Miami Football Vault : The History of the Hurricanes

Occasionally I throw a shameless plug in here, though I try to save them for when they really count. This is one of those times. 

For those who’ve heard of the “College Vault Book” series, you know what I’m talking about. The University of Miami version of this book was recently released and it’s one of those rare must-have items for the diehard Canes fan.

‘Cane Mutiny’ author Bruce Feldman provides the written content – the ultimate authority on all things The U. Over the span of 144 pages, this book packs an intense Hurricanes-themed punch, both visually and aesthetically. 

Opening with a spirited foreward from head coach Randy Shannon, the journey begins with a chapter entitled “Shaky Beginnings” and spans 1926-1947. Vintage images from yesteryear. Team photos. Game notes. This book goes as far as to even include replica programs, postcards, stickers… you name it. No detail was spared and the term “vault” is used appropriately. 

The first surfaces on page fifteen. a reprinted program from the January 2nd, 1933 “Gridiron Palm Festival” at Moore Park, where Miami took on Manhattan College. A page later, the first Orange Bowl program, a flyer, coaches’ game notes and a reprinted Western Union telegram to Cane legend Walt Kichefski, offering him a scholarship to attend UM.

Every few pages, this scrapbook-style book features tangible bits of Hurricane history. It’s almost impossible to explain.

The written word plays almost second fiddle to the smorgasbord of Miami memorabilia. The vintage image compilation seems like it took decades to compile. Every Canes book I’ve seen in my lifetime combined… every program or newspaper clipping I’ve come across… my handful of trips to the Tom Kerns Hall of Fame on campus… it still doesn’t add up to what this book squeezed into twelve dozen pages.

For the semi-old school fans, things get interesting on page fifty-six when we get to “The State Of Miami” — the 1977-1983 run which was inspired by Howard Schnellenberger — complete with a bone-chilling quote from the Canes coach: “Some day we are going to win a national championship at Miami”, a statement uttered back in 1979, when it seemed nothing more than a pipe dream. Who knew Howie was a prophet… 

A little factoid from page sixty, one of “10 Big Games Remembered” from that era : November 3rd, 1979 (Miami 26, Penn State 10) – Ten minutes before kickoff, Howard Schnellenberger informed redshirt freshman quarterback Jim Kelly he would be making his first start. The Pennsylvania native vomited repeatedly but then settled down to throw for 280 yards and three touchdowns against a star-studded Penn State defense, in front of a sellout crowd of more than 77,000 in Happy Valley.

That win was another step towards a Peach Bowl berth a year later, highlighted on page sixty-four with a replica game program and game ticket, accompanying the story of Miami’s rise to prominence.

From there, arguably the most exciting era of Miami football is highlighted on page seventy-six in a chapter called “The U” Against The World, the 1984-1988 run with Jimmy Johnson at the helm and a cast of exciting, interesting characters who invented the word ‘swagger’. More classic images, more commentary from Mr. Feldman and a replica Vinny Testaverde promo poster from his Heisman run. A page later, some replica game programs from the 1986 season in the form of postcards.

The “Miami Rules” chapter highlights the two National Championships of the Dennis Erickson era. More photos, replica programs, stickers and history from another amazing Canes run, complete with some Gino Torretta Heisman-related schwag.

“Hurricane Watch” goes into Butch Davis era, from probation to redemption to modern day. Sugar Bowl and Rose Bowl images. Classic shots of Miami versus Florida State. Right up through the game-winning overtime catch reeled in by Aldarius Johnson at Virginia last season (screen shot below).

The final piece, an afterword by the legendary Ted Hendricks and a fitting way to wrap things up.

I’m absolutely geeked out over this book and I recommend it to all and any Canes fans. Great for the coffee table or the office, this is one of those things you’ll pick up two dozen times and you’ll find something new each and every experience. Decades of Miami history all in one place. Check out some of the screenshots below and click here if you’re interested in ordering.

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