APRIL 2012
Volume 5
Issue 6
www.Gatorcountry.com
SPRING SPORTS EDITION Where Are They Now? Gavin Dickey Gavin Dickey Then and Now
INSIDE
Baseball on a Budget Track wins NCAA indoor Orange and Blue Debut
Family Fun at the Ballpark
Events
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CEO www.gatorcountry.com Raymond Hines III
COO Bernadette King
CFO Raymond Hines, Jr
MANAGING EDITOR Mike Capshaw
STAFF WRITERS Thomas Goldkamp Adam Pincus Andrew Spivey Justin Wells
REPORTERS Allison Banko Sean Crawford Marisa Gottesman Phillip Heilman Sara Ladwig Drew Laing Chris Lee MaxMattern Thomas Morrell Elizabeth Rhodes Darby Underwood
PHOTOGRAPHERS Saj Guevara Wesley Rodriguez
CONTENTS
CEO Marc Douglass
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Lauren Douglass
COPY EDITOR Daniel Sulphin
ART DIRECTOR Daniel Tidbury
GRAPHIC DESIGN
swamp spotlight
06 Mud Dog to the Rescue For Gators 12 Where Are They Now? Gavin Dickey 18 The Will in the Florida Way 40 Sisterly Love 44 The Voice
On and off The Field FOR THE FAMILY 08 Stage Set for Orange and Blue Debut 14 2012 NFL Draft Preview 17 A Mutually Beneficial Relationship 20 Recruiting Notebook 21 Football Notebook 22 Swamp World 42 Cheering for Championships
11 Spring Sports Trivia 24 The Play Book: April Events 26 Q&A: Children, a Snow Blower and a Dog Named Boomer 27 Dear Fairy Gatormother 28 Mom Blog: No Kidding Around During the Big Game 30 Baseball on a Budget 34 Sun n’ Fun Family Destinations 36 Hook. Line. Sinker. Fishing Report 38 Gadgets for the Great Outdoors
Daniel Tidbury Lisa Torres Jane Dominguez
PROMOTIONS Amanda Liles Karen Jones Hilah Driggers Kristen Cokas
ACCOUNTING Lynsey Parrish
CIRCULATION Eddy Falla
SPECIAL PROJECTS Lauren Kolansky Daniel Sulphin
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Shane Howell (shane@whpinc.com)
ADVERTISING & SALES Shane Howell Bryan Porter Gator Country Magazine is brought to you by Gator Country Multimedia, Inc. and What’s Happening Publications, Inc. For advertising opportunities, please contact us at 352-371-5881 or sales@whpinc.com. Magazine subscriptions are available at www.gatorcountry.com For subsciption related questions or concerns, please call (800) 601-4623 or email folks@gatorcountry.com Connect with us: TheGatorCountry @GatorCountry
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GATOR COUNTRY | APR/2012
Fact: For Fall 2008, 7,553 single students lived on campus (4,346 female, 3,205 male.)
He said it first
By Mike Capshaw
Editor’s
Letter Regular readers of Gator Country magazine may notice a few recent changes that we hope will appeal to hardcore Gators and casual fans alike. After researching our online visitors, we’ve found that one in every three are female. That’s correct – women love Gator Country, too. However, women want – or so I’m told – their sports coverage in a little different way with less Xs and Os and more color, or what us writers like to call “painting a picture with words.” That said, we introduced a Mommy Blog and Family Affair feature last month. This month, we’ve reintroduced the Fairy Gatormother advice column. Because we now have proof that Gator Country reaches the entire family, we’re also adding regular family profiles on Gators fans that help compliment the Family Affair features. So there now are two family features – one on fans like this month’s visit with the Thompson family, and the other that will always highlight players or coaches that have some sort of sibling or other familyesque theme. Of course, there still will be the timeless features on all your favorite Gators players and coaches as well as timely content such as this month’s coverage of the Orange and Blue Debut or the NFL Draft. We haven’t forgot about our diehard Gators, either. That’s why another new installment is the “Where are they now?” feature and this month we caught up with former Florida two-sport standout Gavin Dickey. Expect our content to continue to evolve over the next few months as we have many more ideas we plan to implement in print in hopes of bringing every member of your Gator family the absolute best magazine in Gator Country.
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5
Mud Dog Barks Austin “Mud Dog” Maddox didn’t allow a run in his first 15.2 innings of work this season.
By Adam Pincus Photos by Saj Guevara
Mud Dog to the rescue for Gators Austin Maddox leads a talented Florida bullpen that may be among the best in the nation Brian Johnson created a monster. At 6-foot-3, Johnson looks like a specimen in his own right on the mound, but the junior gave Florida closer Austin Maddox the nickname “Mud Dog.” Maddox also plays innings in the field and gives the Gators an aggressive bat in the lower half of the lineup. Put Maddox on the rubber though, and Mud Dog’s bark is as loud as his bite. No one messes with Mud Dog. Mud Dog punishes his opponents with fireballs for fastballs and corkscrews for curveballs, causing batters’ hands to tremble and their knees to buckle. Try making contact on an 85 mph slider after seeing a 95 mph fastball whizz by the bat into the catcher’s glove, which didn’t even have to move at all. Maddox’s filthy stuff makes the Mud Dog moniker fit. The junior boasts a spotless ERA, hasn’t walked a batter all season and has 22 strikeouts in his 15.2 innings of work. 6
GATOR COUNTRY | APR/2012
As of March 12, he was second in the nation with six saves. Batters take notice. University of Miami felt first hand the wrath of Mud Dog on March 1. Maddox mowed down the Hurricanes with surgical-like precision for a 3.1 inning save, which secured the all-important Game 1 of Florida’s first road series this season. Coach Kevin O’Sullivan made the move to Maddox in the sixth after the Hurricanes cut a 7-2 Florida lead to 7-5. Maddox fell into an outof-this world trance filled with strikes and strikeouts. His seven strikeouts that night shattered his career high of three, but Maddox didn’t notice anything different about his special night. “That’s kind of how I feel every time I go out there on the mound,” Maddox said. “I’m aggressive. I am going to come right at you. I’m going to give you my best stuff. If I get beat, then at least I can live with myself at the end of the day.”
O’Sullivan brought Maddox into the game straight from first base where the junior started the game. Extended outings aren’t anything new for Maddox this season. “It’s something I’ve been kind of doing all year,” Maddox said. “Sully says I am not a one-inning guy. He goes to me whenever he feels the game is close and I have been doing my job.” Maddox isn’t the only reliever doing his job for Florida this season. Through 17 games, the Gators bullpen combined to go 9-1 with a 1.78 ERA. Florida won 14 in a row during that span, which matched the all-time school record. Senior Greg Larson and junior Steven Rodriguez help Mud Dog lead the bullpen. The right-hander Larson, an efficient stoic on the mound with an aggressive side, and the left-hander Steven “Paco” Rodriguez, a vocal team leader who doesn’t back down from anyone, have given Maddox a run for his money for best reliever on the team. Larson did one up on Maddox in Game 2 vs. Miami. He pitched 4.2 scoreless innings and retired all 14 batters he faced.
Rodriguez has his own highlights as well. After a commanding 9-2 victory at home vs. Florida State March 13 in which he pitched three perfect innings, Rodriguez shared the mindset of Florida’s bullpen. They believe no batter stands a chance. “You got to go out with that mentality every time,” Rodriguez said. “If not then don’t go out there if that’s not the mentality you have.” Florida’s younger relievers have followed suit, especially sophomores Daniel Gibson and Jonathon Crawford. Gibson sported a spotless ERA in eight innings of work and allowed only one walk after control issues his freshman season. Crawford filled in for injured Sunday starter Karsten Whitson dealing with an early-season arm issue and did quite well. His 19 strikeouts are second on Florida only to Maddox. While the combination of Maddox, Larson and Rodriguez makes up for 59 percent of Florida’s innings from the bullpen, O’Sullivan isn’t ready to say this relief corps is best he’s ever had in his five years at Florida.
Greg Larson, an imposing pitcher at 6-foot-8, retired all 14 batters he faced in order to beat Miami 13-5 on March 3 in Coral Gables, Fla.
Fact: UF is integrated with retirement community Oak Hammock, where students can work, complete internships in health sciences, and find mentors.
Mud Dog Barks
Steven Rodriguez pitched three perfect innings in a 9-2 home win against Florida State on March 13.
didn’t have a polished Maddox on the mound. He shifted his main focus to pitching and worked in the offseason on developing a slider and improving his changeup. The top-ranked Gators are months away from a possible third-straight trip to Omaha in June. It may be too early to tell whether this group of relievers can deliver the first national title in school history, but one thing is for certain: No one messes with Mud Dog.
Photos courtesy of UF Communications
Last season, Anthony DeSclafani, Nick Maronde and Tommy Toledo helped carry the Gators to the finals of last season’s College World Series in Omaha, Neb. “I don’t know,” O’Sullivan said. “Last year’s bullpen was awfully good. Maronde, DeSclafani, Toledo – it was really good. I think it’d be easier to answer that question at the end of the year. I don’t want to take anything away from last year’s bullpen, because it was really good.” The 2011 Florida bullpen
Greg Larson
Austin Maddox
Throws
Pitcher
Height Weight
RHP
Greg Larson
6-8
RHP
Austin Maddox
LHP
Steven Rodriguez
Steven Rodriguez Class
Hometown/School
235
Senior
Longwood, Fla./ Lake Brantley
6-3
235
Junior
Jacksonville, Fla./ Eagle’s View
6-2
235
Junior
Miami, Fla./ Gulliver Prep
Fact: UF posted a Graduation Success Rate of 82 percent in 2010 NCAA Federal Graduation Rate Data – three points above the national average.
GATOR COUNTRY | APR /2012
7
Do you Bleed Orange & Blue?
Stage set for
Orange and Blue Debut Annual spring game becoming almost as big of an event as an actual game
By Phillip Heilman Photos by Tim Casey Jeff Driskel warms up before last spring’s Orange and Blue Debut. He’s expected to battle Jacoby Brissett for the starting job this season. 8
GATOR COUNTRY | APR/2012
The Florida Gators begin their 2012 season in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium with the Orange and Blue Debut at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 7. The spring game is quickly becoming quite an event, even rivaling fall football games with the number of fans and former players in attendance. This year’s game will feature the first-team offense and second-team defense representing the Blue team and the second-team offense and first-team defense representing the Orange team. First-team offense will go against first-team defense. Second-team offense will go against second-team defense. Last season, the Blue team won a low-scoring contest 13–10, making it two consecutive victories for the Blue team, as it was also victorious 27–24 in 2010. Despite the recent success, it is the Orange team that leads the all-time “Orange vs. Blue” series 9–7. Last season, a plane toting a banner that read “31–7 GO NOLES” flew over the field, reminding Gators’ fans of the final score of the 2010 game between Florida and Florida State. Wonder if the plane will be back for this year’s game after the ‘Noles beat the
Gators 21–7 this past season? Unlike spring games Florida has had in recent years, this year’s game will be the first opportunity for fans to see the open competition the Gators will have at quarterback leading into the team’s season debut against Bowling Green on Saturday, Sept. 1. Second-year head coach Will Muschamp will be joined by first-year offensive coordinator Brent Pease in evaluating whose arm the Gators’ offense will be entrusted to during the 2012 season. Sophomores Jacoby Brissett and Jeff Driskel are expected to compete opposite one another in the game. Along with the quarterback position, the Gators must also look to replace departures in the backfield and on the defensive side of the ball. For fans planning to make the trip to The Swamp on game day, the University of Florida campus is sure to be busy. The Florida football team’s spring game has reported an attendance of more than 50,000 fans for each game since 2007. In addition to the game, many other sporting activities will be taking place
Fact: The longest streak previously held between UF and UK Men’s Basketball was a three-game streak in 1987-1988.
Do you Bleed Orange & Blue? Who: Florida Gators football What: 2012 Orange and Blue Debut When: 1 p.m., Saturday, April 7 Where: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Florida Field Why: Game concludes spring practices and has been drawing about 50,000 fans in recent years. Televised on Sun Sports and broadcasted live on the Gator IMG Sports Network. Tickets can be purchased for $5 on the day of the event or in advance online at www.GatorZone.com/tickets. throughout the campus. The Pepsi Florida Relays will be at James G. Pressly Stadium at Percy Beard Track, the Gators’ baseball team will be hosting LSU at McKethan Stadium, and the Gators’ softball team will be taking on Ole Miss at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. With the added number of fans supporting Gators athletics, parking will be offered in a number of places. The O’Connell Center surface lot is reserved, but the O’Connell Center parking garage is available on a firstcome, first-serve basis. Parking also is available at the Commuter Lot, which is on Gale Lemerand Drive. Shuttles, free of charge, will be available to take fans from the Commuter Lot to the corner of Stadium Road and Lemerand Drive. Tickets, like parking, are available in a number of different places. Students, Gator Boosters, Alumni Association members and F Club members all receive free admission with valid ID cards. For all others, tickets are available on game day for $5 in the Gator Ticket Office
at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Ticket booths will be open on the West side near Gates 1 and 3, as well as near Gate 13. Gate 1 of the O’Connell Center will also be selling tickets. All ticket windows will open at 9 a.m. Fans can also buy tickets in advance at www.GatorZone.com/tickets. Gates 1–4, 7, 12 and 15 will be open for admission. Seating is first-come, first-serve. Similar to last season, the game will consist of four, 12-minute quarters with a running clock. To simulate a real twominute drill, the clock will stop in the final two minutes of each half. This is a change from the four, 10-minute quarters with a running clock only in the second half as seen under Urban Meyer. As tradition prior to each home game, the team will hold Gator Walk on the north side of the stadium before kickoff. For fans unable to be in attendance, the game will be aired live on Sun Sports and will be carried on the Gator IMG Sports Network. Sun Sports will also replay the broadcast on Sunday, April 8, during “Breakfast with the Gators” at 9.30 a.m.
