RedHawk future looks promising
Michael Cohen
Issue date: 4/28/09 Section: Sports
As we take a look at Miami University athletics for the past year, one cannot help but be enthused about the year to come. It's been an excellent year for many RedHawk teams, and others have given this university hope in their sport for the next season.
The Miami RedHawk football team had a dismal year in 2008. Following a 34-13 drubbing at the hands of Vanderbilt in Oxford, Miami would only muster two wins all season, one of which was against FCS opponent, Charleston Southern. Miami did not just lose games - they were blown away on several occasions. The 54-21 loss against Kent State and the 42-14 loss versus Toledo were prime examples of how far the 'Hawks had fallen since the MAC Championship game in 2007.
But a new year brings a new team, and this season a new coach. Michael Haywood has brought a new intensity to the football team, and Miami will look to reap the benefits in September. With an emphasis on work ethic and every position being up for grabs, the best player will play in Haywood's system. And with competition should come a new breed of RedHawks. Do not expect to see the same Miami team Sept. 5 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. Miami may not win the Rumble at the River, but they will be competitive. The MAC should be on notice.
A team that will look to build off its successful year is the Red and White basketball squad. Selected to compete hard in the MAC, Miami had a chance to win the conference the last day of the season. But after losing Kenny Hayes and Eric Pollitz, the fact that this team was able to finish above .500 made this season victorious. And while Miami will miss Pollitz, along with MAC player of the year Michael Bramos and senior captain Tyler Dierkers, a strong recruiting class coupled with the emergence of Adam Fletcher and the return of Kenny Hayes should give Miami another chance to finish above .500 and look for a postseason nod.
Success has already come to the men's hockey team, and Miami will look to build on their rise to national prominence by defending their Frozen Four appearance next season. For those who still felt Miami had something to prove on the chessboard of the national hockey scene, I say checkmate. This team, after graduating as much talent as any school in the nation, followed up its quarterfinal appearance with a shot at this year's National Championship. While Miami ended the season as the No. 2 hockey team in the nation, any expert in the sport has to give Miami serious contention for the No.1 spot next year. And while Miami has not necessarily been given high recruiting marks, there may not be a team in the nation that has had more success with an entire class. If that happens next season, it's Frozen Four or bust for this team.
The Miami RedHawk football team had a dismal year in 2008. Following a 34-13 drubbing at the hands of Vanderbilt in Oxford, Miami would only muster two wins all season, one of which was against FCS opponent, Charleston Southern. Miami did not just lose games - they were blown away on several occasions. The 54-21 loss against Kent State and the 42-14 loss versus Toledo were prime examples of how far the 'Hawks had fallen since the MAC Championship game in 2007.
But a new year brings a new team, and this season a new coach. Michael Haywood has brought a new intensity to the football team, and Miami will look to reap the benefits in September. With an emphasis on work ethic and every position being up for grabs, the best player will play in Haywood's system. And with competition should come a new breed of RedHawks. Do not expect to see the same Miami team Sept. 5 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. Miami may not win the Rumble at the River, but they will be competitive. The MAC should be on notice.
A team that will look to build off its successful year is the Red and White basketball squad. Selected to compete hard in the MAC, Miami had a chance to win the conference the last day of the season. But after losing Kenny Hayes and Eric Pollitz, the fact that this team was able to finish above .500 made this season victorious. And while Miami will miss Pollitz, along with MAC player of the year Michael Bramos and senior captain Tyler Dierkers, a strong recruiting class coupled with the emergence of Adam Fletcher and the return of Kenny Hayes should give Miami another chance to finish above .500 and look for a postseason nod.
Success has already come to the men's hockey team, and Miami will look to build on their rise to national prominence by defending their Frozen Four appearance next season. For those who still felt Miami had something to prove on the chessboard of the national hockey scene, I say checkmate. This team, after graduating as much talent as any school in the nation, followed up its quarterfinal appearance with a shot at this year's National Championship. While Miami ended the season as the No. 2 hockey team in the nation, any expert in the sport has to give Miami serious contention for the No.1 spot next year. And while Miami has not necessarily been given high recruiting marks, there may not be a team in the nation that has had more success with an entire class. If that happens next season, it's Frozen Four or bust for this team.
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