When did you become a Gators fan?

Jax Gator

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My Dad took me to the 1949 Florida vs dwags game. Been going ever since...

1949: Hunsinger ends Georgia's streak

The post–World War II 1940s were a tough slog for the Florida Gators. Coached by Raymond Wolf, the Gators' collection of recent high school graduates and returning war veterans suffered the indignity of four consecutive losing seasons—the lowest point in the history of the Gators football program, ironically remembered by the close-knit players as the "Golden Era." But there were still stars and bright moments; Wolf's 1949 Florida Gators were led by senior lineman Jimmy Kynes and running back Chuck Hunsinger. Given little chance by anyone to beat coach Wally Butts' Georgia Bulldogs in Jacksonville, Kynes inspired his two-way linemen to their outstanding effort of the season, stopping the Bulldogs' running game on defense, and blocking for Hunsinger on offense. Hunsinger rushed eighteen times for 174 yards and three touchdowns, and the Gators won 28–7, breaking a seven-game Georgia winning streak. Wolf's overall coaching record doomed his four-year tenure in Gainesville, but on that day he was carried from the field by his players.
 

78

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Manitowoc. About half way between Green Bay and Milwaukee. Fine makers of cranes, ice machines you find in hotels, and luxury yachts.
Manitowoc the food services equipment company has an office just up the road from me. Out of your hometown.
 

oxrageous

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I changed Porschegators avatar to one I found on Google, which was a GT3 with Gator colors all over it. I of course assumed it wasn't his car. Now I see he has changed his avatar himself - to that SAME CAR on a trailer.

Evidently it really is his car - awesome.
 

78

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I changed Porschegators avatar to one I found on Google, which was a GT3 with Gator colors all over it. I of course assumed it wasn't his car. Now I see he has changed his avatar himself - to that SAME CAR on a trailer.

Evidently it really is his car - awesome.
First one was better. This car was displayed on rennlist.com as an example of what you don't want to do with your GT3.
846a35051bcc656b826d400cdbd095a9.jpg
 

gardnerwebbgator

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11/24/79 - I was 9. My cousin was in grad school at UF, saw the UF-FSU game from high up in section 39. Jim Finch with HEEEEERRRRREEEEE come the Gators, the racous crowd getting pissed at the close onside kick call late in the game (around the 2:41:30 mark below). Hooked.

Side notes, was the first time Pell used the Clemson uniforms:puke:, and, pause the video below at the :41 mark for something you'll never see at Florida Field again. Gators had zero business being in that game, but fought the whole way. Classless Bowden per usual running it up at the end even though we had no timeouts. Piece of excrement.

 
Last edited:

stephenPE

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My parents met at UF in the early 50s. I was born in 55. When I was six they went to a gator game and brought me home a gator bobble head. (wish I still had it) I was fascinated by the game they went to, When I was 10 my dad dropped me off with an older friend at a game with $2. It bought a ticket and coke. I was hooked. 1965 I guess. ......btw A guy at the game gave us free tix. We sold them for $5 each and then GOT in FREE . So I saw SOS play. Saw him kick THE FG. Was there when the beat Houston in 69. And on and on and on........
 

78

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What is that, Riviera or Mexico blue?
 

leogator

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In 1978 when I started my Masters. I was born in Dallas, so I was a fan of the Horns up until then. I still like them but they are my secondary team. In 1978 the Gators went 4-7 and the following year 0-10-1. I thought WTF did I get myself into!!! But I stuck with them.
 

Ocalaman

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Mar 7, 2018
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I remember starting to listening to Gator football games on the radio in 1962. I was 10 years old. We had moved to Bushnell, FL from Ohio in 1959. All my family was Ohio State fans. I have a bunch of relatives who are Buckeye alumni and/or fans, but my immediate family all became Gators. My Mom & Dad worked and retired from UF, I went to UF 1969-73, our daughter is an alumni and works there now, my wife was born in Gainesville, one of her brothers went to the UF Med. school.
 

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