Clinton Portis: Highlight Reel Mainstay

Image source: youtube.com

When looking at the competition at the collegiate level of football, many scribes have argued that players from the college ranks play with more passion than those who reach the pros. Among those exceptional collegiate players, only a few make it regularly to the highlight reel. Clinton Portis was such a player.

Portis was a high school phenom. At Gainesville High School, he rushed over 2,000 yards, making him a most coveted blue-chip rookie by most of the popular universities across the United States of America. He was also one of the top athletes in track and field in school. It was the Miami Hurricanes that got lucky enough to bring him in.

Image source: stateoftheu.com

Without a doubt, it was his speed that was uncanny, as he split the defense apart with his lightning moves, which were fortunately captured by a lot of cameras. As a freshman in 1999, he carried 27 times for 147 yards, a number which was typical of more tenured players in the league. On that year, he even made a record-setting 73-yard touchdown in a game that Miami won over Georgia Tech.

He built a stellar career with the Hurricanes where he rushed for a total of 2,523 yards (4th most of all time) on 440 carries (8th most of all time). Easily, he was a shoo-in to the NFL, where the Denver Broncos picked him in 2002.

Portis continues to inspire younger generations of Hurricanes, who truly look up to him as they sustain the Hurricane legacy. Portis simply shined like no other.

For more interesting reads on the Miami Hurricanes, follow this Twitter page for Patrick Dwyer, a financial advisor.

National Parks To Visit With Children

When school's out for the summer, kids take that as a signal to have fun; but that doesn't mean learning has to end. A family trip to some of the country's most beautiful national parks can still be enjoyable while providing children (and the adults) unique opportunities for learning. And while all of America's parks have something to recommend, there are a couple of standouts that are great for the entire family.

Image source:wikipedia.org

On top of the list is Grand Canyon National Park where the orange-red rocks and deep crevasses are jaw-droppingly gorgeous.It should be noted that while it's possible to go to a lookout point and see the canyon, the national park is best fully experienced through a hike, mule ride, or a smooth water raft trip for the family to enjoy the site's amazing geology.

Another "grand" location is Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. This, and its sister park, Yellowstone National Park, are perfect for camping. The Grand Teton has beautiful mountain views, an 80-foot waterfall, and clear blue lakes. Children will enjoy moose, bison, and pronghorn sightings, as well as rappelling activities, among others.

About five hours away from Yellowstone Park is the Mount Rushmore National Memorial which is not only a monumental work of art but an unparalleled teaching tool about American history.

And of course, there are the Everglades in Florida, an excellent spot for the family to learn about life in subtropical wetlands and maybe have some encounters with the diverse flora and fauna in living there.

Image source:wikipedia.org

These are just some of America's top national parks for families – all of the country's parks have breathtaking natural wonders and interesting man-made monuments that will appeal to all members of the family. But of course, to make sure that these parks remain as beautiful as they are now for the next generations to enjoy, all visitors, no matter what age, are enjoined to follow park rules and regulations.

Dwyer & Associates puts its support behind the protection and appreciation of the country's national parks. Follow this Twitter page to learn more.

Miami’s Warm Welcome For Mark Richt

Mark Richt came from the University of Miami and quarterbacked the team.Before coming back, though, he spent 14 years Florida State University as an offensive coordinator, while coaching quarterbacks under the leadership of Bobby Bowden. He then went to East Carolina U for a year, before his 15 years as head coach for the University of Georgia. But now, he’s back where he started, as the head coach of the University of Miami Hurricanes.?

Image source:sportingnews.com

As much as Richt loved returning home to his alma mater, fans of the Canes seemed to love it even more. Fans set the record of 40,000 season tickets sold, even before the first season of Richt.The strong numbers only showed how welcome Richt was to the Hurricane community.The Hurricane Club, which was the UM Athletic’s booster club took in record numbers in members and donations.

Image source:bleacherreport.net

It seemed only fitting that Richt would come back to Miami. Not only did he contribute to the University of Miami’s success when he was a student, he also came from Palm Beach County, where he finished high school. It was the ideal signing and ideal scenario for one of the U’s favorite sons, who people looked up to as a player and as a coach.

Patrick Dwyer is a financial advisor. He is also a huge fan of the Miami Hurricanes. For the latest updates on the Hurricanes, follow this Twitter page.

Crater Lake National Park: Home to the Earth’s Most Pristine Lake

The United States is home to national parks that display the wonders of nature. Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is a testament to this. The eruption of the volcano that used to be Mount Mazama now became what people know as Crater Lake.

There’s more to Crater Lake than being a volcano’s remnant. It is also the deepest lake in the U.S. with 1,949 feet at its deepest point. The lake is also Oregon’s pride as it is the only national park in the state.