Fact: The Olympic tradition for UF began in 1972 when track and field standout Ron Jourdan and swimmer Tim McKee competed for the United States.
Tim Tebow speaks to the crowd after being honored along with Steve Spurrier and Danny Wuerffel during last season’s spring game. The game usually draws its fair share of former Gators, including Ricky Nattiel, Fred Taylor and Brandon Spikes, among many others, last spring.
GATOR COUNTRY | APR /2012
9
We are the Orange & Blue
TITLETOWN GATOR cLUB was founded one year ago by the UF Alumni Association as the 100th gator club in the world. Officers and board members were chosen by a committee of the board of directors of UF Alumni Association. Our mission is to promote UF through scholarship funds, athletic teams, academic programs and fellowships.
In our first year we have grown to 4,100 members, as each Alumni Association member automatically becomes a Titletown Gator. Our membership drive last summer netted over 800 new members. We also have International Gator Day, where each club participates in a large public service project. Our first project was planting flowers, painting, and cleaning a fence at our local Boys & Girls Club. Approximately 20 members worked over 6 hours, and we were able to accomplish a lot. Our biggest event so far was having 390 people attend a luncheon and hear coach Will Muschamp speak at the Reitz Union on campus. We overcame limited parking and other challenges of having an event on campus, and thankfully, the event was a success. Other events in our first year included touring the president’s box, champions club, and weight and locker rooms in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, as well as spending an evening at the baseball park for a look at its facilities, and pizza party provided by Domino’s. Recently the club gave away 200 free tickets to the FSU-UF baseball game. We also had an event at the basketball practice facilities with the coaches speaking. Embers Grill put on a great social for the club a few months ago, which was enjoyed and well attended. More importantly, in our first year we have raised $10,000 in scholarships—mostly to Alachua County students enrolling in UF. As you can see, our club has had a very busy and successful first year, thanks to our board members’ hard work. We are now planning a larger Gator gathering on April 19, from 5-8 p.m. at Gainesville Raceway. For more info please visit titletowngators.com.
—William Strawn, President, TitleTown Gator club, Gainesville, Florida
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Bull Gator Sponsors: Town of Tioga, Rountree-Moore Auto Group and GatorCountry.com. Proceeds from the Gator Gathering support the Titletown Gator Club’s scholarship fund. 10 GATOR COUNTRY | APR/2012
Fact: The men’s indoor track and field and women’s tennis national championships led the 13 Gator athletic teams among the nation’s top 10 in 2010-11.
Spring Stumpers
Spring Sports Trivia By Chris Lee
9) Who has the most RBI (Runs Batted In) in Gators softball history?
A) Jeff Demps B) Bernard Williams C) John Capel D) Chris Rainey
A) Beth Farmer B) Rebecca Lowe C) Ali Crabb D) Chris Durstein
A) Emily Marino B) Francesca Enea C) Megan Bush D) Ashley Boone
2) Who has the indoor record for the longest throw in shot put?
6) Who has the highest batting average in Florida softball history?
10) Who posted the lowest ERA (Earned Run Average) in UF softball history?
A) Dwight Johnson B) Stipe Zunic C) Kemal Mesic D) Gray Horn
A) Aja Paculba B) Kim Waleszonia C) Kelsey Bruder D) Megan Bush
A) Chelsey Sakizzie B) Stephanie Brombacher C) Stacey Nelson D) Stacey Stevens
3) Who has the most points for a decathlon in Florida history?
7) Who has the most hits in UF softball history?
11) What Florida softball player has the most career saves?
A) Mike Morrison B) Kurt Lee C) Steffan Hommel D) Gray Horn
A) Ashley Boone B) Aja Paculba C) Francesca Enea D) Kim Waleszonia
A) Amanda Knowles B) Stephanie Brombacher C) Ensley Gammel D) Stacey Nelson
4) What woman has the Gators record for 8) What Florida softball player owns the best time in the steeplechase during the school’s home run record? the outdoor track season? A) Francesca Enea A) Genevieve LaCaze B) Lindsay Sundell C) Callie Cooper D) Stephanie Strasser
B) Megan Bush C) Lindsey Cameron D) Kelsey Bruder
12) What Gators pitchers recorded the most career strikeouts? A) Jenny Gladding B) Stephanie Brombacher C) Stacey Nelson D) Beth Dieter
Fact: The 2010-2011 season was the second time in the program’s history that Florida matched the league record for titles in a single season.
13) Who has the Gators’ record for best time in 100-yard freestyle in men’s swimming? A) Brad deBorde B) Shaune Fraser C) Ryan Lochte D) Brett Fraser
14) Who has the school’s men’s swimming record for best time in the 100-yard backstroke? A) Omar Pinzon B) Marco Loughran C) Ryan Lochte D) Matt Cole
15) What Florida women’s swimmer has the record for best time in the 50-yard freestyle? A) Shara Stafford B) Ellese Zalewski C) Dara Torres D) Sara Bateman
Answer Key:
5) Who has the record for best time in the 10,000 meters?
1–b, 2–c, 3–d, 4–a, 5–b, 6–c, 7–d, 8–a, 9–b, 10–c, 11–d, 12–a, 13–b, 14–c, 15–d
1) Who has the record for the fastest time in the 100 meters in UF history?
GATOR COUNTRY | APR /2012
11
Catching up Dickey played quarterback, running back and receiver for the Gators’ football team. Photo courtesy of UF Communications
Former two-sporter at UF finally hangs up baseball cleats for a career as a baseball scout
By Andrew Spivey
Where are they now?
Gavin Dickey
12 GATOR COUNTRY | APR/2012
“It makes getting a job easier with a Florida degree.” Gavin Dickey’s above quote is something many schools promise high school prospects, but few can deliver on it the way a degree from Florida does. It’s not a recruiting violation. It’s not like Florida coaches have jobs actually lined up for players after they graduate. No colleges do that. Once the player is gone and can no longer contribute to the business that is college football or baseball – or both in Dickey’s case – that high school kid has became a man and is on his own to make a future for himself in the eyes of most colleges. For athletes who also are students, they’re ready to tackle the real world when they stop carrying the ball and begin carrying that all-important piece of paper. “When I go into a job interview and people look at my resume and see I graduated from Florida they say, ‘’Wow,” Dickey said. “They look at me and say you have a great head on your shoulders if you can play two sports and graduate from the University of Florida.” Dickey, who starred in baseball and football for the Gators, is currently an amateur scout for the Houston Astros, covering south Texas. He makes a nice living doing something he loves to do. He previously worked during the offseason as a coach for an AAU baseball program in Atlanta and as a certified teacher, working with autistic children in his hometown of Tallahassee, Fla. He enjoys working with kids, and scouting gives Dickey that opportunity while being a major player in his favorite pastime. “I watch high school games, two-year college games and four-year college games, trying to find the best talent for the Houston Astros,” Dickey said. “I have a great job – I get paid to offer my opinion on a game I love.” Scouting was a way Dickey could stay around the game he loves and also use a lot of things he learned at Florida from his former coaches and the college experience that comes with juggling sports – two, in his case – with academics. “I use so much from my times at Florida,” Dickey said. “Since I was a two-sport athlete, I had to have good time management skills. I knew I could not waste any hours in the day. I had to have my priorities in line, so I use that in scouting a lot.”
Fact: The class with the largest number of students taught by one instructor in a single classroom is Theater Appreciation, which for fall 2000 had an enrollment of 654 students.
Catching up
As a baseball player, Dickey broke out during his junior season when he led UF in SEC play with a .322 batting average, six home runs, 19 RBIs and 17 runs scored. Photo courtesy of UF Communications
Former Florida football coach Urban Meyer taught Dickey to “always be confident in myself and to never let things around you affect you from doing your job.” As for former Gators baseball coach Pat McMahon, Dickey said he holds him in high regard as well. “He was one of the Top 5 men in my life,” Dickey said. “He taught me to be a quality individual and to be yourself in all situations – no matter what.” Scouting is all about finding the best players, so Dickey uses his time playing the game by comparing players he’s scouting to guys he played with or against. Dickey always has an eye on the basic fundamentals McMahon instilled in him as a player. “When I’m scouting, I look at a first baseman and say how does he compare to Matt Laporta or how does this guy compare to this guy,” Dickey said. “I pretty much use my days at Florida as a measuring stick for guys I’m watching.” Dickey graduated from
Lincoln High in Tallahassee where he won two state championships as a Parade All-American and five-star quarterback. He also helped lead his baseball team to the regional semifinals as a senior and state finals as a sophomore as a speedy centerfielder with power at the plate. After his career at Lincoln, Dickey signed with the Florida after being recruited for both sports by many of the nation’s top programs. “I choose the University of Florida because it’s a tremendous place and place that loves their athletics,” Dickey said. “You go from 90,000 screaming fans at the Swamp to screaming fans at McKethan Stadium.” Dickey lined up at quarterback, receiver and running back under Ron Zook and his final year with Meyer before focusing on baseball, where he became a 12th round selection by the Seattle Mariners in the 2006 MLB Amateur Draft.
“I really enjoyed playing football,” Dickey said. “I liked coach Zook and coach Meyer both but I realized that baseball was the sport for me after my redshirt junior year.” When Dickey arrived in Everett, Wash., for his first day of minor league baseball, he realized his college experience had prepared him for this moment. He wasn’t too shabby at baseball either, after leading the Gators in batting average and RBI as a junior. “My first day when I was out there I just felt more prepared then others because of playing at Florida,” Dickey said. “The SEC is the best conference in baseball and you see top notch players every game and play with great players. “I also felt like I was in great shape from playing both sports and I felt like that Micky Marrotti’s strength and conditioning program at Florida helped me with my strength and conditioning.” Dickey played professional
Fact: UF student-faculty ratio at University of Florida is 21:1, and the school has 40.7 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 students.
baseball with the Mariners and Braves until retiring from professional baseball last summer. He played six seasons and last suited up for the Mississippi Salt Dogs, an AA affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. “I had a quad injury that hurt me the year before last that I finally recovered from,” Dickey said. “and I was signed by the Braves and went to spring training with them, but was cut after they sent down. After being cut I had a chance to go back to the Indy league, but I thought to myself, ‘I’m 27-years old and it’s time to move on with my life and settle down.’” He landed a job with the Astros in late October and has never regretted any of his major life decisions, especially going to Florida. “Signing with Florida was the best decision I have ever made,” Dickey said. “Conversations and interviews are so much easier when they see I graduated from the University of Florida.” GATOR COUNTRY | APR /2012 13
Draft Forecast Florida’s Chris Rainey projects to be a second-or third-round selection. Photo by Tim Casey
By Andrew Spivey
2012 NFL Draft The 2012 NFL Draft is April 26-28 and will kickoff in primetime at 8 p.m. for the third consecutive year. Gator Country’s Andrew Spivey takes a crack at forecasting the first round while giving insight on the top Southeastern Conference players and Florida Gators expected to be selected during the three-day event.
Here’s how Spivey sees the first round shaking out: 1) Indianapolis Colts
With the recent release of quarterback Peyton Manning, it’s a certainty the Colts will take Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck with the first pick.
2) Washington Redskins
The Redskins traded picks with the St. Louis Rams and word is they will select Heisman trophy winner Robert Griffin III.
3) Minnesota Vikings
With a glaring hole at left tackle, this pick is a no brainer with the Vikings expected to take USC left tackle Matt Kalil.
6) St. Louis Rams
The Rams would love to pick up receiver Justin Blackmon as they have a need for receivers, but if he is gone look for them to choose LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne.
7) Jacksonville Jaguars
This pick seems simple as the Jaguars are looking for a pass rusher, but what defensive end will they take? I believe it’ll be either North Carolina’ Quinton Coples or South Carolina’s Melvin Ingram.
8) Miami Dolphins
Offense is something the Browns need, so the question is will they sign a receiver or running back? My guess is they will choose Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon.
The Dolphins are obliviously trying to sign Peyton Manning. If they do I look for them to choose Iowa offensive tackle Riley Reiff. If they whiff on Manning, look for them to take Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
9) Carolina Panthers
4) Cleveland Browns
Even though the Buccaneers have LaGarrette Blount it looks as if Tampa Bay is looking to add another running back, so they could choose Alabama’s Trent Richardson. If the Bucs decide to go in different direction, they could take LSU defensive back Morris Claiborne. 14 GATOR COUNTRY | APR/2012
Defensive line is the glaring hole for the Panthers and they have a few options with this pick. I look for them to take either Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe or North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples, if he’s still on the board.
10) Buffalo Bills
Again this pick is going to be on a defensive lineman as they need a pass rusher, but who will be left? The Bills should choose between South Carolina’s Melvin Ingram, North Carolina’s Quinton Coples and Alabama’s Courtney Upshaw.
11) Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are hoping Alabama running back Trent Richardson slips to the 11th pick. If Richardson isn’t available, the Chiefs will look for offensive line help and select either Iowa offensive tackle Riley Reiff, if he available, or they could simply pick a defensive player.
12) Seattle Seahawks
Linebacker is a position of need and the Seahawks could select Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly with this pick.
13) Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are looking to shore up their offensive line with this pick and Stanford offensive lineman Jonathan Martin looks to be a strong possibility.
Gators in the Draft With a small senior class, the University of Florida will not have as many players in the NFL draft as usual. Most draft experts believe the Gators could only have two players selected, and I have to agree with that. Here are the Gators’ players expected to be drafted: • Running back Chris Rainey – Most experts see the speedster going in the middle rounds, possibly even as high as a latesecond round selection. • Defensive tackle Jaye Howard – Projected as a possible 6th or 7th round pick, although his stock has been climbing in recent weeks.
