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

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GATORS IMPRESSIVE IN FLORIDA FOUR Flash Foto 1982-83 Gator basketball team. Back row: Head Coach Norm Sloan, Charles Griffin, Vernon Rollie Castineyra, Randall Leath, George Jackson, Rodney Williams, Ronnie Williams, McDowell, Assistant Coach Monte Towe, Coach Kenny McCraney. Front row: Jeff David Visscher, Ray Robinson, Nabe Palmer, Wade Harris, Tony Rogers, Dave King. Ronnie Williams sets himself for free throw attempt against the Gators SEC foe Auburn. It was only a matter of time before the UF basketball team got its act together and showed opponents the brand of it ' s capable of playing. The Florida Four Tournament was one indication of things to come. Norm Sloan and his Gators started the season slowly, quickly sinking to a 1-3 The young team rebounded, and showed fans good things are in store for Gator basketball. The Gators did not win the tournament, but their showing was impressive. They defeated the Jacksonville Dolphins in the opening round of the tournament, before bowing out to South Florida in the final 77-73. South Florida was the clear favorite the tournament. The Bulls were champions and came in with a 2-1 record. The Dolphins were no match for the Gators as they were routed 104-78 on the strength of 19 points by center Eugene McDowell. Vernon Delancy added 18 as 5,158 fans witnessed the Gators second win of the season. The Bulls coasted to the championship game by downing Florida State 90-77. USF ' s Charles Bradley scored 42 points and would have to be stopped if Florida was to emerge victorious. Bradley continued his torrid streak 30 against the Gators and leading his team to a narrow 77-73 win. The contest was a battle to the very end as two free throws with 13 seconds remaining iced the game for USF. Bright spots for the Gators were many. Junior forward Ronnie Williams netted 22 points in the losing effort and George Jackson chipped in with 18. The Gator Bowl Tournament in strengthened the theory that UF Basketball was back. The Gators crushed Penn State in the opener 82-60 and took the championship with a 56-47 win over Jacksonville in the final. The win over Jacksonville also notched Florida Coach Norm Sloan his 500th victory. Williams, McDowell and Delancy were named to the All-Tournament team while Delaney and McDowell shared MVP honors. A. Moraitis 80 Basketball

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WOMEN ' S PROGRAM IS SUCCESSFUL The UF women ' s sports program has made tremendous strides in the past few years, thanks to Women ' s Athletic Marilyn Weiss. Under Head Coach Randy Reese the women ' s swim team has gained national prominence, being ranked number one thanks to dual meet wins over power- houses such as Texas. Reese has produced 57 All-Americans and has posted a 39-8 dual meet record in the past six years. He has produced three NCAA Championship teams and was by being named to coach of the 1984 Olympic team. Internationally known names such as Tracy Caulkins and Megan Neyer grace the Florida roster which also includes standouts such as Amy Caulkins, Kathy Trieble, Theresa Andrews and Leisa Another top notch athlete making a with the Lady Gators was gymnast Elfi Schlegel. The talents of the Canadian Olympian mixed well with the already talents of Lynn McDonnell, Lana Marty, and Kelly McCoy. The Lady gymnasts won the AIAW National title and finished seventh in the NCAA in 1982. With five freshman, three and two juniors, the future looks bright for Gator gymnastics. Head Coach Ernestine Weaver has made the gymnastics program the powerhouse it is today. Before to UF Weaver coached at Clarion State and compiled a dual meet record of 58-0. Since 1973 she has coached five of the 15 gymnasts which have competed for the United States in the World University Games. Like Reese, her accomplishments are widely noted. She was named head coach for the 1980 Olympic gymnastics team. Impressive credentials indeed. UF ' s win over nationally ranked Texas came largely on the strength of its diving team. Swimmers prepare for start of race against Texas in the O ' Connell Center. J. Costa Women ' s Sports 79 J. Costa J. Costa

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Coach Norm Sloan became one of the few coaches to win over 500 games. Eugene McDowell slam dunks another one against the Volunteers. Vernon Delancy doing his version of the skyhook. On his way to breaking the All-time scoring record, Ronnie Williams scores two points. J. Costa C. Fox Men ' s Basketball 81 J. Costa