Students react to FIU's win over UM

Hundreds of FIU football fans gathered in the Graham Center pit on Monday to celebrate the football team’s historic win over the University of Miami.

“I feel like I’ve been in a dream since Saturday night,” said senior engineering major Shmuel Weinfeld. “I think everyone is walking a little prouder now at FIU. You used to see a lot of kids wearing other schools’ shirts and other apparel. I don’t think you’ll see that anymore.”

Students, faculty and staff, and alumni chanted “FIU!” while television reporters recorded the rally. President Mark B. Rosenberg, head coach Butch Davis and Student Government Association President Sabrina Rosell spoke to the crowd. The event was capped by a performance from the marching band, cheerleaders and dazzlers.

“I feel like we are more like a community,” said freshman Lauren Vicent. “Everyone is usually on the go, today though we are all here to celebrate.”

Saturday’s win over the Hurricanes marked the Panthers’ first victory over UM in football.

“It makes me a lot prouder to be a Panther. I feel like we’re so overshadowed in athletics by Miami, and I feel like maybe it’s changing. This feels so cool to be a part of, especially because we really are the true Miami university. We are bigger. A lot more local students. It’s a huge statement for this school,” said Evan Cullinan, a sophomore studying international business.