Fact: Former Gator mentor Randy Reese, who served on three USA Olympic coaching staffs (1980, 1984, 1988).
Draft Forecast
14) Dallas Cowboys
20) Tennessee Titans
26) Houston Texans
30) San Francisco 49ers
15) Philadelphia Eagles
21) Cincinnati Bengals
27) New England Patriots
31) New England Patriots
Secondary is a major concern for the Cowboys and they may decide to go for a cornerback like North Alabama’s Janoris Jenkins or even a safety in Alabama’s Mark Barron.
The Eagles were near the bottom of the league in rush defense last year and they will look to use this pick on a defensive lineman. LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers and Memphis defensive tackle Dontari Poe are both possibilities.
16) New York Jets
The Jets are looking to take a Front 7 defensive player. If Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly is available, they could select him or Alabama’s Courtney Upshaw.
Defensive end and offensive line are both needs for the Titans. They could choose Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus or Stanford offensive lineman David DeCastro.
With their second pick in the first round the Bengals may look for an offensive lineman or defensive lineman. Fletcher Cox of Mississippi State and Cordy Glenn of Georgia are possibilities.
22) Cleveland Browns
Defense will be the topic of this pick. The Browns could select Nebraska linebacker Lavonte David or LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers.
23) Detroit Lions
Receiver is a position of need for the Texans to go alongside Andre Johnson. Baylor’s Kendall Wright and Georgia Tech’s Stephen Hill are both receivers to watch in this spot.
The Patriots need a defensive tackle in this draft and they will likely look at Kendall Reyes from Connecticut for this pick.
28) Green Bay Packers
A pass rusher is needed for the Packers and they could select Southern California defensive end Nick Perry or Clemson defensive end Andre Branch here.
29) Baltimore Ravens
Wisconsin center Peter Konz is a guy the Ravens really like and could end up being taken in this spot.
Offensive weapons are needed badly for the 49ers. They should use this pick for a receiver and Georgia Tech’s Stephen Hill is the most likely pick here, if he is available.
Secondary is another position of need for the Pats. North Alabama cornerback Janoris Jenkins is a guy the Patriots would like if he is available or Alabama safety Mark Barron.
32) New York Giants
Tight end and running back are both needs for the Super Bowl champs. Virginia Tech running back David Wilson or Stanford tight end Coby Fleener are both real possibilities for the final pick of the first round.
Cornerback is a big need for the Bengals. Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick and North Alabama cornerback Janoris Jenkins are both candidates.
The cornerback position is a huge need for the Lions. They would like for Alabama Other than Chris Rainey, defensive tackle Jaye Howard may be the only other Gators cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick to player drafted while teammates such as quarterback John Brantley could end up slip, but if he doesn’t, look for the signing as an undrafted free agent. Photo by Tim Casey Lions to select South Carolina cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
18) San Diego Chargers
24) Pittsburgh Steelers
17) Cincinnati Bengals
The Chargers could use this pick for an offensive lineman or defensive end as they have holes in those spots. Georgia offensive lineman Cordy Glenn and Southern California defensive end Nick Perry are both options.
19) Chicago Bears
Jay Cutler is lacking a receiver threat, so the Bears could take Notre Dame’s Michael Floyd or Baylor’s Kendall Wright.
After cutting linebacker James Farrior, the Steelers need a linebacker. Alabama’s Dont’a Hightower could be his replacement with this pick.
25) Denver Broncos
Defensive tackle is a position of need for the Broncos. Penn State’s Devon Still, Mississippi State’s Fletcher Co, and Michigan State’s Jerel Worthy are all possibilities.
Top 20 SEC Players
1) Alabama running back Trent Richardson 2) LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne 3) South Carolina defensive end Melvin Ingram With the domination of SEC football the 4) Alabama defensive end Courtney Upshaw past six years, it’s not surprising the 5) Alabama safety Mark Barron conference has many players drafted in 6) LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers the early rounds each season. This 7) Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick season’s draft is no exception. 8) Georgia offensive lineman Cordy Glenn Spivey ranks the Top 20 players coming 9) South Carolina cornerback Stephon Gilmore 10) Alabama linebacker Don’t’a Hightower out of the SEC in this draft class: Fact: Despite the Olympic boycott by several countries, a number of Gators still found their way to Moscow for the 1980 Olympics.
11) Mississippi State defensive tackle Fletcher Cox 12) LSU receiver Reuben Randle 13) South Carolina receiver Alshon Jeffery 14) Georgia tight end Orson Charles 15) Georgia cornerback Brandon Boykin 16) South Carolina safety Antonio Allen 17) Vanderbilt cornerback Casey Hayward 18) Arkansas receiver Joe Adams 19) Alabama defensive tackle Josh Chapman 20) Auburn offensive lineman Brandon Mosley GATOR COUNTRY | APR /2012 15
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gatorcountry.com
a Match made in the swamp
By Justin Wells Photos by Tim Casey
A Mutually Beneficial Relationship At the University of Florida, a strong football program continues to add plenty of speed to one of the top track & field teams in the country. Before getting down to the business at hand of his first press conference heading into spring practice on Mar. 13, Florida coach Will Muschamp took a moment to salute the latest accomplishments of Mike Holloway and the Florida Track & Field program. “[Congratulations] to our Men’s Indoor [Track] team,” Muschamp said following Florida’s pro day workout. “Three national championships in a row, [is] obviously very impressive.” There is a natural connection between football and track & field, as players at the skill positions (running backs, receivers and defensive backs) on the gridiron are often star sprinters and jumpers at the prep level, who typically continue to practice coming out of the blocks on the side in college. However, this pattern has proved to be especially true over the last three seasons, which have provided the UF Track & Field program with their most successful run in school history. On Mar. 10, Jeff Demps became the first three-time indoor sprint champion in nearly a quarter century when he edged Andrew Riley of Illinois by .01 seconds to capture his third consecutive NCAA title in the 60 meters. Heading into his final outdoor track season for
the Gators, Demps has already cemented his legacy as the greatest sprinter in Florida Track & Field history. “I was telling myself that no one in the country has worked harder than me,” Demps told reporters after capturing the 60m title. “That’s all I was telling myself, that I just wanted to come out there. Even if I didn’t have the best race, it will do.” Originally signed by Urban Meyer as a running back in the Class of 2008, Demps turned down the opportunity to go pro as a sprinter right out of high school after blazing a time of 10.01 seconds in the 100 meters at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials (quarterfinal round). The move by Demps to turn down immediate riches for an opportunity to compete in two sports for the Gators is one that appears to have worked out pretty well for both athlete and school. An immediate contributor as a freshman to the 2008 BCS National Championship squad, Demps completed his UF career with 2,470 yards on 367 carries (6.7 avg.) and 23 touchdowns. He currently stands as the eighth all-time rusher in UF history (one spot ahead of his backfield running mate, Chris Rainey). However, he was not the only athlete from the football team to contribute on
Jeff Demps
Frankie Hammond Jr
Hunter Joyer
Florida’s Two-Sport Trio NAME
FOOTBALL POSITION
Track Event
Jeff Demps
running back
60-meter dash
Frankie Hammond
receiver
high jump
Hunter Joyer
running back
shot put
the track this season. Receiver Frankie Hammond will actually complete his eligibility with the track & field squad this spring, while still having one more season to go with the Gators on the football field this coming fall. Although Hammond has struggled to find his niche as a pass-catcher for UF (13 receptions for 181 yards and no touchdowns in 2011), he does head into the spring listed at the top of the depth chart at the slot position for the Florida offense. Primarily a high jumper for the Gators, the highlight of Hammond’s indoor season this winter was a personal record of 7-3.25 (2.22 m), set at the Southeastern Conference Championships on Feb. 25. Hammond finished second in the event as Florida would go on to place second in the meet behind Arkansas. Meanwhile, freshman running back Hunter Joyer breaks the trend of skill players who run sprints on the track. While the 244-pound Joyer is noted for his impressive blend of size and speed, he actually excels at throwing the shot put during the spring. A two-time state champion at the prep level (2010 and 2011), Joyer only tossed the shot once during the indoor track season – placing fifth at the Gator Invitationals on
Fact: One thousand people can participate simultaneously in eight different recreational activities in the O’Connell Center, which seats 12,000 for concerts and other events.
Jan. 22 with a throw 48-1.75 (14.67 m) – he is expected to be a more regular contributor during the outdoor season as his football commitments will allow. Of course, finding the time to balance two sports – on top of a full course load in the classroom – is not always easy. Demps was allowed more leeway due to his elite status on the track, but for other athletes it can be considerably more difficult to reconcile the fact that football comes first – as they are on scholarship for that sport – while also trying to keep pace on the track. Running back Chris Rainey, who ran sprints for the Gators from 2009-11, did find the advantages in playing two sports at UF, however. “Track helped me with staying in shape,” Rainey said. “So when we ran a no-huddle [offense], I’d be way prepared for that. That’s the only thing different.” Undoubtedly, it’s unlikely that a two-sport athlete the caliber of Demps will come around anytime in the near future. However, as Muschamp continues to load up on elite athletes from the state of Florida, and beyond, the track & field program at UF figures to continue to benefit from competing alongside one of the top football teams in the country on a year-to-year basis. GATOR COUNTRY | APR /2012
17
Hard hitting Photo courtesy of UF Communications
Allie Will
Class: Junior Hometown: Boca Raton, Fla. High School: Keystone National Major: Social and Behavioral Sciences Notable: Was the No. 3 high school tennis prospect in the nation and helped the Gators land the No. 1 overall signing class in 2009, according to tennisrecruiting.net.
By Sara Ladwig
Florida junior Allie Will was two victories away from notching her 100th career singles win at press time. Photo by Saj Guevara
The Will in the Florida Way
Florida tennis All-American Allie Will plays with a competitive advantage 18 GATOR COUNTRY | APR/2012
There are many words that can be used to describe Florida’s Allie Will. Gator, tennis player, All-American and national champion are a few that come mind. The word that best describes Will is competitive. Whether it was in her youth days playing multiple sports or these days playing against the best tennis players the competition has to offer, Will has always had the desire to win. “It’s just me out there and I rely on myself and I liked that it was just me competing against one other person,” Will said. “I could see improvement almost every day that I played because as you hit so many balls, it’s so much easier to get better.” Will got involved in tennis by finding a racket in her garage and hitting tennis balls against the wall at the age of 10. She may have started tennis at a young age but there is no professional player that Will tries to emulate. Two of her favorites are Roger Federer and Sam Stosur. Federer due to “the way he carries himself” and “the person he is.” Will believes she plays the most like Stosur and loves to watch her play. Will is not the only athlete in the family. One of her biggest influences is her older brother, Danny, who played basketball and baseball. “I grew up watching him compete and he was such a role model to me because he was so mentally strong,” Will said. “If I could be half as good mentally as he is, then I would be a lot better tennis player than I am right now.” Will’s competitiveness has always been there, even when facing a pro like Andy Roddick. Will was a ball kid at his charity event in Boca Ratonm Fla., and she got to play a few points with Roddick. There was a challenge to return his serve and Will did not
Fact: In 12 Olympic games, former and current Gator athletes have laid claim to 91 medals, including 45 gold, 23 silver and 23 bronze.
Hard hitting
“I think in order to win another championship, we just have to keep fighting hard and keep practicing and keep that goal in mind every day. If we prepare and give it everything we have I don’t see why we wouldn’t be able to do it again but if it doesn’t happen, and we prepared as much as we could, then we have nothing to regret.” – UF tennis player Allie Will back down. Roddick offered to go easy on the 12-year-old, but she refused. Instead, she desired to have him hit it as hard as he could – and she was able to return it. Will remembered the event as an “exciting moment in my junior career.” Before coming to Florida, Will was the third-ranked girls player in the country. She won countless matches and even played with future Gators teammate Lauren Embree in a doubles tournament at the 2009 USTA Girls’ 18 National Championship, where they placed third. Will recalls visiting the campus. “I remember being with (UF coach) Roland (Thornqvist) and being with (UF athletic director) Mr. (Jeremy) Foley and they both said they loved to win,” she said. “and I’m a very competitive person, so winning is important to me and I knew they were striving for something great … I just wanted to be a part of this program because I knew they wanted to work hard and improve, and I knew that they could help me in lots of areas.” While Will has experienced numerous big matches, one that stands out was from the fall at the Riviera/ITA All-American Championships where she competed against Arizona State’s Jacqueline Cako and won her first collegiate grand slam. One thing that makes it noteworthy for Will was the fact that she has not always fared well against Cako.
This time, she finally came out on top. That feeling could not compare to Florida’s national championship last May. Although Will lost to Stanford’s Hilary Barte, nothing could match the sensation of Embree winning it for the orange and blue. “The feeling I had watching Lauren compete the way she did and fight at the end, there’s just no words to describe that feeling. It’ll go down as the best day of my life for sure,” Will said. There is more to Allie Will than just the ambitious tennis player. She loves playing all sports, especially basketball and football. She enjoys going to the beach and watching ESPN in her free time. She is an animal lover with a dog and a cat and loves spending time with her family, who are a major inspiration to her and the reason she is at Florida. For the Gators to repeat as champions, Will believes they must be mentally strong and focused. “I think in order to win another championship, we just have to keep fighting hard and keep practicing and keep that goal in mind every day,” she said. “If we prepare and give it everything we have I don’t see why we wouldn’t be able to do it again but if it doesn’t happen, and we prepared as much as we could, then we have nothing to regret.”
Fact: UF was awarded $518.8 million - more than all other Florida universities combined - in sponsored research in 2005-2006.
