Gators head coach Bryan Shelton, taking a bath after UF clinched the SEC regular-season title last month, is urging fans to come out to Linder Stadium on Saturday at noon. (Photo: Courtney Culbreath/UAA Communications)
Carter's Corner: Gators Want To See You At Linder Stadium On Saturday As Vols Return
Friday, May 10, 2019 | Men's Tennis, Scott Carter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The script had played out to perfection prior to that disappointing Saturday afternoon last month.
The UF men's tennis team, after winning its first outright Southeastern Conference regular-season title in 16 years with a 12-0 league record, opened the SEC Tournament with a victory over Alabama.
As tournament host for the first time since 2011, the Gators next faced Tennessee, a team they beat during the regular season in Knoxville. The Vols had no interest in playing the victim again on the Gators' path to another championship.
Instead, Tennessee beat the Gators for the first time in six years, a 4-3 upset that left the Gators stunned as the Vols celebrated at Linder Stadium.
Sometimes a script rewrite is fun. This is one of those times. Guess who's back in town on Saturday in the NCAA Tournament.
That tennis team from Rocky Top.
UF coach Bryan Shelton has a message for fans.
"Please come out. We're so excited about this match. My history, my seven years as a Gator, I don't think I have ever asked for the fans to come out,'' Shelton said. "If you have not already made plans for Saturday, please come on out. We'll have a great time. We've got everything set up for you to enjoy your experience and help us to get to the final eight."
The Gators and Vols meet again on Saturday at noon. The winner advances to the Elite Eight.
These are the kinds of matchups I think about when I look at a sheet up paper taped to my office wall. The paper contains a quote from the late, great sportswriter Frank Deford on why he chose to use sports as the primary vehicle for his words.
"It should be the best writing. You're writing about young, vibrant people, there are wins and losses," Deford said. "In other words, it's great drama."
Saturday fits the bill.
What happened a month ago will be on everyone's mind.
"That was a tough one to swallow,'' Shelton said. "When the other team starts mocking you at the end of the match and doing the Gator Chomp and everything else right in our faces, it certainly stings a little bit. I think we're using that as fuel for the fire."
How will the script play out this time? Shelton and the Gators invite you to come out and see for yourself.
The UF men's tennis team, after winning its first outright Southeastern Conference regular-season title in 16 years with a 12-0 league record, opened the SEC Tournament with a victory over Alabama.
As tournament host for the first time since 2011, the Gators next faced Tennessee, a team they beat during the regular season in Knoxville. The Vols had no interest in playing the victim again on the Gators' path to another championship.
Instead, Tennessee beat the Gators for the first time in six years, a 4-3 upset that left the Gators stunned as the Vols celebrated at Linder Stadium.
Sometimes a script rewrite is fun. This is one of those times. Guess who's back in town on Saturday in the NCAA Tournament.
That tennis team from Rocky Top.
UF coach Bryan Shelton has a message for fans.
"Please come out. We're so excited about this match. My history, my seven years as a Gator, I don't think I have ever asked for the fans to come out,'' Shelton said. "If you have not already made plans for Saturday, please come on out. We'll have a great time. We've got everything set up for you to enjoy your experience and help us to get to the final eight."
The Gators and Vols meet again on Saturday at noon. The winner advances to the Elite Eight.
It must be a big one if Coach is asking for you, #GatorNation 💙🧡
— Gators Men's Tennis (@GatorsMTN) May 9, 2019
Get there early, stay til the end and cheer the Gators on to Orlando! pic.twitter.com/xUmDkIdwDm
These are the kinds of matchups I think about when I look at a sheet up paper taped to my office wall. The paper contains a quote from the late, great sportswriter Frank Deford on why he chose to use sports as the primary vehicle for his words.
"It should be the best writing. You're writing about young, vibrant people, there are wins and losses," Deford said. "In other words, it's great drama."
Saturday fits the bill.
What happened a month ago will be on everyone's mind.
"That was a tough one to swallow,'' Shelton said. "When the other team starts mocking you at the end of the match and doing the Gator Chomp and everything else right in our faces, it certainly stings a little bit. I think we're using that as fuel for the fire."
How will the script play out this time? Shelton and the Gators invite you to come out and see for yourself.
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