Capital Area Gator Club®

Calling All Gators!

The Panhandle Area Gator Club will be raffling off a pair of season tickets and home game tickets to Tennessee, Alabama, and FSU on August 1, 2011.  All proceeds will help fund scholarships for students in the Panhandle.

Please click here for more information and an entry form!

UF’s Head Football Coach Visited Tallahassee As Part of His Spring Gator Gathering Tour

Will Muschamp is a fast talker.

Leaning hard on a podium to reach the too-short microphone, he rattled off staff and player names with nary a notecard in front of him. A slight twang in his voice, he spoke frankly about depth problems in the defense, versatility on the offense and the absolute importance that nearly every player put time in on special teams.

And UF’s head football coach made no bones about expectations.

“I’ve got high expectations. There aren’t any in this room higher than mine,” he said. “We’ve got three national championships with two different staffs. We’re going to be the third staff to do it.”

Muschamp’s visit to the Capital Area Gator Club® in Tallahassee was one of nine Gator Gatherings he’s taken part in this spring. About 350 Gators turned out for a barbecue at the Leon County Fairgrounds to hear Muschamp speak and get autographs.

From the knowledge in his head to the cowboy boots on his feet, Muschamp was a hit.

“I love his enthusiasm. I love his sense of humor,” said Kathy Mizereck* (BAE ’73), a Gator Club® member as well as a member of the UF Alumni Association board. “He seemed focused on the right things.”

“I don’t get impressed easily — I was totally blown away,” said Carlos Alvarez* (BA ’72), a former Gator player who was recently named to the College Football Hall of Fame. “I think we’re very fortunate to have him.”

Muschamp spoke for more than an hour about his players, his coaching style and his plans for the team. He spoke candidly about some of the team’s well-known names, including starting quarterback John Brantley (4ALS).

“We’ve got to play better around Johnny,” he said, brushing off criticism about a big play that fell apart at the Orange and Blue Debut in April. “That should have been a 60-yard completion. The guy’s got to catch it.”

He talked, too, about wide receiver and running back Chris Rainey (4ALS) and running back Jeff Demps (3LAS), who spent the spring competing in track and field. In March Demps brought home his second national championship in the men’s 60-meter dash, part of UF’s overall 2011 NCAA Indoor Championship, and he’s set to take part in the Outdoor Championships in June. Rainey remains hot on Demps’ heels.

“He still can’t beat Demps — I text him every day and tell him,” Muschamp laughed. “(Demps) is beating Rainey, and that’s keeping Rainey where we need him.”

One thing Muschamp didn’t talk at length about was what style of play fans could expect to see this fall. Muschamp was upfront in saying he wasn’t sure yet himself.

“I’m a guy that believes you take your talent, look at your football team and do what they can do,” Muschamp said. “You’ve got to evaluate your players, and that’s what we’re in the process of this spring.”

Muschamp has just one Gator Gathering left — Sept. 2 with the TitleTown Gator Club® in Gainesville. For fans, it could be interesting to see how Muschamp’s outlook has changed over the summer.

“These next four months will determine our football team,” he said.

Tallahassee Democrat

May 18, 2011 — Muschamp Talks Gators, Fisher During Visit

Gator Gathering and Golf Tournament Events Scheduled for May 17

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Tallahassee is home to major educational institutions along with the State Capitol, but a lesser known fact is that Tallahassee is home to one of the largest and most active Gator Clubs in the state. An affiliate of the University of Florida Alumni Association, the Capital Area Gator Club is gearing up for two major events this month, each with a healthy dose of Gator pride.

“The friendly rivalry between schools is always alive and well,” said Elizabeth Swiman, Gator Club President-elect and Tallahassee resident. “But we see Tallahassee as home rather than enemy turf. TheCapital Area Gator Club is a great way for local Gators to celebrate our UF pride and enjoy some great events throughout the year.”

Two of those events will take place on May 17. The Club is planning its annual Gator Gathering featuring University of Florida Head Football Coach Will Muschamp duringan “Orange & Bluegrass BBQ” affair. The festivities begin at 5 p.m., at the Leon County Fairgrounds, 441 Paul Russell Road.

The Gator Gathering has something for every member of the family, including raffles, vendors, music and face painting.Attendees will enjoy dinner and music from 5-6 p.m., and the program kicks off at 6 p.m. CoachMuschamp will sign up to 250 autographs after the program concludes.All tickets include dinner and may be purchased at www.capitalareagatorclub.com:

• VIP seating: $50 (includes premium seating and autograph ticket; advance orders only)
• UFAA Members: $25(in advance); $30 (at the door)
• Non-Members: $30
• Students: $15
• Children Under 18: $10
• Autograph line ticket: $5 (first 250, purchase at door on day of event)

“We hope the Gator Gathering shows Coach Muschamp what a fan base he has in Tallahassee,” added Swiman. “The event will allow fans to get to know him first-hand, and we’ll hear what he has in store for our team this season.”

Also that day, the Gator Club will host the2011 Stephen C. O’Connell Memorial Golf Tournament at Golden Eagle Country Club. The Honorable Stephen C. O’Connell was Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court, 1955 to 1967, and President Emeritus of UF, where he served as University President from 1967 to 1973.All Golf Tournament proceeds support scholarships in his namefor Tallahassee area high school students attending UF.

Golf Tournament check-in begins at 8:30 a.m., with tee-off at 9:30 a.m. This year, the Tournament will welcomecelebrity attendee Gator Great Jacquez Green. The price is $100 per golfer, which includes greens fees, cart use, lunch and complementary beverages provided by the Beer Industry of Florida.

“Supporting future Gators is the main focus of our Golf Tournament,” said BooterImhof, Co-chair of the Tournament. “This is a beautiful time of year for this outdoor fundraiser, and we expect a great turnout of both Gator fans and supporters alike.”

The Capital Area Gator Club meets regularly for game-watching parties in the fall and for high-profile games throughout the year. To learn more about Gator Club events, membership or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.capitalareagatorclub.com.

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