Flourish October 2012 by What's Happening Publications and Promotions

Flourish october 2012

Volume 1 Issue 2 www.MYFLOURISHMAGAZINE.COM

When the Happily Ever After Ends Building Friendships with Families in Gainesville

North Florida

Advice from

Dr. Oz

FLIP F O GATO R COUN R TRY

CENTRAL FLORIDA’S YOUNGEST THEME PARK Visit LEGOLAND.com for more information! Water Park open seasonally. Please check LEGOLAND.com for days of operation. Due to the family nature of the LEGOLAND Water Park, all guests are required to wear proper swim wear. Swim wear that is revealing or otherwise inappropriate for this environment is prohibited and may result in removal from the LEGOLAND Water Park. Swim wear with exposed zippers, buckles, rivets, or metal ornamentation are not permitted. LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob conﬁgurations, the Miniﬁgure and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2012 The LEGO Group. LEGOLAND FLORIDA IS A PART OF THE MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS GROUP.

CONTENTS

Welcome to the world of Flourish October really is a great time of year as it brings tailgating with friends, all of the fun events for Halloween, and it’s perfect weather to play outside, so my daughter can release some of that energy that never seems to cease. Not only does this month bring Halloween, but also October signifies Breast Cancer Awareness Month. With one in eight women being diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, it is hard to find a family who has not been touched by this. You can visit NationalBreastCancer.org to set up an early detection plan, which if it is detected early, the 5-year survival rate is 98 percent. It is something to consider. Last month, we received a letter from a reader communicating just how much she enjoyed our Septemeber issue. She was able to read up on all of the Gator Games this season and freshen up her herb garden. That is exactly what we are focused on. It is simply to help you thrive in your busy lives, whether that be a fun recipe to try with your kids or Ziplining the Ocala Canyons. We hope to cover the many diverse topics that make us the Gainesville community that we are. With this being our second issue, we are striving to learn what you want to read and what will help you Flourish in your everyday lives. Please email us at mail@whpinc.com and let us know your thoughts.

Have a Happy Halloween! Lauren Douglass

What’s Inside

CO-PUBLISHER Lauren Douglass

CO-PUBLISHER

Marc Douglass

COPY EDITOR Daniel Sutphin

ART DIRECTOR Daniel Tidbury

GRAPHIC DESIGN Daniel Tidbury Lisa Torres Jane Dominguez

PROMOTIONS Amanda Liles Karen Jones Hilah Driggers AnnMarie DeFeo

ACCOUNTING Lynsey Parrish

CIRCULATION Eddy Falla

SPECIAL PROJECTS Lauren Kolansky Daniel Sutphin

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Shane Howell (shane@whpinc.com)

ADVERTISING & SALES

5 The Downtown Festival and Art Show 7 Give A Healthier Halloween 9 The Scoop on Pumpkin Carving 10 The Slippery Soap 13 Grandma’s Rules 16 Zipping the Canyons in Ocala 18 When the ‘Happily Ever After’ Ends

22 Fall for Flourishing 24 Gainesville Events 26 Play Group 28 The Newberry Cornfield Maze 30 Outdoor Gear 32 A Fitting Entrance 34 Your Own Bucket List 36 Dear Teacher 39 Kids Games 40 Kids in the Kitchen 41 Planning a Great Halloween Party

Shane Howell Bryan Porter Matt Frey

CEO www.gatorcountry.com Raymond Hines III

COO Bernadette King

CFO Raymond Hines, Jr

MANAGING EDITOR Mike Capshaw

STAFF WRITERS Andrew Spivey David Shepherd Dan Thompson Phillip Heilman

REPORTERS Drew Laing Max Mattern Elizabeth Rhodes

PHOTOGRAPHERS Saj Guevara Jack Lewis

Flourish Magazine is brought to you by Gator Country Multimedia, Inc. and What’s Happening Publications, Inc. For advertising opportunities, please contact us at 352-371-5881 or sales@whpinc.com. Magazine subscriptions are available at www.gatorcountry.com For subsciption related questions or concerns, please call (800) 601-4623 or email folks@gatorcountry.com Connect with us: TheGatorCountry @GatorCountry

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flourish magazine | OCT/2012

They can because they think they can. Virgil

The Downtown

Festival & Art Show The kick-off concert begins the Friday night before at 8 p.m., but on Saturday, Oct. 13 and Sunday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 5pm, Downtown Gainesville opens its streets to host over 300 artists and vendors for an inviting Fall afternoon. We caught up with Linda Piper, event coordinator, to give us the inside perspective on the best way to enjoy the event and what her own personal style is after years of organizing the show. Tell us what we can expect on one of the event days?

