![]() “I’m really hoping we win that’s all I want for my anniversary!,” Wendy Harrison said. The couple was going to celebrate their 50th anniversary the following day which happened to be homecoming game day as well. ![]() The spirit hasn’t changed from when I was here more than 50 years ago,” Ben Harrison said. “I just think it’s great how the whole town gets together for Gator Growl every year. They were in town for Gator Growl because they are alumni and their grandson is currently a student majoring in Biology. Improvisation and impersonation will meet on stage when Wayne Brady appears at the 80th Annual University of Florida Gator Growl Revenge of the Swamp on Friday, Oct. I had the pleasure of meeting an old couple at Gator Growl, Ben Harrison, 73, and Wendy Harrison, 71. In 1916, a pep rally replaced Dad's Day and 'Gator Growl' was born., known as 'firing up' enthusiasm for the next day's football game. Another difference to this year’s gator growl is that it was moved from Ben Griffith Stadium to its original location: Flavet Field. Gator Growl has its roots in the tradition of 'Dad's Day,' a turn-of-the-century tradition in which fathers of the then all-male student body were invited to visit the new campus. In my opinion the performers this year were different than the ones in the past because the gator growl committee branched out from the classic rock genre to two different musical performers that could satisfy those who like hip hop and those who like rock/indie music. Gator Growl has moved away from solely comedy to adding musical performances such as the Steve Miller Band in 2008 and Goo Goo Dolls in 2011. There have been many special guests that have come to Gator Growl, mostly comedians such as Bill Cosby in 2002, Dave Chapelle in 1998 and the late Robin Williams in 1982. ![]() In 1923, the tradition expanded as skits and performances became a part of Gator Growl. Once the school opened up to both sexes, the students began incorporating traditions into the homecoming event, such as the freshmen contributing their weight in wood to the bonfire. Gator Growl replaced “Dad’s Day”, a tradition back when UF was an all-boys school where the dads were invited for the weekend to visit. Gator Growl began on Octoas a small bonfire and it has evolved into much more in the last 91 years. UF may not be number one in the SEC, but it is home to the number one student run pep rally in the nation. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |