The Daily Nole

The Daily Nole — Nov. 21, 2016: FSU Legend Monk Bonasorte Dies of Cancer

FSU athletics

It’s Monday, Florida State fans. Hopefully, you all have a short work week, but we’ll do our part to keep you updated on what you need to know about FSU athletics leading up to Thanksgiving and into Saturday’s rivalry contest against Florida. The news and notes section of this post will be updated throughout the day.

Lead Story

The thrill of Florida State’s 45-14 victory over Syracuse on Saturday was short-lived as many in the athletic department learned late Saturday and early Sunday of the passing of Monk Bonasorte to brain cancer at the age of 59.

“I am heart-broken to share the news that Monk has passed,” said Athletic Director Stan Wilcox. “Monk was a loyal, dependable giant of an athletics administrator who’s hard work and dedication to Florida State and Florida State athletics extended into the larger FSU and collegiate athletics communities.”

A safety for the Seminoles from 1977-80, Bonasorte was one of the best defensive backs ever to don the garnet and gold. A number of former Seminoles have paid tribute to Bonasorte on social media Sunday. Following a 19-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, former FSU and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ quarterback Jameis Winston dedicated the victory to Bonasorte.

Bonasorte finished his career with 15 total picks, which was the most in FSU history for 11 years until it was eclipsed by Terrell Buckley. Bonasorte was a 2-time All-American at FSU and was inducted into the school’s athletic Hall of Fame in 1995. Bonasorte’s eight interceptions in 1979 is tied for the second most at FSU in a single season with Curt Campbell and Tarvarus McFadden, who tied that mark on Saturday.

“Nobody cared more about Florida State University and its student-athletes than Monk,” said FSU head coach Jimbo Fisher. “He dedicated his life to Florida State University and was a pillar of strength for our football program during the last year. Monk was a tremendous administrator who I was lucky to work closely with from the time I arrived here.”

For the last nine years, Bonasorte has served as FSU’s senior associate athletic director. He leaves behind wife Beverly and two sons, Rocky and T.J. Rocky walked on at FSU as a wide receiver.

Between the Lines

FSU’s men’s basketball team improved to 4-0 with a 100-71 victory over Detroit Mercy in the NIT Season Tip-Off. Dwayne Bacon led the Seminoles with 22 points. Behind 17 points and eight rebounds from Shakayla Thomas, the FSU women beat James Madison on Sunday, 84-64. The FSU volleyball team won at Wake Forest in four sets, 25-18, 22-25, 25-20, 25-21. Milica Kubura led the Seminoles with 13 kills.

On the Agenda

There are no FSU athletic events scheduled for Monday.

News and Notes

FSU will open as an 8-point favorite over rival Florida.

Florida State running back Dalvin Cook, tackle Roderick Johnson and defensive end Brian Burns all received weekly recognition from the ACC. Cook was named Offensive Back of the Week, Johnson was named Offensive Lineman of the Week and Burns was ACC Rookie of the Week.

FSU’s men’s basketball team cracked the top 25 for the first time in more than four years on Monday. The Seminoles are ranked 25th in the AP Poll. FSU was not ranked in the USA Today Coaches Poll.

FSU will wear a special sticker on its helmets Saturday to remember Monk Bonasorte.

The FSU women’s basketball team moved up to No. 10 in this week’s AP Poll. The Seminoles went 2-1, beating Jacksonville and James Madison after narrowly losing to Connecticut.

FSU safeties A.J. Westbrook and Calvin Brewton are undergoing concussion protocol.

FSU fullback Freddie Stevenson has accepted an invitation to play in the Senior Bowl. The game takes place Jan. 28 in Mobile, Alabama.

Amid rumors of Jimbo Fisher possibly bolting to LSU, FSU president John Thrasher told the Tallahassee Democrat he believes his head football coach wants to stay.

FSU forward Jonathan Isaac was named the ACC Freshman of the Week after averaging 16 points, 7 rebounds and a steal in three games.

FSU running back Dalvin Cook was among three finalists for the Doak Walker Award. The award annually goes to the nation’s best running back.

What You May Have Missed From The Daily Nole

Seminoles Run Away From Titans, 100-71
FSU Continues Slow Climb in Traditional Polls
FSU-Syracuse: Game Balls
The Daily Nole — Nov. 20, 2016: Dalvin Cook Stands Alone

Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson

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