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

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Gator Growl has certainly come a long way in the last 73 years. A tradition that began in 1925 when freshmen would carry their weight in wood to a bonfire in the football field, Gator Growl has become the world ' s largest student run pep rally in the world with crowds exceeding 75,000 people. This years show fell on a Friday the 13th and was named after the Twilight Zone and became the The Gator Zone. As the show had a diversity of acts such as cheerleaders, Dazzlers, Marching Band, and an amazing fireworks display. The show also traveled back in time fifty years as the same eight gentlemen that took the stage in 1948 once again performed the Gator Zone skit that won them the Gator Growl skit competition. These eight gentlemen were former University of Florida Pi Lambda Phi ' s and were reunited for one night to perform a hilarious reenactment of their skit. The Master of Ceremonies for the night was Larry the Cable Guy also known as Dan Whitney from Pawnee City, Nebraska. In Orlando, Larry is carried daily by 20 radio markets and has released a CD called Best of Larry... and is currently working on his second CD Law and Disorder. The first comedian to appear on stage was Carlos Mencia. Carlos has been seen on the HBO series Loco Slam apart of Comic Relief VI, as well as two solo HBO Comedy Half Hours. The next comedian to perform was Dave Chappelle, who has appeared in movie hits such as Robin Hood Men In Tights, The Nutty Professor, Con Air, and Half Baked. Then came the headliner Ray Romano, star of his own TV series Everybody Loves Ray has also been on To- night Show starring Johnny Carson and the Late Show with David Letterman. Ray also plays the voice of Dr. Katz: Profes- sional Therapist on Comedy Central. The show ended with a breathtaking fire- works display seen for miles and everyone left for home anxious for the next day ' s game. Story by: Tessa Magee Donning a University of Florida jersey, headliner Ray Romano poses for a picture. Romano, along with the other comedians, provided an evening of great enjoyment for all in attendance. 10 Student Life

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A Glimpse of Gator Greatness Young or old, freshman or alumni, student of professor, the University of Florida ' s Homecoming Parade had something for everyone. Homecoming 1998 ' s theme was A Glimpse of Gator Great- ness, and this was clearly evident at the parade. The Homecoming celebration began in 1925 and has continued to grow since. People come from all over the state and the country to see this extraordinary event, just one of many in an even more extraordinary student-run homecoming week- end. The parade follows the same route every year. Starting at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, and running all the way down University Avenue into downtown. Spectators can be found on both sides of the road for the entire route.The parade gave everyone a chance to see exactly how great the University of Florida is. It gave sororities and fraternities a chance to show off their new member classes, it gave sports teams a chance to show their spirit for the sport and for the university, it gave colleges a chance to show their talent, and it gave local organizations and business the chance to show their support for the community and the Univers ity. High school bands from around the state, anxiously await the honor of an invitation to perform in the parade and all participants anxiously await the claps and cheers from the orange-and- blue blooded crowd. Other participants in the parade include, the President and Mrs. Lombardi, Student Government officers, local police and fire- men, and the Homecoming Court whose winner is announced at the much antici- pated Gator Growl the night of the parade. The Homecoming Parade was, as al- ways, an enjoyable experience for both participants and spectators and certainly gave all A Glimpse of Gator Greatness. Two of the most famous spirited Gators, Albert and Alberta, in their formal wear, get a lot of cheers and yells from the crowd. Student Life 9

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The staff works on setting up the stage in the endzone of the stadium. Staff spent On the big night, Show Director Greg Hare, countless hours working on the stage in order to ensure that everything looked checks his watch to make sure everything is just right and was safe. going according to schedule. The Producer, Associate Producers, and Directors take time out of their busy schedules to pose for a group picture . The whole staff worked to that Gator Growl would be the best it could be. Student Life 11