GATOR COUNTRY | APR /2012 19
looking ahead
Recruiting Notebook
By Andrew Spivey
Football landing commitments, making offers while basketball targets a big man The 2012 class for Florida began slowly, but the exact opposite has happened for the Gators as they chase Class of 2013 prospects. They have already racked in 10 verbal commitments. Six of those ten committed at a junior day event on Feb. 18 where more than 50 prospects were on campus to see the facilities and everything else the University of Florida has to offer. That day began when Belle Glade (Fla.) Glades Day running back Kelvin Taylor committed to Florida. Taylor gives the Gators the much-needed power back they have been looking for the past few years. Next up the Gators picked up a receiver in St. Petersburg (Fla.) Lakewood’s Rodney Adams. Adams is a 6-foot-1, 166-pounder who can stretch the field. Linebacker is also a position of need in the 2013 class and the Gators picked up two of those in Daytona Beach (Fla.) Mainland’s Quinton Powell and Crestview (Fla.) High’s Dillan Lawson. To end the day, Florida shored up its secondary with two big-time safeties in Bushnell (Fla.) South Sumter’s Keanu Neal and Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity Christian’s Nick Washington. Crescent City, Fla., defensive tackle Caleb Brantley, Winter Haven, Fla., running back Adam Lane, Tallahassee (Fla.) Lincoln linebacker James Hearns, and Jacksonville (Fla.) First Coast linebacker Daniel McMillan are the other four pledges, as of March 16.
20 GATOR COUNTRY | APR/2012
OFFERS, OFFERS AND MORE OFFERS
With about 15 spots still available for the 2013 class, the Florida coaching staff has been working the phones and offering top prospects. By my count, the Gators have already offered scholarships to 119 prospects. With spring practice underway Florida will look to bring in a number of those prospects to visit the Gainesville campus to check out the facilities, the academic center and to even watch practice. But the main purpose for the prospects’ visits are to simply build relationships with the coaching staff. Some of the top players expected in during practice include Jacksonville (Fla.) Bishop Kenny receiver Ahmad Fulwood, Jacksonville (Fla.) Sandalwood defensive end Demarcus Walker, Lithonia (Ga.) Martin Luther King offensive lineman Josh Outlaw, Marietta, Ga., offensive lineman Brandon Kublanow and Immokalee, Fla., cornerback Mackensie Alexander. Moving forward Florida is likely to take 4–5 offensive line prospects, 3–4 more receiver prospects, one quarterback, 2–3 defensive ends, two cornerbacks, one safety, one more defensive tackle and possibly another change of pace running back for the 2013 class.
Hoops Happenings
It’s no secret the Florida basketball team must sign a big man for the 2012 class to go along with the three guards the Gators have already signed. The Gators are desperately looking for a scoring big man and are right in the mix for two prospects. Henderson (Nev.) Findlay Prep forward Anthony Bennett is the top prospect still remaining on the board for this year’s class. The 6-foot-7, 230-pound Bennett was
scheduled to visit Gainesville for the Kentucky game, but had to postpone the visit. Bennett will now visit Florida sometime in March or April with his mother and AAU basketball coach. Bennett is down to Florida, Kentucky and UNLV. The Runnin’ Rebels are right down the road from his high school, but he has said the Southeastern Conference is where he would like to play. The second prospect to keep an eye on is Akron (Ohio) Brewster Academy forward Jakarr Sampson. The 6-foot-8, 220-pound Sampson is scheduled to visit Florida in April. Sampson has already visited Kansas and Baylor and is scheduled to visit St. John’s, Florida and Providence. Kansas is thought to be the leader for Sampson, but if he visits Florida anything can happen. Another prospect Florida has been trying to get in late with is Everett (Mass.) Tilton center Nerlens Noel. Noel recently changed classes from the 2013 class to the 2012 class. The 6-foot-10, 220-pound Noel has already visited Kentucky and Syracuse which are thought to be his favorites by most who have followed his recruitment. Noel is expected to visit Florida, Georgetown and North Carolina before making a decision though. Florida did recently pick up a commitment from 2013 Clermont (Fla.) Montverde Academy point guard Kasey Hill. Hill is a 6-foot-1, 160-pound guard that has long favored the Gators.
Above: Kelvin Taylor, the son of former NFL and Gators running back Fred Taylor, began a six-commitment day for Florida with his verbal pledge on Feb. 18. Photo by Tim Casey Fact: Overall, UF has won eight national titles since 2006.
looking ahead Jacoby Brissett tries to avoid a sack during last year’s loss against Florida State. Brissett will battle Jeff Driskel and Tyler Murphy for the starting quarterback job this spring. Photo by Tim Casey
By Thomas Goldkamp
Football Notebook Two coaches in, one player out heading into spring workouts Florida has had two coaching changes since the season ended, including bringing in a new offensive coordinator. The Gators hired former Boise State offensive coordinator Brent Pease to replace Charlie Weis, who left to become head coach at Kansas. Pease is expected to run a similar offense to the one Weis ran, with only some minor changes and additions expected. He will still continue to use two tight end sets, though his offense will use a traditional fullback less and require tight ends to motion into the backfield frequently as blockers. While he will coach the quarterbacks at Florida, he also has a background of coaching receivers, an area the Gators desperately need production from. Pease will likely have influence on that position group, helping Aubrey Hill mold someone in the current group into a go-to target. The other coaching change comes at the offensive line, where former Utah offensive line coach Tim Davis takes over for Frank Verducci. Davis has several ties to the Florida coaching staff, and he’ll be expected to help revamp a unit that has struggled the past two years.
Off the Field
The Gators have had a relatively quiet offseason so far, with only two arrests since the season ended. Redshirt sophomore defensive tackle Leon Orr was arrested on misdemeanor marijuana charges, while sophomore tight end A.C. Leonard was arrested and charged with simple domestic battery. Orr’s punishment will be handled internally, but Leonard was indefinitely suspended from the team by coach Will
Muschamp. That leaves the Gators with just two scholarship tight ends on the roster this spring, although they signed a pair of top-ranked tight ends in Ken Taylor and Colin Thompson this past February. In terms of injuries, sophomore cornerback Marcus Roberson is still recovering from the neck injury that sidelined him for the last three games of the 2011 season. He is unlikely to participate in spring practice. Junior Dominique Easley will also miss the spring with a torn ACL. Spring Practice Preview As coach Will Muschamp gets set for his second spring practice at Florida, there will be a few changes. While last year’s spring practices were more about installing the new schemes than anything, this year’s will focus on finding playmakers on offense. The biggest position battle to watch is the quarterback spot, where three players will battle to take over for two-year starter John Brantley. Redshirt freshman Jacoby Brissett seemed to have the early edge before Weis left, but it’s now a three-way battle between him, sophomore Jeff Driskel and redshirt sophomore Tyler Murphy.
Whoever ends up winning the quarterback battle will need a handful of players to step up around him. Aside from Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps, the Gators didn’t get much production out of their skill players last season.
Fact: Since the turn of the millennium, the best basketball program in the Southeastern Conference has been the Florida Gators.
With Rainey and Demps gone, the Gators enter the spring needing to find a few playmakers at running back. Expect Florida to try a handful of new players at running back this spring, including a defensive back or two. At receiver, the Gators have plenty of depth but little proven production. How much Pease can affect their development will be a key point to watch this spring. No matter what happens, Florida absolutely must get more production out of the position. The offensive line returns almost fully intact, with the Gators really only looking for someone to step into a starting role at left guard. Florida should have a veteran unit returning, but there is still development needed. On the defensive side of the ball, the starters are all but firmly entrenched for the Gators on a unit that returns just about everyone. Florida will have to replace defensive tackle Jaye Howard, but the entire linebacker corps returns intact. If Roberson misses the spring, the Gators will be looking for a second cornerback to step up opposite Jaylen Watkins. The rest of the defensive backfield is back for Florida.
For more Florida Gators football coverage, check out www.gatorcountry.com/football. GATOR COUNTRY | APR /2012 21
Gator files
Compiled by Mike Capshaw
BASEBALL A record crowd of 6,005 fans at McKethan Stadium watched No. 1 Florida match a school record with its 14th consecutive victory, a 9–2 win against No. 6 Florida State on March 13. As of this win, the Gators have been the top-ranked team in all the national polls since the preseason.
GOLF The men’s golf team was No. 23 in the Golfworld/Nike Golf coaches’ poll after tying for ninth in the SH Collegiate Masters in Las Vegas on the March 9–11 weekend. The women’s golf team put together a 10th-place finish in its last event, the 2012 Allstate Sugar Bowl Intercollegiate Championship in New Orleans on Feb. 28.
GYMNASTICS No. 1 Florida finished its regular season road schedule with a comefrom-behind victory at then-No. 6 Nebraska. The Gators’ only loss of the season — heading into its final regular season home meet against No. 6 Utah on March 16 — came at then-No. 6 Alabama on Feb. 3.
22 GATOR COUNTRY | APR/2012
Fact: If the Gator Nation were a nation recognized by the International Olympic Committee, it would have tied for 18th for total medals earned in the 2008 Games.
Gator files
LACROSSE The No. 5 Gators opened with a 6–2 record with their only losses coming at then-No. 3 North Carolina (11–9) on Feb. 11 and at home against then-No. 9 Syracuse (12–11 in double overtime) on March 3. They rebounded with a 12–9 win at Georgetown and a 20–3 blowout against Temple at home on March 10. The ALC tournament is scheduled for May 3–5 at Dizney Stadium in Gainesville.
SOFTBALL No. 4 Florida began the season with a 23–2 record and was 4–1 in SEC play heading into a home doubleheader against Chattanooga on March 14. The Gators won twice at Mississippi State before taking two of three games at SEC-East rival and then–No. 9 Tennessee on March 9–11.
SWIMMING & DIVING Sophomore Mike Lewark became the first male Florida diver in six years to earn a spot in the NCAA Championships after a third-place finish at the NCAA Zone B Regional competition March 5–7 in Auburn, Ala. Several Gators qualified for the men’s NCAA Championships, scheduled for March 22–24 in Seattle. The women’s swim team had nine Gators qualify for the NCAA Championships.
The men’s team opened SEC play with a 4–3 win against Tennessee and were in the Top 10 nationally before losing four of its next six matches. The No. 2 Gators women’s team won its 100th consecutive home match by beating Vanderbilt 6–1 on March 9 and followed it up with a 7–0 sweep against Kentucky, improving its overall home record against SEC opponents to an amazing 175–1.
TRACK & FIELD The Gators won their third consecutive NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championship in Nampa, Idaho, on March 10. Jeff Demps won the 60-meter dash for the third consecutive year while juniors Tony McQuay (400 meters) and Omar Cradduck (triple jump) took home individual titles in their respective events to help Florida edge runner-up Arkansas 52–47. Florida’s women came in ninth at the NCAA Indoor Championship, led by Brittany Harrell breaking the UF record for a sixth-place finish in the pentathlon.
Sports photos by Mike Capshaw, Tim Casey and Saj Guevara, Gator by turtlemom4bacon via Flickr.com
TENNIS
For the most recent stats and rankings, visit Gatorcountry.com Fact: In 1996, former women’s track and field standout Michelle Freeman took home a bronze in the 4x100 meter relay for Jamaica in the Centennial Olympiad.
GATOR COUNTRY | APR /2012 23
the Play Book
APRIL Track & Field Pepsi Florida Relays
April 11th
11.00am
Softball @ UCF
Summit E.T. Series @ Gainesville Raceway
7.00pm
1.00pm Orange & Blue Debut @ Gale Lemerand Drive Gainesville, FL 32611
1.00pm
April 4th
Women’s Golf @ Liz Murphey 1.00pm Collegiate Classic Verdant Earth and Teeming Seas: The Natural World in 1.00pm Ancient American Art Softball @ Georgia
1.00pm
6.00pm
Men’s Tennis Alabama
Softball @ FSU
1.00pm
April 5th
Lacrosse Penn State
1.30pm Baseball @ Ole Miss
2.00pm
7.30pm Baseball LSU
April 6th
1.00pm
April 12th Museum Nights @ Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art Gainesville, FL
Softball Ole Miss
4.00pm Baseball LSU
7.30 Faces, Voices, and Hearts – A Song for Haiti @ Santa Fe College Fine Arts Hall Theatre
April 8th
7.00 Gainesville Fashion Week – Music & Fashion @ Villa East, 301 North Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601
7.30pm Jazz Up the Spring @ Santa Fe College
April 13th 6.00pm Softball Auburn
12.00 Gainesville Fashion Week – Brunch & Trunk Show @ Villa East, 301 North Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601
1.00pm
April 16th
1.00pm
Women’s Tennis LSU Softball Ole Miss
Baseball @ Tennessee
5.00pm
Men’s Tennis@ Arkansas
Region 4: Transformation Through Imagination @ The Thomas Center
5.00pm Women’s Tennis Arkansas
Men’s Tennis @ LSU
April 14th
6.00pm Softball Ole Miss
April 9th
9.00am
April 3rd 11.00am
24 GATOR COUNTRY | APR/2012
Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival @ Downtown historic district of Gainesville
Gainesville Fashion Week – Gala for the Arts @ Villa East, 301 North Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601
2.00pm
Baseball @ North Florida
9.00am
2.00pm
April 2nd
Men’s Golf @ Gary Koch Invitational
April 15th
7.00pm
1.00pm
6.00pm
Gainesville Fashion Week Final Night of Runway @ Villa East, 301 North Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601
6.00pm
Track & Field Pepsi Florida Relays
Vanishing Points: Paint and Baseball LSU Paintings from the Debra and Dennis Scholl Collection April 7th @ Samuel P. Harn Gymnastics @ NCAA Museum of Art Regional Championships
Baseball @ Tennessee
Men’s Golf @ Gary Koch Invitational
Women’s Tennis @ Alabama
7.00pm
3.00pm 7.00pm
6.00pm
1.00pm
2.30pm
Hogtown Craft Beer Festival @ 4700 Southwest 58th Drive, Gainesville, FL 32608
Gainesville Fashion Week – Men’s Tennis South Carolina Red Carpet Opening Night @ 1.00pm Villa East, 301 North Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601 Softball Auburn
Lacrosse @ Johns Hopkins Football Orange & Blue Debut, Presented by Sunniland
April 1st
6.30pm
1.00pm
2.00pm
5.00pm Region 4: Transformation Through Imagination @ The Thomas Center
April 10th 6.00pm Baseball @ Florida State
Softball Auburn Baseball @ Tennessee
5.00pm Region 4: Transformation Through Imagination @ The Thomas Center
Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival @ Downtown historic district of Gainesville
April 17th
11.00am
Baseball Georgia Southern
Women’s Tennis @ South Carolina
April 18th
7.00pm
1.00pm
12.00pm Lacrosse Vanderbilt
Verdant Earth and Teeming Seas: The Natural World in Ancient American Art
Fact: Since 1968, 145 Gators and 13 Florida coaches have represented 34 countries.
