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

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Those students cheer with oxcitomont during tho UF versus LSU Game. Photo by Jose Otero d@iM Gator o In its 150 year old history, the Uni- versity of Florida has seen many stu- dents come and go. Each year, new traditions form and old traditions are continued. In the past, traditions were strong among the incoming freshmen class- es and their treatment from upper division students. They were forced to wear 'rat' caps or salute seniors. Many of these traditions, which no longer exist, were meant to train the incoming students. Homecoming has been a tradition on this campus since the 1930's. The largest student-run pep rally. Gator Growl, has held on to the tradition of bringing up and coming comedians, who later become big names in com- edy. Football lies at the heart of Gator traditions. Whether you wake up at the crack of dawn to pick your tail- gate spot, or walk around University Avenue, on any given Saturday the campus transforms into a haven for Gator fans everywhere. Once in the stadium, it is almost guaranteed that Mr. 2-Bits will come to lead the crowd in the popular '2-bits' cheer. There is also the Gator 'chomp' that has be- come symbolic with the Swamp and making the opponents quiver in fear. And of course, We are the Boy from Old Florida' is a staple between the 3rd and 4th quarter. A new tradition though, that has arisen in the Urban Meyer Era, is the team's final act at the end of winning a home game, where they rush to the band and sing the alma mater and the fight song holding their helmets high. In the last two years, the basketball team, has also garnered a large sup- port base almost equal to that of foot- ball's. The Rowdy Reptiles have been known to live up to their name at ev- ery basketball home game. There is also Midnight Madness that kicks off every basketball season. Campus publications have also been a campus tradition for a 100 years. The Alligator is the largest student- run college newspaper in the nation. And UF also has its Tower yearbook which chronicles each year. From painting the 34th street wall to decorating caps at graduation, cam- pus traditions, new, old, small or big. are a part of every Gator. •Diana Delgado 10 CftAPUS lift

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UF plays FSU for the first time. The Gators stomp the Seminoies 21-7 at the Swamp. Mayor W.R. Thomas welcomes the University of Florida to Gainesville,. George Edmondson Jr. AKA Mr. Two Bits leads the two bits cheer for the first time. of Campus Life RThe University of Florida officially intergrates. The Gator bowl was the first bowl game for the Gators. The Gators defeated Tulsa 14-13. Milton Yeats writes and composes the School Alma Mater. CftAPUS lift 9

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Alumni and students had the opportunity to buy a brick on Gator Walk which leads into 8en Hill Griffin stadium. Photo by Jose Otero This student displays the Gator Chomp hand motion during the Gator Bait cheer. Photo by Jose Otero ofiTOP ipfiomons n