Three fun facts fans should know about the Canes

The Miami Hurricanes is known for having passionate fans and for producing some of the best football players in the U.S. For those who are only getting to know the team and its rich history, check out these three fun facts about the Miami Hurricanes: 

Image source: Miami.edu

The distinctive "U" logo 

These days, the logo can be seen as a giant bling proudly hanging on the neck of whoever won the turnover chain. However, the distinctive logo was decided by Bill Bodenheimer, a Miami designer to make the university stand out from other schools that have the initials UM. U also launched slogans such as "U gotta believe" and "U is great." 

Sebastian the Ibis 

Those who attend the University of Miami can always spot the beloved mascot Sebastian the Ibis hanging around the campus aside from being present during games. But why did the university choose the ibis as its spirit animal? It is said that the ibis is the last bird to seek shelter whenever a hurricane is approaching to warn those around. 

Orange smoke 

As they enter the field, the football players run through smoke as a way of exciting the fans. In the ‘50s, fire extinguishers were used to create the smoke. While the setup and the equipment used to produce the smoke has changed since the 1950s, the tradition remains. And the team still looks cool while they enter the stadium. For sports lovers, knowing about their team's traditions makes them more than just fans. This makes them feel that they are friends who are willing to support their team no matter what. 

Image source: Communitynewspapers.com

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The Smoky Mountains: An American natural wonder

The Smoky Mountains, a national park found along the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, is one of the most popular natural spots in the entire United States. In fact, it had more visitors than any other park in the country in 2015. The Smoky Mountains got its name for the Cherokee, who called it the Land of Blue Smoke and is visited by over 10 million people yearly. 

Image source: NPS.gov

The park itself is 815 square miles and has over 900 campsites. The Smoky Mountains park extends from the Pigeon River in the northeast, all the way down southwest to the Little Tennessee River.

There are plenty of places to visit within the Smoky Mountains. One of the most well-known is the Cades Cove, which is a valley unlike any other. The beauty of Cades Cove is considered to be a national treasure and is beloved by almost every visitor who has set foot in it. 

Other places hikers would find heavenly in the park would be the Clingsman Dome, which is in by itself, a place to behold. And the trek would be just as interesting with the seven-mile trail off Newfound Gap Road. In fact, the Newfound Gap Road as well, which stretches for a little over 30 miles has a lot of picture-worthy locations for nature lovers. 

These sites are only the tip of the proverbial iceberg that is the Great Smoky Mountain Park. 

Image source: National-park.com

Dwyer & Associates believes that the dwindling levels of biodiversity can be addressed, in one way or another, through the preservation of national parks. Subscribe to this blog to learn more about how to save the environment.

Playoffs-bound: The 2017-18 Miami Hurricanes basketball team

It seems ages ago that the Hurricanes got both the ACC regular season and tournament championships, led by the triumvirate of Durand Scott, Julian Gamble, and Shane Larkin.That was, of course, just four years ago in 2013. This year, coach Larranaga hopes to replicate that solid UM showing, with a team that should push the school into the Sweet Sixteen and maybe higher.

Image source:onefootdown.com

With the return of Bruce Brown and the arrival of freshmen Deng Gak, Chris Lykes, and Lonnie Walker, we might be witnessing the team’s most solid lineup in more than a decade. Brown could have easily entered the NBA draft and landed as a first-round pick, but the now-sophomore star will bring an average of almost 12 points per game, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists. UM should be getting another ACC player of the year.

Though Gak will most likely require some time to adjust to the Canes system, the two other freshmen should immediately contribute on the floor. Lykes is ranked 46th in the 2017 Recruiting Index. While Walker, provided he stays healthy, is seen as the most impactful, 12th-ranked player to don the Canes uniform.

Image source:caneswarning.com

Yes, the team’s former star Davon Reed has joined the NBA, but three good rookies should be enough to compensate for this loss. Keep in mind, too, that the player roster is mostly intact with Dewan Huell, Ja’Quan Newton, Ebuka Izunda, and Anthony Lawrence, Jr. providing firepower and stifling defense.

Barring any catastrophic health issues, it shouldn’t be a surprise if this year’s Canes team make it into the Final Four. And maybe even bring back the glory of four years ago starting this November.

Patrick Dwyer is a financial advisor who avidly supports the Miami Hurricanes basketball and football teams. For more Canes news, follow this Facebook page.