April 19th
7.00pm
7.00pm
Women’s Tennis @ SEC Tournament – Day 1 of 4
Baseball Georgia
7.30pm
Baseball BethuneCookman
Men’s Tennis @ SEC Tournament
In Ten @ Santa Fe College Fine Arts Hall Theatre
April 26th Track & Field @ Drake Relays
April 22nd
April 27th
5pm Gator Gathering w/ Head Coach Will Muschamp @ Gainesville Raceway
7.30pm
Men’s Tennis @ SEC Tournament Women’s Tennis @ SEC Tournament – Day 4 of 4
Track & Field @ Drake Relays
5.00pm
Men’s Golf @ SEC Championship
Region 4: Transformation Through Imagination @ The Thomas Center
Women’s Golf @ SEC Championship
6.00pm
Women’s Tennis@ SEC Tournament – Day 2 of 4
Gymnastics @ NCAA Championships
7.00pm
Men’s Tennis @ SEC Tournament
3.00pm
April 28th
In Ten @ Santa Fe College Fine Arts Hall Theatre
April 20th
Men’s Golf @ SEC Championship Women’s Golf @ SEC Championship
Baseball Georgia
April 23rd
Softball Kentucky Baseball Arkansas
Track & Field @ Drake Relays
9.00am
7.30pm
Gymnastics @ NCAA Championships
Spring is for Singing @ Santa Fe College Fine Arts Hall Theatre
12.00pm
April 24th
36th Annual Pioneer Days @ High SpringsDowntown James Paul Park
1.00pm
11.00am
Softball Kentucky
Softball FIU
5.00pm
7.00pm
Softball LSU Baseball USF
36th Annual Pioneer Days @ High SpringsDowntown James Paul Park
7.30pm
12:00pm
AHDRA Florida Nitro Nationals @ Gainesville Raceway
4.00pm Softball FIU
6.30pm
Baseball Georgia
April 21st
Track & Field Tom Jones Memorial Classic Gymnastics @ NCAA Championships Men’s Tennis @ SEC Tournament Women’s Tennis @ SEC Tournament – Day 3 of 4 Women’s Golf @ SEC Championship
It’s always Gameday in Gainesville,
7.00pm Vanishing Points: Paint Baseball Arkansas and Paintings from the Debra and Dennis Scholl Collection @ Samuel P. April 29th Harn Museum of Art 10.00am
7.00pm
only the venues change.
Softball Kentucky
Softball LSU
3.30pm
April 25th
Track & Field @ Drake Relays
Baseball Arkansas
1.00pm Verdant Earth and Teeming Seas: The Natural World in Ancient American Art
Men’s Golf @ SEC Championship
1.00pm Softball FIU
2.00pm Lacrosse @ Northwestern
Photos courtesy of UF Communications
Fact: Jourdan competed in the high jump, while McKee collected two silvers in Munich Olympic Games.
VisitGainesville.com GATOR COUNTRY | APR /2012 25
Start it Up
By Max Mattern
Florida played coach Amanda O’Leary’s alma mater on March 10 and beat Temple 20-3. Photo by Mike Capshaw
Children, a snow blower and a dog named Boomer Gator Country’s Max Mattern sat down with Gators lacrosse coach Amanda O’Leary, who left an established program at Yale to begin a new one at Florida nearly three years ago. In only the program’s second season last spring, O’Leary guided the Gators to an Elite Eight appearance in the ALC tournament, which will be hosted this year in Gainesville from May 3-5. After coaching at Yale for 14 years, what made you want to leave, or was it just the opportunity? I think it was the opportunity to be able to compete at the highest level. I had a great experience at Yale. I wouldn’t trade it in for anything, but the level of support and the ability to compete at the level that I wanted to coach at – well, Florida gives you that opportunity. They are going to provide you with everything you need to succeed and the onus is on you the coach to make that happen, and I appreciate that. As a coach, that’s the perfect opportunity that you could possibly have because obviously we have all the fiscal resources. Our student athletes are obviously treated really well. We have a great facility to call home, so all of the opportunities are afforded to our coaching staff and our student athletes. The onus is on us to make it work.
Why choose an inaugural program like UF at the time instead of one that was already established? Did you have any doubts?
that you are going to be able to be successful and be successful early on. You only get one shot at a first impression. You want to be able to put your best possible team on the field your first year, and I think we were able to do that.
Be honest when you say this, did the weather play in as a factor while choosing Florida?
Heck yeah (laughing)! Have you ever lived in Connecticut? I had an industrial snow blower, so that was the first thing I got rid of. After spending 14 years in Connecticut, it’s a beautiful state and we lived near the water. It was absolutely gorgeous, but I had had enough of my fill of snow, sleet, rain and ice. Certainly, the weather played a part.
How do you think the Gator fans compare to some of the fans up north, since they aren’t aware of all the rules of the game?
I think our fans are so incredibly unique because they will come out and support your team whether they know anything about it or not. They are just an incredibly supportive I think you always have doubts. You’re group. They are starting to learn the rules, always worried like are you going to be and they are starting to become more able to recruit kids to come to your school informed, but that’s not when you don’t have important. The fact that anything to show “I had a great experience at Yale. I them. We had nothing. wouldn’t trade it in for anything, but they are in the stands We had no facility. We the level of support and the ability to and cheering loudly and just talked about this compete at the level that I wanted to they’re enthusiastic, dream and you kind of coach at – well, Florida gives you that it makes a huge had to sell the sports opportunity. They are going to provide difference because that that already here and you with everything you need to succeed enthusiasm and that the successes of those and the onus is on you the coach to level of excitement programs. Across the make that happen, and I appreciate that.” creates … I can’t think board, the women’s – UF lacrosse coach Amanda O’Leary. of the word … Energy! It permeates on to the athletics here at field, to our players, to our coaching staff and Florida were the best of the best, so you you can’t ask for more than that from any fan kind of hope that you can follow suit. We base. Hopefully, that fan base will continue to got really lucky with our inaugural class. grow and expand, but right now, I think our I think they are a tremendous group of fans are just phenomenal and the best in players and people. It worked out, but you always have doubts early on. You are hoping the country, no doubt. 26 GATOR COUNTRY | APR/2012
So I’ve heard that you have two children, could you tell me a little about them? Madison, she is 16 and she goes to Oak Hall School. She plays volleyball, basketball and lacrosse. Her aspirations academically are to attend an Ivy League institution. My son Ryan is 11. He is in fifth grade at Oak Hall. He enjoys athletics, and he is a huge Gator fan. He is a good kid. He plays football, basketball and lacrosse.
I’ve been told that you bring your dog to practice, what’s his name?
My dog’s name is Boomer. He is a yellow lab mixed with some sort of hybrid Great Dane. He is a huge dog, but that’s why he can’t always come to practice. We are very dog friendly here. All the dogs that everybody brings have been known to get together at doggy daycare here on the soccer fields, not the lacrosse fields (laughing). We don’t want to ruin our lacrosse fields, I’m kidding I’m kidding (laughing). I would just say that we are dog friendly here.
*EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a small sample of the interview with UF lacrosse coach Amanda O’Leary. For the complete, unedited interview, go to: www.gatorcountry.com/other_sports/article/ lacrosse_qa_with_amanda_oleary/13792
Fact: UF made history in April 2007 by winning a consecutive national title in men’s basketball.
THAT’S YOUR OPINION
Dear Fairy Gatormother, My daughter is begging me for plastic surgery. To be honest, I’ve thought of having work done, too. Do you think it would be bad for me to have plastic surgery? Do you think I would be a bad mom to pay for some for my daughter?
Dear SELF-HATER Gator, Ah, to nip or to tuck, that is the question. It’s one of my two most asked about subjects. The other one is about cheating spouses, boyfriends and girlfriends, but that subject burns my Gator tail so badly that, coupled with my hot flashes, I can’t even go there! Though there are some specifics missing in your query (the age of your daughter, do you two want plastic surgery because of disfigurement due to illness/accident or is it because of self-loathing issues), I’ll make my thoughts on this short and sweet (like me). Any surgery brings the possibility of allergic reaction to the anesthesia, serious infection, botched surgery, etc. These heavy-duty risks certainly bear giving some thought to. If your daughter is under the age of 18 (or even 24) chances are she will not be mature or experienced enough to fully understand what I’m about to advise, and, so, a slice and dice should not be funded by you or anyone else for that matter. If plastic surgery is your chosen form of artful self expression in the way piercings and tats are, go for it. However, I’ve been swimmin’ ‘round this here swamp for a lotta’ years and I’d wager my season tickets that most folks opt for this type of surgery because they carry the deep-seated fear they are not good enough on some level(s) and whatever “enhancements” they choose will make them more likable, desirable, successful, etc. If you are certain beyond a shadow of a doubt that plastic surgery is the one and only thing it will truly take to
completely wash your fears away, then go for it. But if you have one moment’s hesitation, perhaps consider the teachings of the Japanese aesthetic wabi-sabi. Stemming from Taoism and Zen Buddhism, wabi (honoring the simple and unpretentious) sabi (beauty comes with age and much use) is predicated on the three realities: nothing lasts, nothing is finished and nothing is perfect. Self-hater Gator, think of images you’ve seen of imperfect people, places and animals that have stirred your emotions. The National Geographic shot of a wizened woman whose luminous eyes draw you in and make you wish you had onetenth her wisdom. She will not last, but her contributions to her community will. The picture of a family smiling and embracing in the middle of total destruction because they’ve found each other alive after a tsunami or act of terrorism – it makes you wish we showed each other this kind of love every day. Their lives and communities are not finished. They will be rebuilt. The millions of photos of any animal who will forever carry the visible scars of abuse who make you wish your spirit was as unbreakable. These gentle souls are not housed in perfect bodies and yet can still be loved – perfectly. Now, you and your daughter go stand in front of a mirror. Are you two really that imperfect after all? My bet is that you are staring at the most beautiful images of perfection that you both will ever see.
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75 Disclaimer: Fairy Gatormother is not a certified mental health professional other than in the most ironic sense of the term. Her “advice,” like life, is intended for entertainment purposes only, and should not be followed slavishly or even taken seriously, unless that feels right, in which case you are living your life according to the diktats of an anonymous Internet pseudonym. Think about that. If you’re seeking advice from the Fairy Gatormother, then please email gatormother@gatorcountry.com.
Fact: The Gators lead the SEC in team titles and Academic All-SEC recipients.
nd
frEE Wifi
Oaks Mall Plaza
offer valid until 4/30/12
t service!
Oaks Mall Plaza
(352) 333-0303 6763 W. Newberry Rd.
(in Oaks Mall Plaza behind Starbucks)
M-F 9-7 • Sat 9-6 • Sun 11-4 GATOR COUNTRY | APR /2012 27
MOMMY DEAREST
No kidding around during the big game Keep kids occupied, so you can keep watching
By Renee Gork March is a special time of year. Yes, it happens to be the month I was married, but March is special for one big fat reason that any sports-loving human being can agree upon: MARCH MADNESS. During the first two rounds of the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament, our television rarely turns off, and never changes channels. Living with a three- and a five-year old can make this love for the game difficult sometimes. However, as a mother and a sports nut, I have come up with some really easy and fun ways to keep your little guys and gals occupied during March Madness, or any other sporting event you are passionate about, which in our house, is just about every single one. First of all, make sure your children are dressed in their team’s colors. It makes them feel like a “real fan” and they can relate to the fans on TV as well as their team. Secondly, assign a player to your child. It can be your kids’ favorite player, or if 28 GATOR COUNTRY | APR/2012
they don’t know the names of the players on the team, pick out a player who is scoring machine for your little person to watch. By doing this, your child will be much more interested in the match up and can even record stats for their player, if they’re old enough to count and write numbers. Perhaps other families are coming over to watch the big game. OK, fine, just make sure to suggest the above ideas to ALL the kids at the watch party. While planning on food and drink for the party, make sure to think of the kids and what kinds of foods are easy for them to eat and what snacks appeal to their palates. Avoid extra messy foods, or you’ll end up missing key moments cleaning messes. Sometimes making a snack tray for “kids only” will make the watch party fun because they can feel like part of the celebration – rather than a distraction. Now that the food and attire are taken care of, next up is crafts. Yes, crafts.
Not every short-attentionspanned youngster can watch two hours or more of a game. And some, believe it or not, are not into sports at all. For those sad, sad parents, I know it’s got to be difficult. You love sports – your child loathes it. Who knows, there’s still hope. They may wake up tomorrow doing the Gator Chomp. In the meantime, set up an area where children can be supervised, but are out of the main room where adults are watching the game. Provide markers, crayons, glue, stickers, paper, glitter or anything else the kiddos can use to make some fun sporty crafts. The easiest is a banner or a sign. Tell the children to decorate their banner or sign with their favorite team’s colors and/or favorite player’s name and number. Once they have completed their signs, let them showcase their work to the adults who can vote on best one – during commercials, of course. Winners get a small prize.
