Tonight the 2009 Gator Growl took place in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium for all the students and Gator fans. And let me tell you one thing…. It was probably the largest and most craziest home coming events ever. Here we will give you a recap on what went down tonight in THE SWAMP!
It opened up with the Star Spangled Banner by the talented UF gospel choir and at the end amazing fireworks were launched into the sky in the north endzone of Ben Hill.
The Gator Growl theme was “Legends Of The Swamp” hosted by former Gator Danny Wuerffel, and let me tell you this. He is one funny character. He really did give Gator Nation a good laugh. The home coming king and queen were also announced tonight.
Moments later, both basketball coaches Billy Donovan and Amanda Butler along with their players got a huge kick in tonight. After both teams were introduced, they sort of had a karaoke battle between the boys and girls. The lady Gators danced to the I’m too sexy song but didn’t really sing. Sad to say it, the boys ended up winning the battle. I don’t think the girls had a chance against Billy’s squad. They sang and carried on the whole time to a different song. Junior forward Chandler Parsons and sophomore guard Adam Allen took control and started the singing. The fans really got a few chuckles in.
What also was real funny were each and every little skit that was played on the video board. There were short videos that were mainly making fun of Arkansas, FSU, Kiffin and the vols. It was hilarious. One included FSU- the worst university in the Nation. Other videos were made by current UF students, dealing with things such as marijuana, girls, partying etc. I didn’t think they would show the kind of stuff they did tonight, but hey…. it’s college..
The Florida Gator 2009 seniors were introduced along with head coach Urban Meyer. Each seniors name was called and they had an option to speak if they wanted. Brandon James, Stamper, Spikes and the other seniors wanted to thank Gator Nation for everything they have done over the years. They told all the fans they loved them and how much they meant to them, and how there is no better place to be then in Gainesville. It was very emotional. For me that is. Meyer wanted to have some fun at the end. Everyone knew they were saving Tebow for last. But when everyone thought Tebow was next, Meyer faked the crowd out by calling someone else out to be introduced. You could see all the cameras being held up at the time and then the let down after they knew they were fooled. But the next player Meyer called out was really the star senior quarterback from Jacksonville, FL. Two National champion and Heisman trophy winner Tim Tebow. He got a standing ovation from the fans and a couple straight minutes of cheering. The last home coming for Tebow, it was real emotional. We got some footage as well that you may see at the end of this story.
I don’t think there was anything funnier than the comedian from Saturday night live, Dana Carvey. That man had the crow rolling from the second he got up there, to the minute he left. He also set his new record of the most people impressions in a minute. He went from talking about sex, to Barack Obama and George W. Bush. It was insane.
There was also a real talented group called the Jabbawockeez. Followed by them and who also closed the Gator Growl night were the local band O.A.R. Pretty talented band who played in front of the fans.
Overall though, it was a great night. It was said to be the largest and most loudest ever. This was the 86th year that this event has took place and will continue to be a popular event here at the University of Florida.
The Gators are set to face the Arkansas Razorbacks tomorrow for the home coming game at 3:30 pm.
Photo belongs to GSN
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