The cold weather could not stop the excitement in the Swamp Friday night as performances by the UF Fightin’ Gator Marching Band, Albert and Alberta, Sister Hazel and The Fray pumped up the Gator Nation for its 90th Gator Growl, Footprints in the Swamp.
“There is nothing more special than the spirit of Gator Growl,” Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Norbert Dunkel said. “It’s really the epitome of everything the University of Florida stands for — it’s orange; it’s blue; it’s performance; it’s students coming together; it’s all about the University of Florida.”
The evening began with student dance acts, including Apocalypse and the National Pan-Hellenic Council step team. A teacher band, In Crisis, performed classics such as “We Will Rock You.”
Mascots Albert and Alberta with UF President Bernie Machen spoke to the audience. Before the loss on Saturday, Machen, a Vanderbilt alumnus, said, “We’re going to kick Vandy’s butt.”
UF students Jayce Victor and Abby Whiddon were crowned as Homecoming king and queen. The original Homecoming Sweetheart from 1953, Carolyn Strauss, made an appearance to help crown Whiddon. Following the crowning, violinist Josh Vietti played pop music including “Wake Me Up,” by Avicii.
Gainesville locals Sister Hazel sang seven songs and encouraged everyone to sing along. They ended their act with the popular hit, “All for You.”
“It’s an honor for us to be a part of Gator Growl,” Sister Hazel lead singer, Ken Block said. “We bleed orange and blue. Go Gators.”
Ending the evening, The Fray’s lead singer, Isaac Slade, ran across the field and into the stands during the song “Over my Head (Cable Car),” reaching out to students. He ended the song on a second stage in front of the audience before running back across the field to the main stage to finish the show and the night with a firework display.
UF alumnus Wilder Ruffin said this was his 53rd year at Gator Growl.
However, he said, this year was a dud compared to previous years.
He said it has turned into a concert instead of a pep rally.
“More student skits used to take place right on the field,” Ruffin said.
Leena Flood, an 18-year-old UF mechanical engineering freshman, said she was excited about going to her first Gator Growl.
“Everyone is cheering together for the same team on the same side,” she said. “It’s really awesome.”
A version of this story ran on page 1 on 11/12/2013 under the headline "Gator Growl performances wow crowd"
The fireworks finale over Ben Hill Griffin Stadium marks the end of the 90th annual Gator Growl during UF Homecoming Friday evening. The Fray, Sister Hazel and the UF Fightin’ Gator Marching Band performed for students, alumni and guests.
The fireworks finale over Ben Hill Griffin Stadium marks the end of the 90th annual Gator Growl during UF Homecoming Friday evening. The Fray, Sister Hazel and the UF Fightin’ Gator Marching Band performed for students, alumni and guests.
