Graphic: Kelly Streeter/UAA Communications
A Message From Scott Stricklin
Tuesday, May 15, 2018 | General
As the calendar turns to summer, Florida's athletic director has a message for Gator Nation.
Gator Fans:If you have been around campus the past week or so you have noticed there was a little less student activity since there was a break in the academic calendar between graduation and the start of summer classes. The same cannot be said for our student-athletes, coaches and staff, as there is plenty of activity in our athletic program. Eight of our nine remaining teams began postseason play this past weekend in the pursuit of championships and our No. 1-ranked baseball team clinched a share of the Southeastern Conference regular-season title.
Speaking of graduation, we had 59 of our student-athletes participate in ceremonies from May 4-6 to receive their degrees. Amazingly, 27 of the graduates won a conference or national championship during their time in Gainesville, while 42 earned Academic All-SEC honors. Another 14 graduated with honors, and the list included student-athletes who matriculated from the College of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and the Law School. An Olympian and former baseball player, who came back after a six-year professional career to fulfill a promise he made to his family, also walked across the stage.
Overall, UF student-athletes enjoyed a successful spring semester in the classroom. Our athletes combined for a 3.15 grade point average and 15 of the 19 teams posted a GPA above 3.0. All told, 327 posted a GPA above 3.0, and 31 student-athletes from 11 teams posted a 4.0 GPA.
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While those sports were staking their claim to conference fame, several other sports were beginning NCAA postseason play. Women's golf advanced to the NCAA Championships by virtue of their third-place finish in NCAA Regional play in Austin, Texas, last week, while our men's team is in NCAA Regional competition this week in Kissimmee. Both men's and women's tennis, along with the lacrosse, hosted NCAA action last weekend, with men's tennis and lacrosse advancing to the next round of their respective NCAA tournaments.
#Gators AD @ScottStricklin here to high-five every player as Florida lacrosse advances to the NCAA quarterfinals pic.twitter.com/DpYOwFv00K
— Graham Hall (@GrahamHall_) May 13, 2018
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A big thank you goes out to everyone who attended the Orange & Blue Game back in April and all of the surrounding activities – it was a special weekend for Gator athletics. Eight of our teams hosted 11 events during the three-day weekend, highlighted by the Spring Game. From the huge crowd at Gator Walk to all of the fans enjoying the numerous activities on the North Lawn, it was clearly more than just a game. In all, a crowd of 53,000-plus saw the fun back in Florida football. Huge thanks to the tireless efforts of Coach Mullen, his staff and the entire athletic department staff. In addition, capacity crowds were on hand to support both Florida softball and baseball teams throughout that weekend.
Gator Nation continues to show out as Coach Mullen has been around the state speaking to Gator Gatherings. As I saw last week when I joined Dan in Miami, the energy from those who have attended these events has been off the charts. It's wonderful to see our fans so energized.
We need to see that excitement this fall in The Swamp. While summer is upon us, the 2018 football season is not too far away and there is still time for you to secure season tickets, mini-plan packages or single-game tickets. Check out all of the options online at FloridaGators.com/tickets or call the Gator Ticket Office at (352) 375-4683 ext. 5800.
We will need a championship level effort from our student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans as we look forward to the upcoming season. If you cannot buy tickets to the game, we appreciate the many other ways you continue to support the program, whether it be wearing your Gator gear proudly, displaying your Gator flag, or simply saying "Go Gators".
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We're announcing new facilities for @GatorsFB and @GatorsBB, plus upgrades for @GatorsSB.
— Florida Gators (@FloridaGators) March 23, 2018
All the details - click here: https://t.co/tbgeiu4BJU
In other facility news, both our track and field and tennis programs will see infrastructure investments this summer in the form of resurfacing of the Percy Beard Track and the Ring Tennis Complex.
Before I close out this update, I'd be remiss if I didn't congratulate and thank legendary Gator swim coach Gregg Troy, who recently announced his retirement. A 20-year UF career included a national championship, eight Southeastern Conference titles and 47 Olympians who claimed 23 medals, including 11 gold. Gregg will still be around in Gainesville as he continues to coach and develop elite swimmers who are training for the 2020 Olympics. Our search for the next coach continues as we look to capitalize off the success Gregg and others have established in Florida swimming and diving.
Words cannot thank you enough for the last 20 years, Coach Troy! We wish you the best in your retirement!
— Gators Swimming & Diving (@GatorsSwimDv) April 25, 2018
You'll be a Gator for life! ??https://t.co/zVtUeXQU15#GoGators #GatorsAlways pic.twitter.com/UKTfJX22Mk
Thanks again for all that you, Gator Nation, do to make Florida the premier athletic program in the nation, and please let us know how we can enhance your experiences with our program.
Go Gators!
Scott Stricklin
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