The story of University of Miami walk on Chris Hayes is one that’s coming to surface now, even though the event took place late October 2008.
For those out of the know, Hayes is a Miami walk on – short on talent, but big on heart. Five foot nothing and nowhere near two hundred pounds, Hayes was one of four ‘nobodies’ to make the Canes squad a few years back. Bred in Sarasota, Hayes walked on at The U even though his high school didn’t have a football program. He never dressed for a game or made the traveling squad, meaning his football career consisted of getting the hell kicked out on him at Greentree, all to better the more talented Canes. Still, the kid they call “Make-A-Wish” forged on… until last October when he got the call that his father killed himself.
From there, Miami’s “Rudy-like” moment ensued. Special teams coach Joe Pannunzio brought Randy Shannon up to speed, the suggestion was offered that Hayes dress out against Wake Forest – less than 24 hours after burying his father. On the game’s final play, Hayes was shuffled into the line up at tight end – a position he’d never played. A forgettable final play, the post-game exit on his teammates’ shoulders was the Polaroid moment. Cheers. Tears. A full on release. As Hayes climbed down from the pile. he ran straight to the stands and found mom, where their family moment took place.
Hayes is still with the Canes, is still taking a beating, still won’t dress or travel and is obviously still hurting. Check out Dave Hyde’s article and his blog… and to the media whores at ESPN and other news outlets, do the world a favor and pick up this story. There’s more going on in the sports world outside Brett Favre’s Mississippi to Minnesota travel itinerary.
I was at that game. Classic moment. I want to buy a #49 jersey now!
i hated watching espn from the draft til now..and really now!! all day long is farve or if vick is breathing…i hate that!! and then on college football live. they do a report on miami..well on the ojomo incedent!! . but im like. wait. whenever a florida player is arrested thats not on their…!! no reporting news to cover that!! im sick and tired of espn. they are just cane haters!!
nice story though. this gave me chills. sorry for his loss though. and props to coach shannon and pannunzio to get him in the game.
((ZarOkoN))
What a great story. I love the positivity, especially regarding The U. I had not heard of this story before so I thank you for bringing this to our attention. This is a kid who definately lives for the Canes. I send my prayers out to him and his mother for his loss. I also thank the coaches for letting the kid see the field, even if for one play.
The only thing I'll say about ESPN is that negativity draws in viewers, especially if it's only re-enforcing the old Miami football steroetype. We know it's not true, but it takes less real journalism to just rehash old notions than it is to actually work for a story. Oh well. F 'em and all the rest.
-Columbus Cane
good for #49… now go sucka punch j12!