This is truly a family event. It is a great opportunity to meet up with old friends and a great way to spend a fall day outdoors. I recommend you bring your lawn chairs and a blanket and set up a home base on the Bo Diddley community Plaza. Walk around and see the art, then grab some food and head back to the plaza to rest, eat and enjoy the music. The music on the Plaza is awesome. Make sure to come hungry because there is so much food to eat. Some of my favorites are bloomin onions, fried pickles, fried oreos, pad thai, shrimp, gyros, the best ribs ever, kettle corn, snow cones, homemade ice cream and so much more. Plan to spend the entire day. We expanded this year to include music on Friday and Saturday night. During the festival, we showcase local bands and solo musicians- a blend of folk, jazz, country, pop and soul. Dance companies also catch the eyes of the crowd with ballet, jazz, modern and international dance performances. Friday’s concert begins at 8 p.m. and will feature the University of Florida School of Music groups, World Music Ensembles, Jazz Combo and Sunshine Steelers Steel Band, while Saturday’s Downtown Blues concert, presented by the North Central Florida Blues Society, will begin at 7 p.m. Headlining the concert is John Nemeth, a rising blues star. No great man ever complains of want of opportunities. Ralph Waldo Emerson

What can an attendee splurge on?

What do you personally collect?

It’s a great time to purchase a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork for you or for someone special. It’s a great opportunity to begin your holiday shopping early.

What kind of wearable art can be found?

My walls are filled with art. I do not have any wall space left for paintings or photography. I purchase a new pair of earrings every year, as the jewelry is exquisite. Art really is very personal.

Children’s clothes, pet clothing, aprons, shawls, shirts and dresses, among other things.

What are you looking most forward to about the festival?

What is your personal fashion style? Simple, comfortable and down to earth.

What is your personal interior home style? I live in Hawthorne, in the country on four acres on a lake, so my home is a country home. My home is very simple. I have two beautiful grown daughters ages 27 and 21 and still have an entire wall of their school pictures.

Throwing a street party for 100,000 friends and seeing the entire community come together for this special event. Greeting the 250 artists that roll into town to celebrate with art, as this is truly a celebration of art.

First large monetary art purchase you made was... a beautiful stained glass mirror from a local artist.

Artistically, what could you not live without? Landscape paintings and photography. flourish magazine | OCT/2012

Fun Facts About the DOWNTOWN ARTS FESTIVAL

• The festival is ranked No.13 as the best fine art show in the country. It moved up three spots from last year. • Six hundred applications were received this year. A team of jurors scored the submitted digital images. Based on the highest scores, 250 artists were accepted into the show. There are 50 non-competitive artists and 200 competitive (fine art) artists. • There are 20 food vendors and 50 community organizations that participate in our Community area. • On show morning, the production staff’s day begins at 4 a.m. Artist check in at 5 a.m. and the show starts at 10 a.m. • During the show the artists compete for $14,000 in cash awards. Two judges will visit all 200 competitive artists to decide which 26 artists will receive the cash awards. At 4 p.m. on Saturday, we visit all 26 artists and award them their prize. We call it the prize patrol. • The University of Florida Art Education Department is in charge of the Children’s Imagination Station, a free, hands-on art activity area. • We expect 100,000 visitors. 52 percent from outside of the county will travel to the event. • The festival, which celebrates its 31st anniversary this year, is the third-highest ranked festival in the state of Florida. • In 1986, Linda Piper began working with the City of Gainesville Cultural Affairs as a staff assistant. In 1993, she was promoted to Events Coordinator and has been producing the city’s annual events including the Downtown Festival & Art Show and the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire ever since.

For a site map, list of artists and list of entertainer, check out the festival website at www.gvlculturalaffairs.org

flourish magazine | OCT/2012

Experience is the child of thought, and thought is the child of action. Benjamin Disraeli

Give a Healthier Halloween By J. Grey

It’s here again: the time of year when we can shamelessly buy tons of candy and all in the name of children. Various fake-flavored chocolate; gummy whatevers; over-priced mini candy bars; pastel colored square things that rip your fillings out; candy corn – which has less than nothing to do with real corn; fake peanut butter and chocolate thingies; you get the picture. These are the items that really make Halloween scary, if you ask me.

You might be wondering where I’m going with this…well, my descriptions should give you a clue. Don’t we want our kids in the habit of staying away from high fructose corn syrup (HFCS)? So why hand it out to all those kids? Remember that the more of this gunk that they eat, the more of it they crave. Plus – guess who eats a good portion of the leftovers? That’s right. You. And you should be avoiding HFCS at all costs. The studies concerning the negative side effects of this goo are

frightening. Plus, with the holidays coming, why would you waste precious calories on this stuff? Denying children candy at Halloween is a difficult thing to do, because everywhere you turn, it is being handed out. Moderation is key here, and it can help open up a dialog between parents and children for learning healthy habits. There will always be temptations, but learning how to deal with them is a skill that will last a lifetime.

