Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
UM bans alcohol for season
University of Miami President Julio Frenk announced on Friday that there will be no alcohol at Hurricanes home games at Hard Rock Stadium this season, and UM students will not be permitted to attend the first two home games.
The decision comes after the Miami Dolphins, in conjunction with local and state leadership, worked out a plan to allow 13,000 fans at games to start the football season. UM football, which shares Hard Rock Stadium with the Dolphins, announced on Monday it would follow the same guidelines.
“Alcohol impairs the ability to make rational decisions and has been shown to dampen immunity,” Frenk said in a statement. “We all look forward to the day when we can engage socially at games as we always have, but that day has not yet arrived.”
The decision to not allow students at the first two games means they will not be able to attend the home opener against UAB and the Sept. 26 game against rival Florida State. Miami’s second game, in between those two, is at Louisville.
Frenk said that decision will continue to be evaluated as the season progresses. He noted that, two weeks into the semester at UM, the number of COVID-19 cases among students has registered recent increases.
According to UM’s COVID-19 dashboard, Miami has had 103 new positive coronavirus cases out of 564 tests administered. Ninety-eight of the 103 positive cases were students while five were university faculty/staff.
“As disappointing as this is to all of us,” Frenk said in his statement, “especially the students, this is the prudent course of action at this time, as we continue to prioritize health and safety on campus above all else. Stay tuned for announcements regarding game day activities for students this September.”
Miami athletic director Blake James released his own statement following Frenk’s announcement.
“We support and appreciate President Frenk’s decisions regarding student attendance and alcohol sales for our home football games, as the safety and well-being of all attendees is paramount,” James said. “We will continue to provide a first-class experience for Hurricanes fans at Hard Rock Stadium and we will work with our University partners to help coordinate game-day activities for students on campus.
“We will continue to work with campus leaders and monitor developments and look forward to the day of welcoming back our passionate students to Hard Rock.”
The Hurricanes already released on Monday that there would be no tailgating outside of the stadium for games. Fans will have set check-in times to enter through gates. Seasonticket holders will have priority to buy individual tickets for Hurricanes home games.
Increased testing
The Atlantic Coast Conference on Friday announced that it will increase the minimum testing standard for football teams to three times per week this fall.
The changes also affect field hockey, men’s and women’s soccer and volleyball in the fall, of which the Hurricanes play women’s soccer and volleyball.
One molecular (PCR) test must be administered within three days of the day of competition. In football, one test must be performed the day before competition and another within 48 hours of the conclusion of the game. The test administered the day before competition will be conducted by a third party, selected by the ACC Office.
The updated report from the ACC Medical Advisory Group also said that every student-athlete who tests positive will undergo a cardiac evaluation that includes an electrocardiogram, a troponin test and an echocardiogram before a phased return to exercise.
Palm Bay’s Smith commits
The Hurricanes got a commitment from four-star athlete Chase Smith on Thursday night.
Smith, from Palm Bay Bayside, is slated to play striker, the safety-linebacker hybrid position for UM, according to a source.
“First I want to thank God, along with all the family, friends, and coaches that have helped me prosper through this journey,” Smith wrote in an announcement on Instagram and Twitter. “Proud is an understatement to how I feel in my commitment to the University of Miami. #GoCanes”
Smith, who is 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds, is the son of former Hurricanes tight end Willie Smith, who was a first-team All-America selection in 1985.
Rivals ranks him as the nation’s No. 5 “athlete” and 202nd player regardless of position in the 2021 recruiting class. 247 Sports ranks him No. 12 and 221 in those two categories, respectively.
The Hurricanes continue to approach a full 2021 class with 22 commitments. The group is ranked No. 8 nationally by 247 Sports.
Miami has redshirt sophomore Gilbert Frierson and sophomore Keontra Smith working at striker this fall camp, along with former walk-on Ryan Ragone. There is some speculation five-star recruit James Williams could outgrow the safety position, but Smith’s addition increases the likelihood Williams stays in the last line of defense in college.