Image source: Friendsofcraterlake.org

After the eruption, Native American tribes particularly the Klamaths revered the lake and considered it a site of worship. It is believed that only those with wisdom and strength will witness the lake’s pristine waters. Though the park is covered with snow eight times a year, the lake doesn’t freeze completely. This gives visitors a chance to witness the sights such as the pinnacles, islands, and rock formations along with the clear blue waters.

The majestic site has a lot of viewpoints that visitors can enjoy. It is also a great place to go hiking and camping. Families and groups can enjoy the Cleetwood Cove Trail and Wizard Island. Adventurous souls can also try to swim or go kayaking in the pristine lake with its icy waters for a full experience.

Image source: Oceanlight.com

Visiting national parks like Crater Lake is a must for those who want to appreciate the beauty of nature. As the environment experiences a steady decline due to damages caused by many factors, it is important for people to realize that preserving places like this is a must. Perhaps a day or two exploring one of these awe-inspiring sights is enough to help a person value and care for nature.

Dwyer and Associates supports the preservation of National Parks in the U.S. Learn more about the country’s natural marvels when you visit this blog.

The Top 2017 Nfl Draft Prospects From Miami Hurricanes

With the 2017 NFL draft fast approaching, every team is looking to fill their roster or select prospects who can help their chances at championships.  Among the draft class are Miami Hurricanes alumni who are looking to start a memorable professional football career.

Image source: sun-sentinel.com

Here are the top prospects coming out of University of Miami:

Brad Kaaya

The 21-year-old quarterback helped the Miami Hurricanes improve every year he was with the team. When Kaaya was a freshman, he immediately became the starter and led the team to a 6-7 win-loss record over the season.The next year, the team improved to 8-5.  Kaaya ended his collegiate career with a 9-4 record and a Russell Athletic Bowl win.

Currently, Kaaya is among the top ten quarterbacks of the rookie class and showed scouts his smooth footwork and efficient ball delivery, which can compensate for his relatively raw athleticism.There is a good chance he gets selected in the third round.

Image source: latimes.com

David Njoku

While there are questions about Kaaya’s speed and athleticism, those are few of the strengths of tight end David Njoku.  Throughout his two-year career with the Canes, Njoku’s freak athleticism had always been showcased.

If he could improve his catching ability (he had eight drops during his last season), he could create mismatches that the opponent’s defense would need to adjust to.  Right now, he is projected to be a late third or early fourth round pick.



Patrick Dwyer, a Financial Advisor  from Florida, is a supporter of the Miami Hurricanes.  Read more about the team by visiting this websit.

Fourth graders and their families can visit any National Park for free

To keep the younger generation busy and educated even when school is out, the National Parks Service offers free entrance to elementary school students throughout the United States.

Image source: nps.gov

Fourth graders and their family members are given free admission to all of US national parks for the whole year. This means that current fourth graders who are moving on as fifth graders can still take advantage of the free admission even during summer. However, third graders who will be entering fourth grade when the next school year starts will have to wait for school to start to get their own passes. 

This is still part of the ongoing campaign “Every Kid in a Park,” where young Americans can enjoy ancient dwellings, as well as the historical and natural view of the United States even when they are on a break. Not only will it serve as an educational trip, because students and their families can enjoy leisure time without having to spend a lot on trip. Students and their families can choose parks that are close to home, or they can move across states to explore new culture and heights. 

Educators, fourth graders, and parents of fourth graders can visit the official website of the Na-tional Parks Service to get passes. 

Image source: nps.gov

Dwyer and Associates believes in the preservation of US National Parks. Learn the latest about National Parks when you follow this blog.

The All-Time Best Coaches In Canes' Football Program

The success of the Miami Hurricanes football program for much of the past decades can be attributed to topnotch coaching. Some of the best coaches to have helmed the Canes are the following:

Image source:floridahistorynetwork.com

Jimmy Johnson

Best known for leading the Dallas Cowboys to two consecutive Super Bowl titles in 1993 and 1994, Jimmy Johnson coached the Hurricanes from 1984 to 1988 before heading to the professional league. And during those years, University of Miami were perennial contenders, even winning the NCAA Division I title in 1987.

Howard Schnellenberger

Credited as the man who “built a fence around South Florida,” Howard Schnellenberger made sure that Miami’s homegrown football talents remained in the city, forming a Hurricanes dynasty in the 1980s. He also kept his word that he would bring a national championship to Miami when the Canes won its first ever in 1983.

Image source:howardschnellenberger.com

Larry Coker

During the very first season that Larry Coker took over the coaching position from another all-time great coach Butch Davis, Coker led the Hurricanes to two titles: the 2001 national championship and the best college football team of all time. Unfortunately, when his players began to leave for the professional leagues, Coker found it difficult to lead the team back to another championship.

Financial advisor Patrick Dwyer follows the Miami Hurricanes’ sports teams. For more discussion about them, follow this Facebook page.