This year, hand out something a little different... Head to the dollar store for balloons, coloring books, crayons, puzzles, plastic spiders and snakes, spooky jewelry, skeletons, decorative pencils, toy soldiers, whistles and yo-yos. You can put together Halloween gift bags filled with an eraser, a ring and a bouncy ball or anything else that comes in a multipack. Bundle raisins, popcorn or pretzels in cellophane. Give out granola bars, real fruit snacks or packaged gold fish. Plain, dark chocolate is healthier than other candies, especially with its antioxidant properties. Juice boxes and mini waters help thirsty kids who are out running around. Quarters are always popular. Try to get creative and have fun. You never know – maybe you could start a new trend in your neighborhood.

If you do not hope, you will not find what is beyond your hopes. St. Clement of Alexandra

flourish magazine | OCT/2012

the scoop on ...

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Lose up to

5-10 pounds the first week and up to 20 pounds the first month!†

Pick your Pumpkin WHEN YOU MENTION FLOURISH

Skip pumpkins that are dented or missing their stems – they may be well on their way to spoiling and you want your masterpiece to last as long as possible. Don’t bypass the weirdly shaped or less perfectly round pumpkins, they may inspire you to new creative heights!

Get your tools ready

It doesn’t take many tools to carve a spooky jack-o-lantern. All you need is a sharp knife or drywall saw, an ice cream scoop, a vegetable peeler, a dry-erase marker and a nail.

Do the Prep

Give your pumpkin a quick cleaning with a damp cloth to remove any surface grit. Cut the top out by holding your sharp knife or drywall saw at an angle (see illustration, below, right). If you put a slight jog in the cut, you’ll be able to realign the top more easily later. An ice cream scoop makes fast work of the pumpkin guts. The thinner you scrape the inside wall, the easier it will be to carve the pumpkin -- aim for 1.5 inches thick.

Get Creative

Dry erase markers are fabulous for drawing a design directly on your pumpkin, especially since you can erase and redraw as many times as you need. Let the little kids draw the scary faces or trace their hands directly on the pumpkins, then the adults can carve them out. If you don’t want to free hand it, you can enlarge and print some of these handy stencils. Just tape one to your pumpkin and transfer the design by lightly pricking around the edges with a nail. We’ve got a few here to get you started.

Carve Away

Start at the center of your design and work outwards. Divide larger areas up and carve them away a chunk at at time. Add depth to your design by using a vegetable peeler to remove only the skin in some areas.

Light ‘Em Up!

If your pumpkin is taller than 9 inches, then go ahead and light a tea light candle or two. If it is smaller, or if you don’t want to worry about fire hazards, you can use glow sticks, battery-operated tea lights or even specialty pumpkin lamps. 8

flourish magazine | OCT/2012

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Pumpkin Carving Templates

Photocopy these templates, enlarging them to the size you need. Carve away the black parts and you’ll have a spooky jack-o-lantern like the ones illustrated here in no time!

Spooky Lake Alice

Creepy Kitty

Ghoulish Grin Don’t

Don’t want to deal with the mess? Most craft stores sell carveable foam pumpkins. Remember to use a battery-powered tea light, not a real candle.

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The Slippery Soap: BY MICHAEL ROIZEN, M.D., AND MEHMET OZ, M.D.

Beware Triclosan; Beating Addictions Question: I hear there’s bad news about an antibacterial ingredient that’s common in soap. With three kids under the age of 8, it’s a germ festival around here. I want to keep things clean. What should I do? – Becky F., Crawfordsville, Ind. Answer: We’ve talked about this before, but now there’s new info about triclosan, one of the most potent antibacterials found in loads of household products: It can affect how your heart and other muscles contract. That means it’s time to sound the alarm – again. What’s wrong with triclosan? The data isn’t definitive, but in the lab, it disrupts hormones and can damage reproductive systems. In the environment, it pollutes water and then transforms into something much worse, the cancer-causing agent dioxin. Like all plentiful antibiotics, it promotes antibiotic resistance, and it’s everywhere. Three-quarters of North Americans have triclosan residue in their urine; it’s even common in breast milk.

