University of Miami Hurricanes fans still have time to register for the fourth annual University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame Celebrity Dolphin Fishing Tournament and fish with one of their favorite former athletes. NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin is the celebrity host of this year’s event.
The tournament, set for June 27- 28 in Islamorada, is sponsored by Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys and presented by Deep Impact Boats. Event activities take place at Founders Park at Mile Marker 87 and Coconut Cove Resort and Marina at Mile Marker 85 on the Overseas Highway.
The tournament weekend begins Friday evening with a kick-off party and captains’ meeting, followed on Saturday by a day of fishing, an awards dinner, and both live and silent auctions featuring unique sports memorabilia and a variety of gift packages.
The tournament matches participants with former Miami Hurricanes sports stars for the competition. Cash prizes and trophies are offered to winning anglers in eight categories. Part of the tournament proceeds will go to Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys, The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis and the UMSHoF.
“This is really all about the U and our family of Hurricanes fans and former student-athletes,” said Irvin, a 2000 UM Hall inductee. “We must embrace the mission of the UMSHoF, an organization that recognizes the tremendous efforts of our Hurricanes athletes, coaches and administrators.”
A 2007 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and threetime Super Bowl Champion, Irvin was a member of the 1987 UM National Championship team and still holds the school record for most career touchdown receptions with 26.
Former Hurricanes sports stars scheduled to participate in this year’s fishing tournament include Warren Sapp, Ted Hendricks, Clinton Portis, Brett Romberg, Gary Dunn, Damione Lewis, Randal Hill and Gino Torretta.
For more information about tournament participation, including boat entry or sponsorship, go to visit <www.canesfish.com> or contact tournament director Judy Layne at <judy@canesfish.com> or call 305- 667-0399. Follow the tournament on Facebook at <www.facebook .com/canesfish>.
