MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Mark Fletcher Jr. said he never even thought about sitting out Miami’s rivalry game against Florida State because he owed it to his father who would have wanted him on the field.
And it was no accident that he was Miami’s first touchdown of the game.
Fletcher, who scored a touchdown, ran for 71 yards, during the No. 6 Miami’s Saturday night 36-14 victory against Florida State, was informed of his father’s death during the week. Fletcher was down on his knees in the Hard Rock Stadium end zone before pointing to the sky.
“Just a shout out to my dad, giving him honor,” Fletcher said. Last time he was here the place was not this crowded he commented dubiously as he looked around. I know he would have loved this, making sure this energy out here, all the seats was taken up. I wish he could see it; yes, he would have enjoyed most of the video. So, I just did this for him.”
Fletcher’s dad who was familiar to everybody around the Miami program as “Big Mark” frequently attended practice. He would sit in the stands at either football or basketball games and chat to anyone and everyone with a personality that Miami football coach Mario Cristobal said was bigger than life.
“He’s got the best seat in the house going forward, looking from above,” said Cristobal of the decision. “I know he may be extremely happy with Mark.”
The only touch for Miami in that initial series was Fletcher and he began his night by making a 13yrds rush. His touchdown even had others on the Miami sideline pointing to the sky.
“This game was for him and his family,” Miami quarterback Cam Ward said of the Canes’ final game of the season. I don’t know what he is enduring away from the football pitch and there is nothing I wish on any man. He got the game ball and really he deserves it.”
The actual game was the tossing of the ball during presentation of the game in the locker room later. There were other deserving ones — Ward passed for 208 yards, Damien Martinez ran for 148 yards with two touches home and the team’s defense limited the Seminoles to 248 yards.
But teammates wanted the night to belong to Fletcher.
“It meant something very special to me,” said Fletcher. It just shows the brotherhood we have. I just played a good game, and I’m not even the one who had all the greatest stats, but they just showed that to me, to show how much they supported me. I don’t think I can be anything but appreciative.”
The Hurricanes are going into November having not been defeated since alongside 3 other teams — Clemson is 5-0, Miami and SMU 4-0, Pitt 3-0 — in Atlantic Coast Conference games and hosts Duke this coming Saturday. It will be another stressful days for Fletcher since services for the dead are expected to be held this coming week for his father.
”I’m staying strong,” Fletcher said. Looking at the game from Monday, I know my dad wanted me to come out here and ball out for him.” It’s just extra motivation. I love that man so much. He’s going to be so missed. But I’ve got to keep his legacy living on. I’m so happy I got his name. I’m so happy I got his name.”
