[Looking for Katie Meier's Russell Athletic/WBCA Coach of the Year post instead? Apologies, a bad link in our e-mail newsletter may have forwarded you here by mistake. -- e-V eds.]

In appreciation for their support of University of Miami athletics, head football coach Al Golden has invited UM employees and students to attend a spring practice session on Tuesday, March 29.

The practice, which will mark the Hurricanes’ seventh of the spring, will begin at 2:15 p.m. at the Greentree Practice Fields and is expected to last approximately three hours.

“The support we get from students and staff here at the University of Miami is vital to the success of our program,” Golden said. “This is an opportunity to give back to them and at the same time show them just how hard our student-athletes are working to bring back championship football.”

The open session will be the first opportunity to get an early look at the 2011 ’Canes. The first open scrimmage for the public is slated for Saturday, April 2 at Spanish River High School in Boca Raton.

UM employees and students who plan to attend practice on March 29 need to bring a valid ’Cane Card for admission. No video cameras will be allowed.

Gates to the Greentree Practice Fields will open at 1:45 p.m.

Employees interested in attending should obtain authorization from their supervisors.  Supervisors will work with employees on scheduling, where possible, while being protective of operations and customer service. Vacation or Floating Holiday time must be used to remain in pay status. University shuttles will run on the regular schedule; special transportation will not be provided.

To reserve season tickets for Miami’s upcoming 2011 season at Sun Life Stadium, visit HurricanesSports.com or contact the UM ticket office by calling 1-800-GO-CANES.