The good news? Giving up soaps, cleaning products, clothing, paint, cosmetics, hair conditioners and toothpaste with triclosan in them won’t increase your risk of infections. At home, plain soap and water kills germs on hands, 10 flourish magazine | OCT/2012

kitchen surfaces and clothing just as effectively. (In hospital settings, its original venue, triclosan is sometimes the smart choice.) More good news? All the outcry about triclosan (as well as harmful formalde – hyde, dioxin and phthalates) has gotten corporate attention. Johnson & Johnson will phase out those chemicals in its products by 2015. Hope that others follow! Our recommendations: Read labels and avoid products with triclosan. Think twice about buying toys, furniture or clothing made with it, and rely on additive-free soap and alcoholonly antibacterial hand sanitizer when soap isn’t available. Fortune favors the brave. Publius Terence

Question: I cannot seem to shake my craving for sugar (I use five teaspoons in a cup of coffee) and, truth is, I also think I might drink too much. Can you help me? – Anthony F., Bakersfield, Calif. Answer: While “Celebrity Rehab” may make it seem glamorous to fight an addiction, Dr. Drew’s roster of patients is struggling with the same difficulties as anyone who’s hooked on medications, recreational drugs, food or alcohol: a web of physical and emotional ties that bind mind and body to the gotta-have-it substance. New insights into opioid (heroin, oxycodone, morphine, etc.) addiction offer a revolutionary understanding of the role of your immune system in getting you hooked. Seems that it may be possible to turn off cravings by blocking receptors on certain immune cells. But even if medications can shut down the body’s response (not yet a reality), you’ll still need to change your behaviors, not just in relationship to your addiction but also to the people around you. To help you overcome addiction, we offer healthyliving and emotion-calming techniques that’ll give you strength and optimism – two powerful antidotes to the frustration and depression that can accompany an addiction and, initially, the struggle to beat it.

(everything from fat cells to drugs) and offers a healthy way to feel up. And use meditation – start with it first thing in the morning – to ease positively into the day. Reduce bodywide inflammation that comes with addiction. The fastest way? Eliminate saturated and trans fats, added sugars and sugar syrups, any grains that are not 100 percent whole, and processed foods from your diet. Embrace fruits and vegetables. Before you know it you’ll reduce your body weight by 10 percent – that quells the fires of inflammation big time. And drink plenty of water every day.

Build a support system (family, friends, groups programs, individual therapy, whatever works for you) Ramp up your dopamine reward system with physical to help you stay on a healthy route to a younger, activity and meditation. happier you! Dopamine is the feel-good brain chemical that’s hijacked by addiction so that it delivers Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of “The Dr. Oz the goods when you take in Show,” and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief ever-increasing amounts of Medical Officer at the Cleveland Clinic food, drugs or alcohol. You can Wellness Institute. Submit your health reset the system with physical questions at www.doctoroz.com. activity that removes toxins He who hesitates is lost. Proverb

flourish magazine | OCT/2012

Laughter & Letting Go:

Real Fertility Boosters More than 6 million women in North American have trouble conceiving or maintaining a pregnancy – Courteney Cox, Khloe Kardashian and Giuliana Rancic all used in-vitro fertilization to aid conception (some more successfully than others). And around 5 million U.S. men will seek medical help for fertility issues sometime in their lives.

12 flourish magazine | OCT/2012

Fertility treatments are a blessing – 4 million babies a year are born as a result of fertilityenhancing procedures, but they’ve got their drawbacks. A new study found intracytoplasmic sperm injection for male infertility and stimulating ovulation may increase the risk of birth defects. (IVF did not.) But there’s worry that IVF’s intense hormone injections may promote ovarian cancer.

control them, though. Practicing mindful meditation daily, doing progressive muscle relaxation exercises, getting a massage and participating in group therapy all dispel stress reactions that alter body chemistry. For some women, the benefit is enough to make conception happen. But it takes time to integrate destressing into your life. So get started (and get your partner to participate, too).

Good news! Meditation, stress reduction and a good laugh can increase (as much as 30 percent) the likelihood of conceiving. The hormones in your adrenal system (epinephrine, cortisol, norepinephrine) that regulate and respond to stress affect your central and peripheral nervous system, brain, guts, immune system – and reproductive organs. You can

Plus, another fertility booster: Eat a diet rich in omega-3s – salmon and trout – and take 900 milligrams in supplements (the DHA variety!) from algal oil to further boost fertility.

Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Medical Officer at the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute. For more information go to www.RealAge.com. Every artist was first an amateur. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Grandma’s Rules Why follow the rules when you can always give the kids back?

Kid: I don’t want to go to bed yet. Mom: Bedtime is at 8. Did you brush your teeth? Grandma: Ok, pumpkin. Let’s go snuggle on the couch and watch a movie. Kid: I can’t walk in my room. It’s too messy. Mom: Well, what are you waiting for? Get cleaning. I am not a maid. Grandma: I’ll clean it up for you, baby. Do you want me to make you a snack too?

