November 6, 2015

Dear University of Miami Community,

As we celebrate Alumni Weekend and Homecoming, we recognize that the Hurricanes football program represents a proud tradition of excellence and spirited competition spanning nine decades of talented and dedicated student-athletes who uphold a rich legacy that is considered a hallmark in intercollegiate athletics.

As one of the newest members of the U family, I was deeply touched by the passionate and hard-won victory of our team against Duke University last Saturday in North Carolina. This is a team that in recent days experienced great adversity. They came together in a united and inspired effort to face these challenges head on. Our student-athletes played their hearts out and won the game fairly with a spectacular play that showed their commitment to winning to the very final seconds.

In the aftermath of the controversy related to the officiating of the game against Duke, I wish to express my disappointment with statements that question the legitimacy of our victory. Let me be clear: Both teams fought hard and at the highest levels of competition, and in the end the University of Miami won.

The extraordinary resilience of our Hurricanes football team is a resounding affirmation of the value of college sports in shaping not just winners but leaders. The more than 400 student-athletes who wear the Orange and Green with distinction bring together our University community and the greater community that supports our teams year after year.

The University of Miami family stands proudly behind these young men and celebrates their hard-earned win.

Go ’Canes!

Julio Frenk