Because you already have all the arts and crafts out, add some old magazines to the mix. Give the kids child safe scissors and tell them to cut out pictures of objects, people, places, etc., which have their favorite team’s colors in them. When their sports team collage is finished, each one can get up during halftime to explain what their work of art means. To make it competitive, each adult can give it a score from 1–10. The child who gets the most points will be the winner of yet another small prize. If little hands begin getting too sticky and full of glue and glitter, perhaps have the children turn their attention back to the television for a bit for an interactive game of Commercial Counting. Normally kids and adults for that matter don’t like commercials, but I can think of one super sporting event when commercials can bowl over viewers as much and sometimes more than the game itself.
Fact: UF has a total undergraduate enrollment of 32,660, with a gender distribution of 45.0 percent male students and 55.0 percent female students.
MOMMY DEAREST
Assign each child an object such as an animal, food, object, car, plant, person or whatever and every time they see their object on the screen, they get a point. The kiddo who gets the most points by a predetermined amount of time – like a quarter or half – wins a small prize, of course. There is a theme here isn’t there? PRIZES. Another game kids can play while watching the game is Team Bingo. Simply spread around a few bingo cards and each time a child sees a player’s number, they fill that square on their card. The first bingo youth who yells the magic word “BINGO!” wins, receiving a small prize. It may seem like a lot of things to do just to watch a game, but when you are passionate sports fan and mother, it is well worth a little planning and creativity to entertain the children and most importantly, be able to watch the game without too many major distractions.
If all else fails and none of these tricks work, just say the heck with hit and hire a babysitter. The sitter can man the kid zone, fix the kids’ food, help with the arts and crafts, run all the games – and help with the clean up while he or she is at it. Either way, the sporting event of choice gets watched and the kids are taken care of. Mission accomplished.
Renee Gork is a mother of two and the Student Experiences Coordinator for the Division of Multimedia Properties at the College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida. Follow Renee on Twitter @rgork or contact her by email at rgork@wruf. com with any questions or comments.
Fact: The Shands family of hospitals and programs includes two teaching hospitals, two specialty hospitals, a network of outpatient rehabilitation centers and two home-health agencies.
GATOR COUNTRY | APR /2012 29
Family fun
By Mike Capshaw Photos by Mike Capshaw
Baseball on a budget family fun that won’t break the bank
30 GATOR COUNTRY | APR/2012
Fact: In the 1984 Olympic Games, if UF were a nation, it would have finished second as a country to the USA in swimming and 14th overall among the 140 competing countries.
Fact: Three-time Olympian and former UF track and field athlete Steve Mesler competed in the 2010 Winter Olympic Games as a member of the US four-man bobsled team.
GATOR COUNTRY | APR /2012 31
Family fun
Melissa Thompson is a typical stay-at-home mom raising three growing boys. She clips coupons. She looks for family deals at local restaurants and weekend getaways. She does it all in the name of saving money and saving her family from another boring Saturday in front of the television. When one of her boys brought home a ticket to a Florida Gators baseball game he had won for good grades, Melissa instantly worried about the cost of toting the rest of the family of five along for the trip. They live in Lake City, so gas is a major factor. There’s food – snacks, maybe even a meal. Add in the price of admission to see the No. 1 team in the nation, and it could total up to a whole lot of do-re-mi. “That’s why we didn’t come before,” said Melissa. “I was like, ‘Oh, no. It’s going to be expensive,’ but it certainly hasn’t been.” Never having been to a Gators baseball game, they had no idea what four extra tickets would cost. “They told us the price and even the
Gators baseball players meet fans and sign autographs as part of Family Fun Day.
nice, reserved tickets are $10,” Melissa said. “We were like, ‘Oh, well, we can swing any of that.” Of course, the Thompsons took the more conservative route, opting for general admission tickets for $4 each, or only $16 total. “If we went to the movies, it’d be $50,” said Matt Thompson, who works as an electrician. The three sandy-blond-haired, blueeyed boys enjoyed the game way more than any ol’ movie. Ten-year-old Noah brought his glove. Eight-year-old Levi intently watched every play and 13-year-old Christian took pictures with his camera. The long lens really wasn’t needed too much because their seats weren’t too many
The Thompsons, from left, Christian, Matt, Noah, Levi and Melissa. They made the trip from Lake City to see a Florida Gators game in person for the first time.
32 GATOR COUNTRY | APR/2012
Fact: In 1976, McKee and nine other UF athletes traveled to Montreal and again McKee came away with another silver medal.
Family fun
Albert high-fives a young fan during the Florida baseball team’s non-conference series against Florida Gulf Coast.
rows up behind the Gators third-base dugout. Not bad for $4 seats. They did it all as a family and, more importantly, without breaking the budget. “We got snacks and getting in and gas, we maybe haven’t even spent $100 yet,” Melissa said. “I was definitely scared coming down here. When you have a bigger family
and mom doesn’t work, you have to be careful with money, but you’ve still got to find different things you can do as a family.” The Thompsons are life-long Floridians. Matt went to Columbia High in Lake City and Melissa went to Suwannee High in Live Oak. They’re happily raising a family of boys who love Gators sports and play baseball, football and soccer. They go swimming at the springs, the river and the pool at their house. “We also like to go fishing, too, at the flats, the Suwannee River, Santé Fe River and local lakes like Alligator Lake,” Matt said. “And we just started hunting,” one of the boys chimed in. “That’s right. We just passed our hunter’s safety course just this morning,” Dad said. Dad said he enjoyed the baseball game, as did the whole family. They caught then-No. 1 Florida’s 8-3 win against Florida Gulf Coast on Saturday, March 10. They saw future professional players such as Brian Johnson, Mike Zunino, Nolan Fontana and Josh Tobias, who even stole home when the FGCU catcher failed to call timeout on a visit to the mound. They watched the best team in the country win its 12th-straight game. They watched a team that has only improved since finishing runner-up in last season’s College World Series. A foul ball was hit into their section, but it didn’t find its way into Noah’s glove for a souvenir.
Fact: Former UF women’s swimming coach Mitch Ivey, who won a silver medal in 1968 and a bronze medal in 1972, served as an assistant coach on the 1988 team.
Oh well. There’s always next time. “The boys want to come back to the game tomorrow. They want to come to the game next week,” Melissa said. “They definitely want to come back, so we’ll definitely be back.” However, the next trip may be on a Sunday instead of a Saturday. Sundays are when the Gators host Family Fun Day at McKeihan Stadium with kids getting to go onto the field to meet their favorite players before the game, and have them sign autographs after the game. Not bad for the price of admission.
Baseball Bargain Single game ticket prices at McKethan Stadium, so a family of four can get into the game for as little as $16 or as much as $40. General Admission – $4 Reserved Grandstand Bleacher – $6 Reserved Chairbacks – $8 Reserved Box Seats – $10 GATOR COUNTRY | APR /2012 33
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14620 Perdido Key Drive, Suite 200, Perdido Key FL, 850.637.7245, condorsailingadventures.com
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the office, Condor Sailing Adventures provides guests with salty air, warm breezes, playful dolphins and an ocean sail on a rare, ocean-racing, 40-foot Condor Trimaran. Due to the size of the boat, there is no leaning involved, meaning there won’t be the typical rolling sailboat-motion, thus, no seasickness! Stretched out upon the large, roomy trampolines, guests can sit back and enjoy the ocean sounds and the wind in the sails.
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Condor Sailing Adventures ,PENSACOLA $$$ A relaxing afternoon with the family and leagues from
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Wild Adventures, VALDOSTA $$$ Located in Southern Georgia, Wild Adventures is an easy
day trip from Florida. The nearly 200-acre park has plenty of lodging options nearby and features eight mind-blowing coasters, including the wooden roller coaster, The Cheetah. The price of admission also gets you into the massive Splash Island water park. Wild Adventures is home to hundreds of intriguing creatures for a glance into the wilderness. Between the lions, tigers, bears, lorikeets, iguanas and cockatoos, it’s a big journey at a fair price. 3766 Old Clyattville Road, Valdosta GA 31601, 229.219.7080, wildadventures.com
Miller’s Marine and Suwannee Houseboats, SUWANNEE $$$$$ For a more relaxing alternative to the chaos of theme
parks and zoos, climb aboard a 44-foot houseboat and cast your cares adrift along the Suwannee River. Miller’s Houseboats offers houseboat rental by the day, weekend or the week. The boats are stable in the water and easy to steer and control. Miller’s trains guests with a careful warm-up cruise. The houseboat is fully equipped for comfortable living, relaxing and floating, and sleeps six to eight adults comfortably. Up to 10 people can be accommodated. The kitchen is fully equipped with everything you need to live and dine. 90 SE 910th Avenuee, Suwannee FL 32692, 352.542.7349, suwanneehouseboats.com
Price Range Guide: for each event for an average family of four 0-50: $ 300-600: $$$$ 50-100: $$ 600-1000: $$$$$ 100-300: $$$ 1000+: $$$$$$
Wild Waters, SILVER SPRINGS $$$ For a beach experience in the middle of Florida, Wild
Waters provides a variety of water-based activities for all ages and swim levels. Guests can ride the surf in its 450,000-gallon wave pool or crash the twists and turns of Osceola’s Revenge, Bunyan’s Bend and Mini Monster water slides. For some real adventure, guests can attempt the three-story-high Hurricane or 220-foot-long Silver Bullet speed flumes. For the younger guests, Wild Waters provides the Cool Kids Cove, a multi-level fun zone, and the shallow waters of the Tad Pool. 5656 E. Silver Springs Boulevard, Silver Springs FL 34488, 352.236.2121, wildwaterspark.com
The Devil’s Millhopper, Gainesville $ Once rumored to be a gateway to Hell, the Devil’s Millhopper
sinkhole now exists as the main feature at a quiet park and nature trail. A wooden stairway of over 200 steps leads down into 150-foot limestone sinkhole to a viewing platform at the bottom where visitors can view 12 springs and a diversity of plant species, some of which are not native to the region. Supposedly, the sinkhole earned its devilish name because the water flows into the “bowels” of the Earth, and that millions of fossils were once strewn on the bottom. Bring cash, as park fees are paid on the honor system in a box at the entrance. 4732 Millhopper Rd, Gainesville FL 32653, 352.955.2008 devilsmillhopper.com
34 GATOR COUNTRY | APR/2012
Fact: The school has well-regarded graduate programs through the engineering school, Hough Graduate School of Business, Levin College of Law, and the College of Medicine.
FAMILY DESTINATIONS
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With spring slowly fleeting and summer on the cusp, dreams of vacation weigh heavy on the mind. For most parents, these much-needed getaways are usually frustrating to map out, due to the seemingly endless amount of details to be considered. To alleviate some of that stress, throughout the summer Gator Country will be listing what we consider to be the best vacation spots for your buck. This month, we eye the North Florida/Southern Georgia region.
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By Daniel Sutphin
Adventure Landing, JACKSONVILLE BEACH $$$ When no one can decide on a single activity, Adventure
Island and Shipwreck Island Water Park are perfect for an inexpensive afternoon with the family. The park features go-karts, two 18-hole miniature golf courses, laser tag, a video and game arcade, the Wacky Worm roller coaster, the Frog Hopper, a flight simulator, batting cages and a variety of food services and snack bars. With over five million visitors since opening, the Jacksonville Beach Park can claim that Adventure Landing is the “Place to Play” for Florida families and visitors. 1944 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville Beach FL 32250, 904.246.4386, adventurelanding.com
Alligator Farm Zoological Park, ST. AUGUSTINE $$ Founded in 1893, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm is one
Cedar Key Marina Fishing Charter , CEDAR KEY $$$$$$ Cedar Key Marina and Hooked Up Charters offer
a family fishing charter for a three-night lodging stay with one offshore charter and one inshore charter for up to six people. The Cedar Key Marina also offers boat rentals, live and frozen bait, as well as tackle, and has a knowledgeable staff available for questions. 12780 State Road 24, Cedar Key FL 32625, 352.543.6148, cedarkeymarina.net & hookedupcharters.us
Tubing at Ichetucknee Springs State Park, FORT WHITE $ For a laid back, inexpensive afternoon with the family, tubing on the six-mile-long Ichetucknee River is a perfect getaway. The river runs beneath a shady canopy of trees before connecting to the Santa Fe River. The river’s year-round temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit makes it a great way to beat the heat. Due to its popularity in the summer, it is advised that you get there early on the weekends, because the park fills up quickly. Guests can picnic, snorkel, canoe, swim, hike, or just admire the wildlife. You can rent tubes, snorkeling and diving equipment from vendors surrounding the park.
12087 S.W. U.S. 27, Fort White FK 32038, 386.497.4690, floridastateparks.org/ichetuckneesprings
of Florida’s oldest zoological attractions. Over the years, the park has become more than an alligator farm, adding ostriches, crocodiles, Galapagos tortoises, a variety of monkeys and birds, and many other Florida species. A nature trail was added to the park in the late 1970s. The park has also added a roofed theater and an open amphitheater for presentations. 999 Anastasia Boulevard, St. Augustine FL 32080, 904.824.3337, alligatorfarm.us
Marine Discovery Center Dolphin Tour, NEW SMYRNA BEACH $$ You don’t have to spend your entire savings on an expensive
beach resort to get close to dolphins. Guided by Certified Florida Master Naturalists, MDC’s two-hour tour gives aquatic enthusiasts an close-up look at the Indian River Lagoon’s population of bottlenose dolphins and more. This diverse estuary system houses more than 4,000 species of plants and animals, including 35 listed as threatened or endangered. Osprey, pelicans, ibis, herons, roseate spoonbills and even bald eagles are often seen. In the estuary, bottlenose dolphins, manatees, numerous species of fish and sea turtles roam, providing guests with a new adventure every time.
