Bowling Shoes, Punching Bags and Video Games -- All in Name of Gator Bowl Fun for Gators
Thursday, December 29, 2011 | Football, Scott Carter
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In one room you had Jeff Demps trying to make a shot on one of those basketball hoops with a tiny rim. Nearby on the bowling lanes, Hunter Joyer looked as if he might have a decent future on the PBA Tour if this football thing doesn't work out.
Professional bowling might have to wait for Jelani Jenkins, but the Gators' sophomore linebacker looked as if he was having a ton of fun bowling with offensive lineman Matt Patchan and others Wednesday night at Latitude 30, an entertainment complex in south Jacksonville.
Not far from the bowling lanes several Gators competed against one another on an electronic punching bag. The harder they hit, the higher the score. They weren't holding back.
The Gators took a break Wednesday night from preparing to face Ohio State in the Gator Bowl with one of the most popular team outings offered in Jacksonville. Receiver Andre Debose bounced around the sprawling complex, checking in on teammates and saying hello to fans.
After two days of practice and meetings since returning from Christmas break, the players got a chance to relax.
“I really enjoy just sitting back and seeing everybody enjoying each other's company and just enjoying this time off,'' Debose said. “We don't have too much time off.”
Asked if he could bowl, Debose replied: “I wouldn't say I'm a bowler, but I could get out there and compete.''
Debose preferred to hang out in the room with the video games as others – including some of the coaches – bowled or hung out with their families.
The Gators have another team outing scheduled Wednesday afternoon after practice, this one at Adventure Landing for some laser tag, miniature golf and go-cart racing.
Team outings at local attractions are a staple of the bowl system and one the Gator Bowl Committee takes seriously.
UF alum and Gator Bowl Committee member Dems Mason was enjoying himself nearly as much as the Gators were Wednesday night. Mason was one of the event's hosts and said at the end of each bowl week, the committee conducts surveys with the players to see what outings they liked, which ones they didn't.
The Latitude 30 trip is considered a favorite of the Gator Bowl experience. The event was open to fans this year, with many asking for autographs as the players moved from station to station sampling the games.
“These guys have busted their butts the whole year,'' said Mason, also a Jacksonville attorney. “They have been banged up. It's the end of the season and we want them to have some fun. They just want to relax and chill out a little bit. We want them to have a lot of fun this week. That way, when the game comes around, they are excited, they are ready to play.
“And when they leave, 25 or 30 years from now, they are telling their kids how much fun they had at the Gator Bowl. We want it to be a reward for these guys.''
The two-hour event appeared a hit on Wednesday. Even when a young man in the crowd yelled “Go Georgia” as the Gators entered the building, no one paid much attention.
“He better be careful,'' said Gators fan Chuck Meadows. “Can't he see how big these guys are.''
