By: Daniel Chaiet, FloridaGators.com Writing Student
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – For Gainesville native and Marine ROTC midshipman Eric Pugh, joining forces with two of his colleagues as the honorary "Mr. Two Bits" for the annual "Saluting Those Who Serve" game will be surreal. Pugh could not believe he was chosen for the task and is looking forward to walking in the footsteps of some his hometown heroes when the Florida Gators (5-3, 3-2) and Arkansas (2-6, 0-5) square off in their Southeastern Conference game Saturday at Spurrier/Florida Field.
Pugh, a senior who is double-majoring in economics and political science, will share "Two Bits" duty alongside Gabrielle Sasson (Air Force), Alexander Quinones (Navy) and Julian Trerotola (Army). It's the third consecutive year ROTC members have been tabbed for the UF home game that falls in the closest proximity to the Veterans Day holiday weekend.
Growing up in Gainesville, Pugh knows a little something about the late George Edmondson, the original "Mr. Two Bits." Specifically, that Edmondson served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
"Keeping that sort of tie to the original tradition of it is pretty valuable," Pugh said. "Plus, just serving in World War II is badass." Young Eric Pugh, his younger sister Melissa, and Albert back in the day.
Pugh, as a young boy, actually saw Edmondson do his routine live when he attended football games with his family during the Tim Tebow era of Gators football. It was not long after that when Pugh thought about pursuing the military and applied for various scholarships at multiple universities to chase his dream. He ended up at the college just a couple of minutes down the road from where he grew up.
Now, Pugh is a U.S. Marine ROTC Midshipman, serving as a training chief, with dreams of becoming a pilot. He signed an eight-year military commitment in hopes of getting there.
Although Pugh and his fellow ROTC colleagues may be used to stressful situations, they have not been tasked with the kind of mission like leading a famous cheer in front of a sold-out house. Since the quartet is used to taking orders they will view the hyping of the crowd as their latest charge. They may not know each other well, but they plan to honor Edmondson's legacy while creating one of their own.
"I have never really been on the field before," Pugh said. "The thought of being in front of 90,000 fans, to where everyone knows what is going on, just sounds electric."
Florida Football | Sean Kelley, Coach Sumrall, Coach Spurrier, and Coach MeyerFlorida Football | Sean Kelley, Coach Sumrall, Coach Spurrier, and Coach Meyer
Friday, December 12
Florida Football | Head Coach Jon Sumrall Sits Down with Gator Greats Steve Spurrier and Urban MeyerFlorida Football | Head Coach Jon Sumrall Sits Down with Gator Greats Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyer
Friday, December 12
Florida Football | Urban Meyer & Nick Saban Interview | 2025 NFF Annual Awards DinnerFlorida Football | Urban Meyer & Nick Saban Interview | 2025 NFF Annual Awards Dinner
Wednesday, December 10
Coach Meyer and Coach Saban - Hall of Fame 12-09-25Coach Meyer and Coach Saban - Hall of Fame 12-09-25
