Former runner-up chosen for honorary Two Bits after competition

For three days, UF mathematics senior Becca Swango campaigned to be the first female student Two Bits.

But on Tuesday afternoon, a committee within the University Athletic Association chose fourth-generation Gator and 2015 runner-up Chris Yanes instead. Yanes will be the honorary Mr. Two Bits for Saturday’s football game.

“All three finalists had strong videos, but the committee felt that Chris most closely matched the qualities desired for an honorary Mr. Two Bits,” said Daniel Apple, a UAA assistant director of communications.

He said the committee wanted someone with enthusiasm, passion and creativity who understood the history of the tradition and its importance.

Apple said although there has never been a female student Two Bits competition winner, former All-American Gator softball pitchers Stacey Nelson and Hannah Rogers, UF alumnae, were invited to be honorary Two Bits for the Louisiana State University game in 2014.

As of press time, Swango’s video had more than 13,000 views on Facebook, almost double that of the previous winner, Michael Cizek, and more than quadruple that of Yanes.

Cizek endorsed Swango on Sunday night after sharing her video on Facebook with the caption, “Want my two cents for Two Bits? Pick Becca Swango!”

The previous winner wrote in a message that the judges would have had a hard time not picking Swango, as she “is passionate about helping others, a leader amongst her peers, and is truly a friend to all.”

But after the UAA named Yanes the winner on its website, Swango said she was happy for him.

“He’s so, so passionate, and I’m glad he got this opportunity,” the 21-year-old said. “I’m glad I got to show my side, too.”

Yanes, who will be Mr. Two Bits at the University of North Texas game, said he’s been watching UF football games since childhood.

“I think this past weekend was my 36th consecutive home football game,” the 23-year-old UF architecture and urban planning master’s student said. “I want to be the guy, when I’m 60 or 70, who’s been to hundreds of football games.”

His family will be cheering him on this weekend, he said.

“It will be the most authentic rendition since (the original Mr. Two Bits) did it himself,” Yanes said.

"What I do comes from the heart"
-George Edmondson #StudentTwoBits #Yanesville2016 pic.twitter.com/oF8RWs1Y1t

— Christopher Yanes (@CYanes4TwoBits) August 22, 2016