If you would create something, you must be something. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Kid: I’m hungry! Mom: No dessert without veggies. Grandma: Cupcakes for dinner, sweetie?

Kid: It’s cloudy; do I have to wear all of this sunscreen? Mom: Yep! And where is that hat? Grandma: Just a little here and there. After-all vitamin D is good for you. Kid: Daddy said no! Mom: You need to listen to your father. Grandma: Well, we won’t tell him this one time. He can’t get mad if he doesn’t know.

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Take Charge of Your Health: Breast Cancer Awareness Month This time every year, women all over the country unite in their efforts to champion breast cancer research and support women who are survivors of breast cancer. It is also the time to encourage women to take charge of their health. Becoming breast self-aware is the newest “take charge” recommendation by the the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). According to a recent ACOG bulletin, nearly “one half of all cases of breast cancer in women 50 years and older and upwards of 70% of cases in women younger than 50 years are discovered by women themselves...[ACOG] recommends that women develop breast self-awareness, meaning that they become more familiar with what’s normal for their breasts,” so they can detect changes if they occur. “Being aware of your

normal, and making time do what is right for your body, is the best way to be proactive and make a difference in your overall health,” says Dr. Joseph Iobst of All About Women, Obstetrics and Gynecology. When a woman makes a commitment to be self-aware and proactive she is more likely to notice when something is unusual. Although the annual visit to the gynecologist includes a thorough breast exam, women should take

by Vivynne Martindale

charge during the intervening months by paying attention to any deviations from normal. To become breast self-aware a woman can develop the habit of looking at her breasts in the mirror with her shoulders straight and her arms on her hips. She should look for two things: first, that her breasts are the usual size, shape, and color and second, that her breasts are evenly shaped without any dimpling, redness or swelling. She should repeat this exercise with her arms up over her head. “Additionally, a woman should perform a breast self-exam once a month. Instructions on how to properly complete that exam are usually given in her doctor’s office, but they can also be found on several reputable websites like WebMD, ACOG.org or breastcancer.org,” says Dr. Agrios of All About Women, Obstetrics and Gynecology. “We like to

spend a little time talking about the breast self-exam every time they come in for their annual visit. We also post on our website the steps to complete a thorough self-breast exam.” ACOG encourages women who see “changes such as lumps in the breast or underarm, dimpling, breast pain, redness or thickening of the nipple or breast skin, or anything else that looks or feels different” to make an appointment with her physician as soon as possible. The American Cancer Society encourages all of us to “make strides” against breast cancer by walking every October in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. So let’s double the wager and “make strides” in breast self-awareness at the same time. It’s time for women to take charge and fight on toward the defeat of breast cancer.

Visit MakingStrides.ACSEvents.org to participate in a Gainesville walk. 14 flourish magazine | OCT/2012

We are still masters of our fate. We are still captains of our souls. Winston Churchill

Zipping

by Lauren Douglass

16 flourish magazine | OCT/2012

the Canyons in Ocala

Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best successes come after their disappointments. Henry Ward Beecher

Check gear, grab trolley, take a deep breath, one step forward and now, leap... That moment right before you jump is the hardest internal battle but the ultimate thrill once you conquer it, because then... the freedom begins. The feeling of flying through the air is just too glorious to miss and quite honestly, somewhat addictive. Thank goodness The Canyons Zip Line in Ocala, FL has plenty of lines stretching out over the views of cliffs, canyons and lakes that you will not find anywhere else in Florida.

A canyon in Ocala?

This is always the first thing people ask when I tell them about it. It is only a mile from exit 358 on I-75. I didn’t expect it either but there were really beautiful views that are worth the trip alone. Well, I may have missed the first few views as I was so preoccupied learning how to adjust my speed to land correctly, but once I got the hang of it, the feeling of flying was just too cool.

The usual second question: But how safe is it?

With two guides, who are trained paramedics, quality checks each time, and short rides to get used to the sturdy equipment, I felt pretty snug. I have been rockclimbing before, so I am used to relying on the gear, but with the longest, fastest and highest lines in Florida, safety is their priority and I felt it. And not to mention, there was a 10 year-old in our group that always wanted to go first, which totally made me giggle to myself! If he was brave enough, I could do it, right?

On your 2.5–3 hour tour, the guides stay with you to teach you the basics like how to control your speed – one hand on the trolley and the other hand puts pressure on the line to slow down. I found that a flat palm pressing down on the line behind the trolley allowed me the best control. Once you feel comfortable, kick your legs up close to the line, and you can really soar.

