Gator Club Welcomes New Head Coach, Golfs to Support Students

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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