University of Florida - Tower / Seminole Yearbook (Gainesville, FL)

Inciting the crowd, legendary UF fan, George " Mr. Two Bits " Edminston, works up his famous cheer before a home game. No Gator fan was immune to the indefati- gable enthusiasm of " Two Bits " as Edminston worked his way around Ben Hill Griffin Stadium durin g each home game throughout the football season. Orange and You Gator Spirit was more than a football game, more than selling orange and blue clothing: It was a way of life. Whether it was the thrill of Gator athletics, the inclusiveness of campus organizations, or the scenery on and around campus, no student left the University of Florida without, in some way, being overwhelmed by " Gator Spirit. " Although some may think the enor- mity and diversity of UF ' s student body was an obstacle to such a feeling, the common bond that all UF students shared was a love for their school. " Gator spirit starts from the day you step on this campus. It makes you not really want to go back home on the weekends, " said Adeyanju Odutola, liberal arts and science sophomore. Gator spirit was more than just an idea, more than a feeling — it was our lives as UF students. Each student was able to carve their own niche and to redefine " Gator Spirit " in their own life. Jon Forsythe, 3LS, said Gator spirit was " a sense of to a group that is more than you, the university. The university is more than just classes — outside of studies, it is a place you can have fun. " The hysteria that called itself Gator Spirit was more than football, more than athletics at all. It was more than merchandising and tacky orange golf shirts. It was more than a fraternity or sorority, more than a Homecom- ing parade. And it was more than a beautiful sky over Century Tower. It was more than the sum of its parts. It was a year that UF students shaped in their own small way, and so contributed in a big way to their university. It was what reminded us again of why it was great to be a Florida Gator. Story by: Sean Kane Student Life 7