Reunited with Ray Lewis...

The U's Hall of Fame induction for 2006 took place last night at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Miami. Several former UM greats received the special honor - Alex Cora (baseball), Amy Deem (track coach), Leonard Hamilton (former basketball coach), Ryan McNeil (football), Darrin Smith (football) and Ron Throne (track.)

allCanes wants to give a hearty congrats to all those UM greats who have now joined the prestegious Hall of Fame. What an honor.

The most recognizable name of this year's inductees was former Miami linebacker great, Super Bowl MVP and seven-time Pro Bowler, Ray Lewis.

Those of us long-timers at allCanes can remember the mid nineties when Ray-Ray was dropping by the store in between classes to hang out, talk football or pick something up for a family member. To think that ten short years later he's accomplished what he has on and off the field and is now being inducted to the University of Miami Hall of Fame... wow.

Regarding last night, allCanes was represented by GM Harry Rothwell, Josh Peskin, Bob Stanley and Justin Rothwell. In chatting with Harry earlier, he said few things really stood out from last night:

- The number of former players and coaches who turned out to support former basketball coach Leonard Hamilton. There were something like 6 or 7 former basketball Canes in attendance, as well as a half dozen of his assistant coaches. That's pretty special -- especially considering he's coaching the 'enemy' these days up in Tallahassee.

- Just getting to talk with Ray. Josh made sure to give him our original "It's a U Thing..." tee so he can keep representing The U up in Baltimore. The allCanes crew chatted with him about his time as a Cane and what he's accomplished since. His junior year he and Yatil Green sat at the allCanes (then All Sports) table for the football banquet and all these years later, he's still that same kid. Very cool to see.

When the football career is over, Ray definitely has a future as a motivational speaker. Hands down, he was the best last night. I've heard you can find his speech online a few different places. If you weren't there, make sure to check it out. He was on a roll. The speech was moving and everyone there could easily tell how humbled he was to receive this honor. As we see with a lot of past Miami greats - getting recognition from The U means everything to them.

Jimmy Johnson has oft stated that his 1987 National Championship with the Hurricanes meant as much - if not more to him than all the Super Bowl titles in Dallas.

The U might not have the budget, facilities, large alumni base, on campus football stadium or be a rah-rah college town -- but we're special in our own right. Just look at the amazing coaches and players who have made their name at the University of Miami. Hopefully that isn't changing anytime soon.

Last night was a special night for all who were there. We at allCanes were thrilled to be a part of it.