Did I have an “I can’t do this moment?”

Yep! I was standing on the platform 100 feet above ground and nothing but water below. Here I was, looking down over the water... was that an alligator over there? Great. My husband had just gone before me, so I couldn’t glance to him for that “you can do it” look. This was all me. Alright, here’s where yoga has come in handy again. Close eyes. Deep breath. I can do this! Open eyes and leap! Wow, this is awesome and really high up! Ok, where’s that alligator? This is so beautiful! How’s my gear? Canyons in Ocala, who knew? I can’t believe how awesome this feels. How far to the platform? Being a bird would be so much fun! Ok, coming to the end. At least the guide is there if I have to crash into something. My hand puts pressure on the line. Slowing down. Ok, somewhat steady landing. Glance at the lake I just crossed. I cannot believe I did this! Yes! One thing on the bucket-list checked off! Now for those night-time tours...

For more information or to set up a tour, you can check them out at ZipTheCanyons.com, 352-351-ZIPS (9477) 8045 NW Gainesville Rd. (CR 25A) Ocala, FL 34475. Do we not all agree to call rapid thought and noble impulse by the name of inspiration? George Eliot

flourish magazine | OCT/2012

When the “Happily Ever After” Ends

Interviewed by Lauren Douglass

When I sat down with Christy Little Jones, national relationship speaker and coach, what started out as an interview on how to handle a breakup, the bravely-open, Jones began to share her personal story of what lead her to a place she never expected to confront – the emotional turbulence of her husband’s affair. She went on to discuss how she kept her family together and how this heartbreaking event inspired her to help others.

What makes speaking on relationships your passion?

I am passionate about encouraging women to recognize their strength by understanding their identity and embracing the power they possess. I also help them develop the integrity to live what they believe and not reduce who they are.

What key mistakes do women make that can lead to a break up?

One key mistake is that sometimes women focus too much on the physical. What’s more important is finding out how he’s going to treat you. Is he compassionate? Does he have a serving heart? Is he a giver? These qualities are more important and longer lasting when considering a relationship. Often women believe from society, their parents and family members, that they have to act a certain way – compassionate, nurturing...a good girl – and if women don’t fit into this mold, they feel alone, afraid and invalidated. There is often a 18 flourish magazine | OCT/2012

take care of yourself during the process. Be authentic: cry, shed your tears. Twenty-four hours of sobbing is fine; it’s allowed, but get back on track. This wasn’t the right person for you. Can you imagine leaving this earth and realizing, “Oh my, there was so much more for If you are heading towards a breakup, what should you do? me had I only believed that You’ve got to gear yourself up for I deserved better?” the ride. “Okay. Here we go. We’re going to break up. What’s What types of mistakes the worst that could happen?” do women make after Rejection, right? Nobody wants the breakup? to be rejected. Nobody wants to Rebound is a big one. At be alone, so prepare yourself by the core, most people want a recognizing that this relationship deep connection with another isn’t working; you have to person. Because breakups believe that there’s something are so painful and so uncombetter for you. If one door fortable, it’s a perfect recipe closes, another door will open. for vulnerability. Most people do anything to avoid being Also, establish a good support vulnerable. network through the break up – have distractions where you In the breakup, a cycle develops spend more time with your – there’s shock, then anger friends and family and do things and then fear and uncertainty. that you really love, whether it’s In an effort to mask that, people exercising or taking up a new rebound into a relationship. It’s hobby. Put yourself out there in a bandaid for why they broke a big way and do things that you up and what happened in the normally don’t like to do, but previous relationship.

sense of failure women feel if they don’t conform into a certain mold projected by others. They fear they won’t be desirable to a man, so they pretend to be something that they’re not! They shrink back.

Have you come across a common reason that men ask for a divorce?

I have, and it is a lack of connection. Marriage starts off wonderful and fun, but after a period of time, reality hits. We have bills to pay and children to raise, and we forget about one another and just start existing. When you start existing in marriage for way too long, you either continue to exist or find yourself heading to divorce court because the connection has been lost.

How is dating a man with children different than one who doesn’t?

It’s definitely challenging. Being an instant mother or an instant guardian is not easy. When you are bringing a whole host of other people into the equation, it makes it that much harder. You have the child, you have the mom and maybe her new husband or boyfriend. The idea of adding one or more people into your new relationship can be weighty. You need to be very clear about his understanding of discipline and really check yourself during times where jealousy may appear because he is spending more time with his children. Be realistic with your expectations and remember that you are sharing him with his child. It’s not just you and him. Make sure you don’t come between him and his child, but offer encouragement and support for a healthy and happy relationship between them. It will benefit everyone in the end.

