4-3, on Friday in Tallahassee, Fla. The Hurricanes improve their 2002 season record to 7-2, while the Seminoles fall to 6-6. Sophomore Mari Toro led the way defeating Anca Dumitrescu 7-6, 4-6, 7-5 at No. 1 singles. At the No. 2 position, senior Marcy Hora defeated Alida Gallovits in straight sets, 6-4, 7-5.
Freshman Ewelina Skaza had a strong outing defeating Lauren Walker 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 at the No. 5 position. At the No. 6 spot, freshman Sara Robbins outlasted Meredith Fish with a 7-6 (6), 4-6, 7-5 victory. The Hurricanes match with Harvard, scheduled for Saturday, was postponed due to inclement weather. Miami returns home to face the University of Virginia Monday, March 11 at 1:00 p.m. at the Neil Schiff Tennis Center
MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TRACK
University of Miami senior Aaron Moser (Bonne Terre, MO) recorded a two-day total of 5,720 points and finished second in the heptathlon at the 2002 USA Men’s Indoor Heptathlon Championship in Chapel Hill, NC. All-American Kareen Clarke(Lithonic, GA) won the triple jump with a school-record leap of 13.40 meters (43-11.75) at the LSU NCAA Qualifier in Baton Rouge, LA. University of Miami junior Saraque Whittaker(Ft. Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas) finished second in the 400-meters a school-record time of 53.6, while senior All-American Wyllesheia Myrick (Miami Northwestern) finished third in the 200-meters with an NCAA provisional qualifying time of 24.08 at the Alex Wilson Invitational in Notre Dame, IN. The NCAA championships will be held May 29 – June 1 in Baton Rouge, LA.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL HONORED BY BIG EAST
University of Miami women’s basketball junior guard Meghan Saake(Wellington, Fla.) was named 2001-02 BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year by the league’s head coaches. Saake, also earning Honorable Mention honors, is the first Hurricane player to win the defensive award. Saake leads the BIG EAST in steals with 63 and ranks seventh among Division I players with 110 steals. Saake averaged 4.0 steals on the season and broke the school single season record for most steals (110) in the win over Boston College. Saake ranks fifth on UM’s all-time career list with 233 steals in her three-year career. Additionally, sophomore forward Chanivia Broussard(Miami, Fla.) was named All-BIG EAST Second-Team. Broussard averages a team-high 14.0 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.1 steals per game. She is also averaging 1.2 blocks per game and is ranked fifth on Miami’s all-time career list with 62 blocked shots in her two-year career.
UM men’s tennis defends home court
The No. 35 Hurricanes men’s tennis team (4-3) defeated Florida A&M 5-2 on Friday and overpowered Wisconsin 6-3 on Sunday at the Neil Schiff Tennis Center.
The Hurricanes had to not only overcome a formidable opponent in the first match of the weekend, but also with inclimate weather. Players from both teams had to cope with strong wind gusts and cold temperatures.
“It was really windy and there were tough conditions for both of us. I had to stay really consistent,” said freshman Todd Widom.
The Coral Springs native and the number one singles player has been a huge bright spot in a sub-par season for the Hurricanes. He has been ranked as high as #2 in junior tennis and is currently ranked 18th in the country among college players.
He defeated his opponent, Lenin Mongerie of FAMU, 6-2, 6-2, in a very commanding fashion.
“Todd has had a great season as a freshman; he is doing really well,” said coach Jay Berger.
Tomas Smid, the No. 2 singles player for the Hurricanes, also beat his opponent in a resounding manner. Smid defeated Isaac Yarrell of FAMU 6-1, 6-2.
The best match of the evening was between UM’s Maxime LePivert and Florida A&M’s Pfungwa Mahefu. LePivert, who normally plays No.5 or 6, played against a No.4 ranked opponent.
The two players appeared very evenly skilled as they stretched the match into a three set thriller that went down to a tiebreaker. LePivert, who was down 2-5 early in the second set, mounted a four game comeback to retake the lead, 6-5. In the end, Mahefu won the match 5-7, 7-6, 7-6.
Miami’s No.5, Joel Berman, beat his opponent, Kareem Bennett, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3, while No.6 Tarik El Bassiouni beat FAMU’s Noel Wadawu, 6-2, 6-4. The Hurricanes’ No.2 and No.3 doubles won their matches, 8-4, 8-2, respectively.
“It was a tough day to play, real windy, but I thought we played well,” said coach Berger. “We have had some bad breaks this season. We had a player fall and injure his elbow at practice and another player out with a bad wrist, so our main concern right now is to stay healthy.”
On Sunday, the Hurricanes took two of three doubles matches and four of six singles en route to a 5-1 decision over the Badgers.
Miami improved to 4-3 on the season, while Wisconsin falls to 6-3.
The Hurricanes got out to an early 1-0 lead winning the doubles match point. At the No. 2 spot, Smid and Widom routed Jason Gonzaga and Dave Hippic, 8-0.
The duo of Joel Berman and Jose Lieberman held off Danny Westerman and Alex Kasarov, 9-7 at the No. 3 doubles position.
In singles action, Widom led the way for the Hurricanes beating Westerman in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2 at No. 1 singles.
At the No. 2 spot Smid defeated Scott Rutherford in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4, while teammate Lieberman overpowered Dave Hippic 6-1, 6-1 at the No. 3 position.
LePievert won his singles match defeating Gonzaga 6-3, 6-1 at the No. 5 spot.
The Hurricanes next go on the road to face TCU Friday, March 8 at 1:00 p.m. in Forth Worth, Texas.