The University Of Florida is known for two things. Championships education. And championship sport’s programs. While education is the main focus at the university; athletics isn’t far behind. And with great reason too. Whether it is football, basketball, softball, swimming, or volleyball; The University of Florida has vastly become a haven for student athletes to garner championships and accolades. Both on and of the field.
While the actions of the teams on the field and court are widely publicized, for obvious reasons, it is off the field and court where The Gators really like to shine. Most notably at the children’s hospital. Where the student athletes truly become champions. Week after week throughout the year different Gator sports teams take time to go and visit sick children and their families at Shands Children Hospital week after week you see the faces of children light up as their favorite team’s players come to visit them. Whether it be the most famous of Gator athletes such as Tim Tebow and Percy Harvin to the much lesser know athletes such as Lady Gator Tennis players Julia Cohen and Megan Alexander; the smiles always seem to be the same. And that is the goal. To brighten a child’s day with social interaction that doesn’t involve the words medicine or shot. To take a child’s mind off of nurses and doctor’s.
Even though these student athletes are extremely busy, they realize that it doesn’t take long to make a sick child and their family feel better. To make themselves feel better. Because even if it only lasts two minutes its great to know that it means the world to a sick child and his/her family to see that their favorite players from their favorite team aren’t to busy to come out and show support for them just like the children and their families show support for The Gators each and every time they step out onto the field or court. While it might take a trophy to declare you a champion; at The University of Florida it takes more then just sports.
Gators Cole Figueroa has just recently signed and agreed to play for the San Diego Padres. The sophomore shortstop has decided that he will not remain as a Gator for the final 2 seasons and would rather play in the big leagues. But who wouldn’t you know? Figueroa was a sixth round overall draft pick and was number 195 in the 2008 mlb draft. Cole started every game for the Gators and held a big role on the team and came out and did what he was suppose to do.
Figueroa was named SEC player of the week and was on the first team all-american his freshman year. This kid could flat out make any play at shortstop and could knock the cover clear off the ball. Cole has a huge mlb future and could be a future star prospect and can really make a change for the Padres. Good luck and best wishes to Cole Figueroa.
Hey everybody! If your reading this post, please take 5 seconds to click this link and vote Gainesville, FL as titletown USA. Follow the link below and it should give the list of the top 20 places to vote for. So look for Gainesville and let’s have your vote!!! Do it for them Gators!
Matt Laporta, the great Florida Gator 1st baseman who has moved onto the real league, has currently been nominated to participate with the U.S Olympic Baseball team. It is such an honor for Laporta to reach this day for a chance to play for the U.S Olympics. Laporta is an Ex SEC player of the year, and has led the Gators in homeruns in the years played at UF.
Matt isn’t just a dominate player, but kid as well. The youngster who was drafted in the first round, 7th overall pick by the Brewers and then traded in a major deal including star pitcher C.C Sabathia to the Indians. Laporta is a big time prospect and has a bright future ahead of him in major league baseball. Along with SEC player of the year, Laporta was chosen on the SEC first team two times and led with the highest slugging percentage with a enormous number of .904 and the highest on base percentage for the rowdy reptiles. Can’t you see why a kid like Matt would be selected to have a chance to compete for the U.S Olympic Baseball team? The first part of the Olympics will be held on August 8th, 2008. Good luck to Former Gator star Matt Laporta.
Gainseville, Florida is one of the Nation’s top cities to be named as “Titletown USA”. WHY should Gainesville be the next TitleTown? Just look at what the Gator Basketball teams accomplished in 2006 and 2007. Back to back Basketball Championships and a Football Championship in the same year. Not to mention the Softball team broke an incredible NCAA record by reaching 70 wins this year, and our Volleyball team winning 17 straight SEC Championships. Also, look at how much the Gator baseball team improved. From falling in a huge slump last year, to hiring a new coach “O’Sullivan” and defeating key teams such as Miami, Georgia and LSU, the Gator Baseball team is well on its way back to national prominence. The University Of Florida is an awesome place to be, and it gives you goose bumps every time you go to a game and hear the Gator fight song. “WE’RE GATOR NATION, IT’S EVERY WHERE!” Why should Florida NOT be selected as USA’s TitleTown?
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