"It's a great honor to be a member of the Hall of Fame and to host the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame Golf Tournament," said host Richard "Rich" Mercier. "My time playing at the 'U' exceeded any expectations I had growing up. Being part of the Alumni has also been rewarding. It's "GREAT TO BE A MIAMI HURRICANE". I look forward to hosting the tournament and having your support for the UMSHoF."
"We are excited to once again partner with the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame for our annual golf tournament," UM Director of Athletics Blake James said. "With each passing year this event seems to get bigger and better. I encourage everyone who is part of the Hurricanes family to come out and enjoy what promises to be a great day."
"We are thrilled to be back at the newly-renovated Biltmore Golf Course," said UMSHoF Immediate Past President and Golf Chairperson, Tracy Kerdyk. "Every year our tournament gets bigger and better and this year will not be an exception as we expect another sell-out event. Our host Rich Mercier, along with other Hall of Fame athletes, will join our players for a day filled with great golf, lots of laughs and memorable times. Come join in the fun!"
Mercier, born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, was a four-year starter and football letterman on the Miami offensive line and was named First-Team All-American in 1999 by The Sporting News and Pro Football Weekly. A two-time All-Big East selection, "Rich" led UM in pancake blocks both his junior and senior seasons, playing every offensive down during those two years. He tied the then-school record for career starts at 48 and was invited to play in the Senior Bowl, Hula Bowl, East-West Shrine Game and the Florida Citrus All-Star Gridiron Classic. He was a fifth-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in the 2000 NFL Draft.
The golf tournament is scheduled for Friday, October 18th, the day before the Miami-Georgia Tech football game, and kicks off with registration and lunch at 10 a.m. followed by a 12 p.m. shotgun start on the 18 holes at the luxurious Biltmore Golf Course. An awards dinner featuring live and silent auctions, will follow in one of the Biltmore Hotel's ballrooms.
Corporate teams of four golfers are available for $1500. Sponsorships are available. Visit CanesGolf.com or call the UM Sports Hall of Fame at 305-284-2775 to inquire about your company becoming a sponsor.