For women who are dating after a divorce, are there things to avoid?

Jumping into a relationship too soon and thinking that it will help you get through the pain and rejection is a big one. I also think it’s important to give yourself the time, the space and the care to heal. Be by yourself, take a vacation or just really look at yourself, the situation and what happened. It’s important to

Take calculated risks. That is quite different from being rash. George S. Patton

go through the process. When you shorten the process, lots of times, it recurs. Have the courage to face what you fear and address the “real” issues.

What do you think are some of the key differences when you are dating in your 40s?

The difference is that, in your 40s, your tolerance is a lot lower. Tolerance for games, lack of leadership and lack of having your stuff together is a lot lower.

If someone is going through a hard time in their marriage, what advice can you give?

You have to make a decision. You have to decide if you are going to fight for your marriage or not. You have to decide if you’re going to be in this and try to make this work. The problem is that both parties need to make that decision. Recently, I discovered that my husband had an affair. I was devastated. I couldn’t breathe. Time stopped and everything went dark, and in that moment, I realized that I was facing my greatest fear in marriage. I had to make a decision. What was I going to do? It could have gone either way. I had to make the decision to either stick it out...as painful, hurtful, and ugly as it was, or cut my losses and walk away. Fighting for my marriage and leaving a legacy for my children was the most important to me. You have to decide what side of the fence you are going to be on: Are you going to fight or are you not?

Storms make oaks take roots. Proverb

You are still married, so how did you move on from that? The mental movies were hard. I was shocked, stunned and amazed. Having to deal with getting back to being intimate with him and realizing that he was with another woman. That took a long time.

We moved on through my faith and his remorse. He has done a lot of work within himself, and we are at a better place in our marriage as a result. It’s even better than it was before. We just had to be very real, very vulnerable and transparent. That really bonded us in a way that we never experienced in the 11 years we’d been together. You would never think that, after infidelity, this would have happened.

Were you unhappy prior to the affair?

No. I was very happily married. We had a tough spot financially and it happened during that time. During times of economic depression, the rate of infidelity increases drastically. Typically, men innately want to provide for their household, and with the current state of the economy, it takes a toll on them. And in a weak moment, this woman came along and he fell. I believe that because I went through this, I can help other women. I know there are many women who feel trapped and are miserable in their marriages. You can choose not to be, but you both have to be willing to put in the work. It’s not just going to happen. We put in the work daily to have a happy and healthy marriage...and it’s been worth it.

flourish magazine | OCT/2012 19

Gators United Downtown

Fine Art Nature and Architecture Photography •

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The surest way not to fail is to determine to succeed. Richard Brinsley Sheridan

Photography By:

Portraits-family, Modeling, Senior • Commercial/Stock • flourish magazine | OCT/2012 21

Fall for Flourishing by Emily Alter

Now is the time to look your best, no matter your age! These fashion and beauty products can be used for your friends, family and most importantly, you. Have the perfect start to a fresh Fall season. Juice Organics Pomsmooth Shampoo

Pai Chamomile & Rosehip Sensitive Skin Cream

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Rehydrate your colored or damaged hair with this replenishing $9 juicebeauty.com shampoo made from organic pomegranate Eau Thermale Avène and flax seed. It smells D-Pigment Dark Spot great and leaves hair Corrector in LIGHT free of harsh chemicals. Even out your skin tone with this skin brightening spot $9 juicebeauty.com corrector. Clinically proven to erase without the cellular toxicity, this product will have you wanting to look in the mirror! $49 aveneusa.com

Bodycology Moisturizing Body Lotion in Blackberry Vanilla

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22 flourish magazine | OCT/2012

Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us. Samuel Smiles

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OCTOBER october 1st UF “Blue Trees” @ UF Campus Women’s USTA Pro Circuit @ The Jonesville Tennis Center

6pm Young Leaders Society Leadership Boot Camp @ The United Way Office october 2nd Women’s USTA Pro Circuit @ The Jonesville Tennis Center UF “Blue Trees” @ UF Campus

6pm First Friday – Blues, Brews, Booze, and Barbeque @ The Opera House 6:30pm FREE Introduction to Square Dancing @ Carpenters’ Union Hall october 3rd Serialist: Jon Frey, Anna Kell & Matthew Whitehead @ Grinter Gallery (Runs through Nov. 2) Women’s USTA Pro Circuit @ The Jonesville Tennis Center UF “Blue Trees” @ UF Campus

9am UF School of Music Concerto Competition @ University Auditorium 9am “Drawing Into Form” with visiting artist Molly Hatch

october 4th Women’s USTA Pro Circuit @ The Jonesville Tennis Center UF “Blue Trees” @ UF Campus