520 Barracuda Boulevard, New Smyrna Beach FL 32169, 386.428.4828, marinediscoverycenter.org
Next Month: Off the path Adventures in Central Florida
Fact: Fresh Food Co., located in the Broward Dining Center, serves local fruits and vegetables for the benefit of product freshness and to support local commerce.
GATOR COUNTRY | APR /2012 35
Angling FOR A NIBBLE
Hook. Line. Sinker.
As of March 2012. Courtesy of Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. Lake Wauberg
Water levels are down two to three feet, but the State Park boat ramp is still usable. A recent electrofishing survey showed a very abundant bluegill and redear sunfish population. Most fish were within the maidencane grass edge. The water color was a productive green with a clarity reading of only 14 inches. A few largemouth bass were observed in this same habitat. This time of year larger fish will be deeper.
Lake Newnan
The prolonged drought in north central Florida has greatly influenced access to the fisheries at Newnans Lake. Access is currently only possible with small vessels that can be pushed off of their trailers. For
anglers that manage to reach the lake, be aware of tagged black crappies with rewards. If you catch a tagged crappie, call the FWC fisheries biologist number above to receive information on how to claim your reward.
Orange Lake
The prolonged drought in north central Florida has diminished access to the fisheries at Orange Lake. Orange Lake is completely inaccessible at the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Boat Ramp, and accessible only to airboats and boats with mud motors at the Heagy-Burry Boat Ramp.
Lake Santa Fe
During spring, the maidencane edge around this lake will be the cover targeted by the many bass
anglers that fish Santa Fe. As for black crappie, some anglers have found them in 18–20 feet of water by presenting minnows one to two feet off the bottom. This lake seems to fit a more reservoir-like approach to being fished successfully. Target the drop offs with jig-n-pig style rigs and bottom bouncing techniques, quite different from other Florida lakes. Windy conditions have been restricting anglers to the east side of the lake lately where calmer waters are found. A worst-case scenario, concerning windy conditions, for some has been to remain in the boat ramp canal and Melrose Bay where bream, catfish, and smaller crappie all have been caught.
Suwannee and Santa Fe Rivers Boaters should be extremely cautious on both rivers, as low water has made clearance over sand bars and other underwater hazards less certain.
The lower Suwannee River tidal creeks have been producing good catches of spotted sunfish and red drum. Locate panfish in deeper holes, typically on outside bends of the channel, and use small spinners tipped with shrimp. In both rivers, black bass (largemouth and Suwannee) have been feeding in preparation for the spring spawn. This season marks the traditional time of year to catch bigger fish; fish outer bends of either river for both types of bass with soft plastic baits in crayfish colors.
Rodman Reservoir
bass are caught from deep water along the river channel and Barge Canal in the Kenwood to Kirkpatrick Dam area. Outside bends in the river channel from Orange Springs to Cypress Bayou are also a good place to try for largemouth bass.
Upper St. Johns River and Lakes
All lakes should be productive, especially lakes Washington, Winder, and Poinsett. Anglers should focus on wind-protected areas, such as coves, behind or inside bulrush patches, and around grassy islands. Many anglers prefer to fish the back channels and sloughs within the riverine section between SR 520 west of Cocoa north to SR 46 northwest of Titusville, when water levels allow. Other river sections between lakes Winder and Poinsett, Washington and Sawgrass, and between Sawgrass and Hell ‘n Blazes should also be productive. Traditional methods for taking bass will work. Crappie can be found around vegetated areas, especially bulrushes, sheltered from the wind. The bulrush lines on the west side of Poinsett are known to be especially productive. Specks will also congregate in the deep bends of riverine sections upstream and downstream from lakes. Anglers should take fair numbers of fish by slow trolling artificials or by drifting with live minnows in the deeper, open water areas of lakes Poinsett, Winder, and Washington.
The spawning runs of the anadromous (living in salt water but spawning in fresh water) American and Hickory shad have commenced. The St. Johns River from Hatbill Park to Lake Harney is a historically Rodman Reservoir and big bass are synonymous during this time productive area for excellent catches. of year. Generally, the biggest A reservoir drawdown has lowered water levels seven feet below normal water level and will refill completely by April 15, 2012. Temporary boat ramps will be located at Kenwood Landing, Orange Springs, and Hog Valley where anglers can launch into the Barge Canal and river channel.
For the latest updates, visit myfwc.com. 36 GATOR COUNTRY | APR/2012
Fact: Former UF Men’s Track and Field coach Doug Brown, himself a veteran of three U.S. Olympic squads, joined the U.S. Track and Field staff in 1996.
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gear up!
By Daniel Sutphin
Travel Gear Gadgets for the Great Outdoors The Origami
As a parent, being outdoors and active requires a sturdy, durable stroller. With all the stresses already accompanying parenthood, the stroller shouldn’t be one of them. The Origami power-folding stroller opens and closes itself at the touch of a button. Built-in sensors detect when a child’s in the seat (so it’ll never fold by accident). Daytime running lights provide more visibility all the time, and pathway lights turn on automatically in low-light conditions. For power, generators in the rear wheels charge the Origami while you walk! $849.99 www.4moms.com
STERIPEN
Safety is always a top concern when camping, not only in regards to the people with you and your surroundings, but also with food and supplies. Sanitary water should also be a concern. In 48 seconds, Steripen’s germicidal UV light destroys over 99.9 percent of bacteria, viruses and protozoa. Ecofriendly, the SteriPEN’s integrated battery recharges via a micro USB port. $119.95 www.steripen.com/freedom
POWER HUNT HAIR DRYER
Tough and compact, the Power Hunt 12-volt hair dryer is convenient for any expedition. Boasting a 30 amp rating and the ability to produce 200 degrees Fahrenheit air temperatures, the Power Hunt hair dryer packs a lot of punch in an easy to use product. Connect the required Power Strip to a 12-volt battery, plug in the hair dryer, turn on the power and you are ready to use. $54.95 www.power-huntstore.com
38 GATOR COUNTRY | APR/2012
Fact: UF is one of three universities to be the first in the country to offer an Organic Agriculture undergraduate degree program.
gear up!
YETI Roadie 20
Outdoor adventures can quickly go sour if food is not kept properly. Some coolers, despite their taglines, can’t hold up in heavier conditions, or for that matter, any condition at all. Unlike most coolers, which are basically “disposable”, a YETI is built to last! The YETI Roadie has thicker walls, more than twice the insulation and a full-frame gasket. YETI is constructed of food-grade material, is dry ice compatible and UV resistant. $199.99 www.yeticoolers.com
POWER HUNT PNP 402A GRIDDLE
When traveling, it’s always easy to just hit a fast food joint. With Powerhunt’s PNP 402A Griddle, you can cook healthy meals in minutes. For breakfast, the level surface can be used to cook eggs, pancakes and more, while the sloped side can be used to drain grease from bacon, sausage or other meats. It requires the PowerHunt Power Strip PNP-100A to operate. $74.95 www.power-huntstore.com
Brunton Freedom Charger
Just because you’re camping doesn’t mean you have to completely unplug from the modern world. Despite its small size, Brunton’s Freedom Charger delivers plenty of energy. The charger collects and stores power from a vehicle, boat, computer or built-in solar panel, and transfers it to electronic devices. The water resistant charger is encased in a durable rubberized shell for further protection from even the toughest elements.
WAVEBOX
With spring in full swing and summer around the corner, it’s time to get active and get outdoors. The WaveBox portable microwave puts the power and convenience of the kitchen in a sleek case, anywhere you go. The reinforced casing and heavy-duty luggage handle give the WaveBox easy, one-handed portability. The removable AC cord and extra-long DC cables give you the option to power the WaveBox with a 12-volt battery or the in-vehicle power outlet. $349.30 www.thewavebox.com
Byer of Maine TriLite Wash Station
Sanitation is always important out in the wild, keeping clean however, is not the easiest of tasks. The TriLite Wash Station is a new camping accessory that combines the portability of Byer’s TRI leg engineering with a large cleaning station for your cooking pots and plate ware. Two deep basins allow you to wash your dishes on one side and rinse on the other. A mesh pocket in between holds clean, wet dishes so they dry quickly. The Thermoplastic urethanecoated polyester fabric has taped seams to ensure leak-proof water storage. $44.95 www.byerofmaine.com
$82.00 www.bruntonutdoor.com
12 Volt Power Strip PNP-100A
With so much technology available, camping has become far more advanced than its rustic perception. Powering this gear can often be an issue. With Power Hunt’s patented 12-volt power strip, technology strives even in the wilderness. Heavy-duty construction and unique power plugs supply up to 50 amps of high output current, which deliver more efficient power than lighter socket and inverter powered products. Power Hunt Power Strip PNP-100A is required to operate all Power Hunt series appliances. $31.19 www.power-huntstore.com
Fact: In 2002, UF began leading six other universities under a $15 million NASA grant to work on a variety of space-related research during a five-year period.
GATOR COUNTRY | APR /2012 39
Sister Act
Sisterly love By Max Mattern Photos by Mike Capshaw
How are you going to reach Gator fans? Photo by tim Casey
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Let us help your business or brand grow. 40 GATOR COUNTRY | APR/2012
Gators sisters Erin and Nicole Graziano debate everything from the size of their hometown to who’s better at lacrosse On Feb. 26, the Florida’s lacrosse team was easily dominating the Detroit Titans when the announcement of the Gators’ 17th goal caused fans to do a double take. “Goooooooooal by Erin Graziano! Assisted by Nicole Graziano!” the announcer said. This was no mistake. Erin, a redshirt sophomore, and Nicole, a freshman, are sisters on the Gators’ lacrosse team. They are from Mendham, N.J., and went to West Morris Mendham High School. Being sisters, their chemistry is prevalent – they undeniably have that sisterly quality. “I wouldn’t say it’s like a big town,” Nicole said, describing Mendham. “But it’s not really small.” As sisters do though, Erin interrupted. “It’s a tiny town – There’s like 5,000 people,” she said. “It’s a tiny town?” Nicole asked.
“Yes,” Erin replied. “I just said that. I said it wasn’t a big town but it was …” Nicole argued. “You said it wasn’t a tiny town.” Erin affirmed. The thought of two sisters from a small New Jersey town playing Division I lacrosse at Florida isn’t exactly the norm, but for the Grazianos, it’s life. Rewind to 2005 when Erin was in eighth grade and Nicole was a sixth grader. They had been playing softball when a new sport was forming at their middle school. “We were like ‘Oh, I guess we’ll try it out,’” Nicole said. “We figured we’d change something from softball ’cause softball wasn’t the most fun sport for us.” They ended up loving lacrosse so much that both continued to play into high school. Despite the newness of the program, by no means is Mendham an ordinary lacrosse
Fact: In terms of medals, no Olympiad can compare to the success enjoyed by Florida swimmers at the 1984 Games in Los Angeles.
Sister Act Nicole Graziano, left, committed to Florida during her junior year of high school while Erin Graziano spent a year at Syracuse, where she earned a medical redshirt, before transferring to UF. Photos courtesy of UF Communications
Erin Graziano
Class: Redshirt Sophomore Height: 5-foot-5 Major: Family, Youth and Community Sciences Notable: Was a 2009 U.S. Lacrosse All-American First-Team member. Also named to the SEC and ALC Academic Honor Rolls after last season.
Nicole Graziano
program. The Minutemen posted an 81–10 record from 2007–10 and even played for a state championship in 2010 under coach Jessica Shoulberg. “In our high school, Mendham lacrosse is pretty good I’d say,” Erin said. For the Grazianos, lacrosse is a family affair that goes beyond the two sisters. They have a brother and sister who is a high school senior and junior, respectively. They also have a brother in seventh grade and a sister in fourth grade, Nicole said. Erin quickly quipped, “Fifth grader.” “She is in fourth grade,” Nicole said. After a long pause … “Scratch that, she could be in fourth grade,” Erin said laughing. Nonetheless, both can agree that athletics, in particular lacrosse, are an important part of their family and they were the trendsetters. They would also agree that living 1,000 miles from their family isn’t the easiest obstacle to overcome. Their family can’t come down to all of their games because of obligations they have in Mendham, and Erin and Nicole can’t fly up to New Jersey whenever they want because of obligations they have in Gainesville. It’s tough for anybody but having your sister there with you helps. “We do get homesick which makes it nice to have her here for those times we miss our family,” Erin said. Being on the same team, they see each
other at least once a day. They don’t live with each other, so they don’t spend too much time together – And they enjoy it that way. When they’re back in Mendham, it’s a different story. “I would definitely say I get more … no offense,” Nicole said looking at Erin, “that I get more sick of her at home.” At home, sibling can get on each other’s nerves, but being in Gainesville isn’t the same as home. “No, I don’t get sick of her here,” they both said on two separate occasions to each other with “here” being the key word. What brought them to Gainesville is simple: Weather. But there’s a little more to it than that. “When I visited here I fell in love with the school and the whole idea of Florida lacrosse,” Erin said. “Mandy (Coach Amanda O’Leary) was really great and so was Erica (LaGrow). I just loved the idea of being a Florida Gator.” Playing at the collegiate level in lacrosse at a top school like Florida, they both have to stay extra dedicated to stay on track academically and athletically. Being the sisters that they are though, the two take time to laugh about the past and memories they have had together. “Nicole and I will almost just reminisce on funny times,” Erin said. “Sometimes I will be like ‘Nicole, do you remember when so-and-so happened?’”
