Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza's historic win ripples through hometown

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza led the Hoosiers to a 27-21 national championship win on Jan. 19, and his success prompted watch parties and celebrations in his Miami hometown.

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza led Indiana to a 27-21 victory over the University of Miami in the college football national championship on Jan. 19. The win delivered the Hoosiers their first national title and completed a perfect season. Mendoza and his brother Alberto both graduated from Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, a school attended by several Miami players and coaches. The game drew attention across their Westchester neighborhood, where residents, students and alumni gathered to watch and celebrate. Key details: - Indiana defeated Miami 27-21 on Jan. 19, securing the Hoosiers' first national title and a perfect season. - Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy in November and is reported as the first Cuban-American to receive that award. - Mendoza and his brother Alberto are alumni of Christopher Columbus High School in Miami; coach Mario Cristobal and other Miami staff and players also attended that school. - Watch parties and outdoor screenings at Columbus High School and other local gatherings showed strong community interest in the game. - Mendoza graduated Columbus with a 5.2 grade point average and has spoken about discipline, faith and inspiring younger student athletes. Summary: The championship win amplified local pride in Miami and focused renewed attention on Mendoza's path from a Miami high school to national prominence. Undetermined at this time.