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The late Ray Graves was born 104 years ago today. Pictured below: Graves is carried off the field after the Florida Gators defeated Georgia Tech 27-12 in the 1967 Orange Bowl. Graves was head coach at the University of Florida from 1960 to 1969. He led the Gators to their first New Year's Day bowl appearances, including the 1966 Sugar Bowl and 1967 Orange Bowl. His quarterback in both of those games was Steve Spurrier, who won the Heisman Trophy in 1966. Graves racked up a career record of 70-31-4, including a 4-1 record in bowl games.
But perhaps Graves' greatest contribution to the game was when he allowed Dr. Robert Cade, a professor in the University of Florida College of Medicine, to conduct dehydration analysis and rehydration experiments using team members which led to the formulation of Gatorade in 1965. After seeing remarkable results using Gatorade after an intrasquad scrimmage, Graves decided to make enough for the entire team for a game against LSU. The Gators would come from behind to win after LSU wilted in the 102 degree heat. Graves eventually told his close friend Hank Stram about Gatorade's effectiveness. It would eventually become the official drink of the NFL..
Graves was our first modern day great coach. First new years day bowls. Multilple all americans. Firsth Heisman player and won about 70% of his games. Good man.