Fact: David Zubero captured the lone Gator medal in the ‘80 Olympics as he swam his way to a bronze for Spain in the 100meter butterfly.
Class: Freshman Height: 5-foot-7 Major: Sociology Notable: Named an All-American and the No. 12 recruit in the nation by Inside Lacrosse Magazine as a senior. Also played soccer and ran indoor track.
“We just have a lot of inside jokes,” Nicole said with a smile. “We’d talk about things we did as kids like …” Little games we played.” Erin said. “Or imaginary friends …” Nicole said. They looked at each other and busted out laughing. From the moment you meet these two girls, one can’t help but notice that sisterly quality they have. That quality that no one knows how to describe, but everyone understands what it is. Whether that’s laughing with each other or laughing at each other. “Whenever I even look at Nicole she makes me laugh. Just seeing your face is funny to me,” Erin said trying to hold back her laugh. “Um, I don’t know if that’s a compliment or not, so I don’t know what to say about that,” Nicole said. Or whether it’s being modest with each other – as when debating who is better at lacrosse. “I would say her,” Nicole said, pointing at Erin. “But I would say Nicole,” Erin said, pointing at Nicole. There’s no better way to describe their relationship than sisterly love. GATOR COUNTRY | APR /2012 41
Ready? OK!
Cheering for Championships
Florida cheerleaders put in just as much work as other Gators athletes
By Justin Wells Photos by Tim Casey & Saj Guevara The University of Florida is home to one of the top athletic programs in the nation. From football in the fall to baseball and softball in the spring, the Gators have a number of teams that annually compete for Southeastern Conference and NCAA championships. However, few fans may realize that the cheerleaders who accompany many of these squads put in just as much work as the teams they urge on to victory. Led by coach Candi Richeson, now in her fifth year as the head of the Florida cheer program, the team is similar to other athletic programs on campus. Partial scholarships are awarded and team members are expected to commit about 20 hours a week to squad-related activities from July through May. As the spring winds down, a new year begins for the cheerleading squad. Tryouts are the beginning of the each May, as coaches and judges are tasked with the job of whittling down a group of 100-plus hopefuls looking to make the team into a squad of 30 or so cheerleaders who will lead the program for the next school year. “We begin tryouts on May 4th this year,” Richeson said. “The first day is an open clinic – there’s no judging involved. We want everyone to stunt with each other and get the nerves out.” The judging process begins in earnest the following day in an intensive process in which hopefuls go through a morning session (followed by a cut at noon), an afternoon session (followed by a cut at 3 p.m.) and an evening session in which the final cuts are made and the squad begins to take shape. Still, the tryouts aren’t over quite yet. On the final day of workouts, Richeson brings in five outside judges to grade the eventual team members on talent and skill. At that point, the cheerleaders are separated into the Blue squad (which 42 GATOR COUNTRY | APR/2012
consists of 6–8 male and female team members) and an Orange squad (which consists of 8–10 male and female team members). The Blue squad attends all home and away football games, along with men’s basketball and some gymnastics events, while the Orange squad makes appearances at all home football games, along with volleyball and women’s basketball contests and some gymnastics events as well. Once the team is set, all members earn partial scholarships from the program. “It varies from $400 to $1,000 a semester,” Richeson said. “The level of scholarship is determined by the dedication to the team and the length of the time they’ve spent on the squad. “Their uniform and travel expenses are covered by the school. The (University Athletic Association) takes real good care of them.” While identifying females to join the program isn’t too difficult – as many of the eventual team members have years of experience at the high school or All-Star (competitive) levels – the process for finding males can be a little bit more involved. “We get a diverse group of boys,” Richeson said. “Most have never cheered before. But most of them are athletes who want to be a part of a team at he Division I level. They can get that here.” According to Richeson, many of the males who join the cheerleading team have a background in a variety of sports, including (but not limited to) football, basketball, baseball, weightlifting and even judo. They are typically recruited on campus each year, allowing the cheerleading staff to meet two other requirements for male members of the team: finding guys who have already been admitted to school and also having a passion and enthusiasm for their school and the Gators.
“We want guys who are strong, athletic and coordinated,” Richeson said. “If they have those skills, it’s easy for us to teach them.” Once the teams are set, cheerleaders are expected to keep a busy schedule. Squad members spend plenty of time practicing, attending athletic events and representing the program and university in a number of functions and community outreach programs. Then, of course, there’s the whole matter of staying in tip-top shape during the season. Cheerleaders also head to the same facilities in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium where football players and athletes from other sports train as well. “We’re very blessed to have great strength trainers,” Richeson said. “[Former UF football player] Gary Beemer and Dean Hanson work with the team. The [squad] works out in the south end zone [facilities] twice a week.” There, in the Heavener Complex, the foundation is built for yet another championship team. As the Florida Gators continue to produce elite athletic programs on the national landscape, the cheerleading squad matches their pace, stride-for-stride.
Fact: University of Florida physicians at Shands are an official medical provider for NASA, serving as the medical support team for every launch and landing at the Kennedy Space Center.
join the fun
FAST FACTS For more information on the UF cheerleading program, visit Gatorzone: www.gatorzone.com/spirit/?squad=cheerleaders
Plenty of cheerleaders get their start at the youth level, either in cheerleading, dance and/or gymnastics. For information on a variety of programs in Gainesville (and surrounding areas) aimed at youths, check out the services offered by these organizations: • IndepenDance Studio: www.independancestudio.com • O2B Kids: www.02kids.com • Gainesville Gators Youth Athletic Association: www.ggyaa.com • Cameron Dancenter: www.camerondancenter.com • Florida TeamCheer AllStars: www.flateamcheer.com • Sun Country Sports: www.suncountrysports.com
Fact: Overall, UF has won a league-best eight national titles since 2006. The Gators lead the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in team titles and Academic All-SEC recipients.
GATOR COUNTRY | APR /2012 43
setting the mood Photo courtesy of UF Communications
Shortstop and vocal leader Cheyenne Coyle sparks the Florida softball team in more ways than one
Through 22 games, Cheyenne Coyle had only committed three errors while helping turn three double plays. Photo by Mike Capshaw
By Allison Banko
The Voice It was a cool February afternoon in Clearwater, Fla., Freshman Cheyenne Coyle slipped on her orange and blue jersey stitched with the No. 27 for the first time, penning the start of her collegiate career. Florida was kicking off its season against Marshall in the University of South Florida’s Wilson DeMarini Tournament – a competition set UF has made a comfortable season opener for the past three years. Coyle, the shortstop, was snuggled in
44 GATOR COUNTRY | APR/2012
the No. 8 hole for Florida’s offense. Crunching her cleats on the clay to come on deck for her first at-bat, the tone at the plate was set high – real high. Senior slugger and No. 7 batter Tiffany DeFelice rocketed a grand slam. Coyle began to freak out. After four Gators punched across the plate for Florida, it was Coyle’s turn to tackle her first at-bat in orange and blue. Marshall’s Andi Williamson stuck the
Cheyenne Coyle
Position: Shortstop Class: Sophomore Height: 5-foot-6 Hometown/ School: West Hills, Calif./Chatsworth Notable: Was a pitcher in high school, recording a 203 record with 150 strikeouts and a 0.93 ERA. Also won All-League honors on her high school’s volleyball team. Quotable: “People laugh at us all the time... When we’re driving around they point at us, and we’re like, ‘Yup. They’re definitely pointing at our helmets.’ It’s funny. It’s something that we can laugh at ourselves about.” – Cheyenne Coyle talking about her and her teammates riding around town on scooters with wildly decorated helmets.
freshman in a gooey situation with a pressure-inducing full count. The next pitch Williamson hurled to Coyle was a curveball, just outside the plate. She swung. The umpire ruled the ball as foul – barely. Florida coach Tim Walton gave the newbie a look she remembered as relaying a message of, “Oh, that was a close one.” Coyle said she doesn’t remember seeing the next pitch. She doesn’t even remember hitting it. But she knows she swung, and she swung hard. The then-freshman debuted at the plate with a homerun. “After that first at-bat, I definitely settled in a little,” Coyle said. “It was a lot easier after that.” The shortstop settled in indeed and mimicked more of the same. In her first two games for Florida, she registered a homer in each outing. Coyle, now in the midst of her sophomore season, hasn’t slowed down since her debut. While the West Hills, Calif., native has still been a weapon at the plate, dishing out homeruns like candy, she has also secured a spot as a key vocal leader on a one-senior team this season. Sole senior Michelle Moultrie attested to Coyle’s voice on and off the field and said the sophomore propels the team to a collective good mood from the get-go – and it all begins in left field. In true tradition, the players form a “pump up” circle prior to the first pitch to ready themselves for competition. During the squad’s Halloween practice, some of the
Fact: In the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, Mesler lead the United States to its first gold medal in the four-man bobsled event since 1948.
setting the mood Cheyenne Coyle shows her athleticism by leaping to make a catch on a high throw to second base. Photo by Rob Foldy
players opted to dress as their friends on the UF football team. Coyle chose 6-foot-3, 324-pound offensive lineman Jon Halapio. Halapio is known for doing a Hawaiian ritual dance, so in true holiday-spirit, Coyle did it in the middle of the circle that day, too. Her teammates loved it so much that they now coax her to do it before each game. That goofy spirit has crafted an environment where all the players feel ree being themselves. While Moultrie said Coyle was like that from Day 1, she said Coyle’s attitude has encouraged other players, no matter their ages, to follow suit. “She’s created an atmosphere (where) other people can feel comfortable being silly and open,” Moultrie said. Such an atmosphere is crystal clear when players are seen having fun riding their scooters around campus. Scooters are included in many athletes’ scholarships at UF as a means for transportation. While other athletes sport basic scooter looks, several softball players have opted to jazz up their helmets with everything from rhinestones and stickers to leopardprint duck tape. When Coyle was asked to describe her helmet décor, sophomore Hannah Rogers overheard and began to burst into laughter. The sophomore’s helmet is plastered not only with patterned tape, but also with a piece of braided wig. “People laugh at us all the time,” Coyle said. “When we’re driving around they point at us, and we’re like, ‘Yup. They’re definitely pointing at our helmets.’ It’s funny. It’s something that we can laugh at ourselves about.” For Coyle, there’s a time when she turns that goofiness off – the second she treads onto the diamond. “I’m so outgoing and bubbly, and then I get on the field and I’m like, ‘It’s go time,’” she said. However, Coyle’s voice isn’t silenced.
“I’m a little bit louder than most people,” she admitted. “Obviously playing shortstop, you’re known as being a leader on the team as it is. I think that comes along with the position is that you have to talk to everybody. That’s one thing they always say: I’m always talking to everybody on the field.” It’s just that spice of Coyle’s on the field that Walton said he wants to see more of from his team this season. He has preached he wants the Gators to be a team crowds want to enjoy watching on the field – a team that plays with excitement. The sophomore interprets this as having energy exploding off the field. “You have to remember you’re a part of entertainment,” Coyle said. “So (you have to) remember who’s watching and what you’re doing it for, as well as loving the game.” Coyle said she sparks her fire in competition through solid plays at shortstop. It’s her role in the hole between second and third base that Moultrie said helps to spark the entire team off as well. “She makes some amazing plays at shortstop,” Moultrie said. “(We) know that she’s really serious about her game.” The sophomore exhibits her seriousness with her teammates by leading not only through example with solid plays but with encouraging words, too. Moultrie said she is more of a leader who players will approach with individual issues, but Coyle will attack the team issues that need fixing. “Cheyenne has got a lot of guts,” Walton said. “She’s more willing to step up and say the things that needed to be said in some cases.” In the grind of the season, Coyle has put her money where her mouth is thus far. She’s leading with her voice and by example, as well. In the Gators’ first 22 games, she had five homeruns and 19 RBI. Though Coyle was a leader from the start, she said her game has improved from a multitude of experiences including Florida’s run in the NCAA Women’s College World Series finale and her spot on the U.S.A’s Junior Women’s World Championship team (19-Under), which nabbed the gold medal in Cape Town, South Africa, in December. In U.S.A.’s journey to the gold, Coyle was perfect at the plate in six of the 11 matchups. She said one of the most valuable aspects she took from international play was from her coach teaching her how to hit homeruns toward the opposite side of the field.
Fact: Chris Martin, former head coach for the UF men’s and women’s team, was an assistant on the 1992 team.
“I feel like I could never hit ‘oppo’ before,” Coyle said. “Now, even my homeruns have been opposite field. I think seeing other perspectives as well and mixing it with coach Walton’s was also really good.” Digging deep into her own ways, though, Coyle has a pregame ritual that sets her up for success in her mind. “No matter what, I always have to have earrings and a bow in,” she said. “That’s standard. If I don’t do that, it’s just bad.” For the sake of Coyle and the Top 5 Gators, here’s to hoping a pair of earrings and a bow are always on hand in the locker room and that she never loses her voice, of course.
Cheyenne Coyle, right, and teammate Brittany Schutte (44) prepare to pour a Powerade bucket of ice water over coach Tim Walton’s head after winning last year’s Super Regional. Photo by Rob Foldy
Cheyenne Coyle high-fives teammate Brittany Schutte after Schutte hit a homerun. Photo by Rob Foldy GATOR COUNTRY | APR /2012 45
46 GATOR COUNTRY | APR/2012
Fact: A total of 34 current and former UF athletes and five Gator coaches, three assistant and two head coaches, in six different sports represented 20 different countries in the 2008 Beijing Games.
FAN PHOTOS
Fact: Famous graduates of UF include home repair television sensation Bob Vila, Heisman Trophy winner Steve Spurrier, U.S. Senator Bob Graham, and former U.S. Senator Connie Mack.
GATOR COUNTRY | APR /2012 47
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