7:30pm Concert: UF Symphony Orchestra Concert @ University Auditorium

24 flourish magazine | OCT/2012

october 8th UF “Blue Trees” @ UF Campus

october 9th UF “Blue Trees” @ UF Campus

6:30pm FREE Introduction to Square Dancing @ Carpenters’ Union Hall 6pm David Frum – Why the American Political System Doesn’t Work @ Pugh Hall-Bob Graham Center 7pm Science Cafe: Water Sustainability: Public Challenges, Private Choices @ Florida Museum of Natural History

october 10th

october 5th Women’s USTA Pro Circuit @ The Jonesville Tennis Center

UF “Blue Trees” @ UF Campus

Bullying @ The corner of University and 13th Street 10pm Steve Aoki Live @ The Vault

4pm Unity Day 2012: Unite Against

6pm United Downtown by United Way North Central Florida University Gallery (Exhibition): Emergence & Structure @ University Gallery (Runs through Nov. 16) 6:20pm UF Women’s Cross Country @ Seminole Invitational 6:50pm UF Men’s Cross Country @ Seminole Invitational 7:00pm UF Volleyball Arkansas 7:30pm UF Soccer @ LSU 7:30pm Opening Night: Urinetown @ Constans Theatre

october 11th UF “Blue Trees” @ UF Campus

october 12th UF “Blue Trees” @ UF Campus

october 6th Women’s USTA Pro Circuit @ The Jonesville Tennis Center UF “Blue Trees” @ UF Campus

8am Great Halloween Costume and Garage Sale @ Pofahl Studios 8:30am Native Plant Sales: Fall Sale @ Morningside Nature Center 10am 5th Annual Quilt Show @ Dudley Farm Historic State Park 11am Union Academy/Rosa B Williams Recreation Center – Open House UF Football LSU october 7th Women’s USTA Pro Circuit @ The Jonesville Tennis Center UF “Blue Trees” @ UF Campus

1:30pm UF Soccer @ Texas A&M 3:00pm UF Volleyball Kentucky

october 14. UF Women’s Golf @ Tar Heel Invitational UF “Blue Trees” @ UF Campus 2012 Fall Parade of Homes

1:30pm UF Volleyball Auburn 2:00pm UF Soccer Mississippi State 2pm Ensemble Basiani @ University Auditorium 4pm Title Town Hoedown Bar-B-Que Showdown @ Windy Hill Farm 7pm Gallery Talk-Dulce Roman, Curator of Modern Art and Allysa B. Peyton, Curatorial Associate for Asian Art @ Harn Museum of Art

october 15th UF “Blue Trees” @ UF Campus UF Men’s Golf @ Jerry Pate National Intercollegiate

6pm Young Leaders Society Leadership Boot Camp @ The United Way Office, State of the Nonprofit Sector Announcement @ Santa Fe College Fine Arts Hall october 16th

UF Women’s Golf @ Tar Heel Invitational

UF Men’s Golf @ Jerry Pate National Intercollegiate

7pm UF Soccer Missouri 7pm UF Volleyball Ole Miss october 13th 8am 2012 Halloween Hobble 5k Run/1

UF “Blue Trees” @ UF Campus

Mile Walk @ Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts 9am Fall Plant Sale and Orchid Show @ Kanapaha Botanical Gardens 9:30am UF Men’s Cross Country @ Pre-Nationals 10am ButterflyFest @ Florida Museum of Natural History 10:30pm Downtown Festival & Art Show @ Bo Diddley Community Plaza, UF “Blue Trees” @ UF Campus 2012 Fall Parade of Homes, UF Women’s Golf @ Tar Heel Invitational, UF Football @ Vanderbilt 10:15am UF Women’s Cross Country @ Pre-Nationals 6pm Gainesville Street Rods – Car Show/Cruise-In! @ Springhill Commons 7pm Gainesville Tailgate – Kickoff to a Cure @ Touchdown Terrace at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium 8pm ISA Garba Dance @ Stephen C. O’Connell Center

9am Building Construction Career Expo @ Stephen C. O’Connell Center

6:30pm FREE Introduction to Square Dancing @ Carpenters’ Union Hall

october 17th UF “Blue Trees” @ UF Campus

11:30pm ARC Annual Meeting @ UF Hilton 6:30pm Hemingway’s Havana Reflections on an Era @ Santa Fe College Fine Arts Hall 7:30pm Ethel With Special Guest Todd Rundgren @ Phillips Center at the University of Florida october 18. UF “Blue Trees” @ UF Campus

october 19th Gainesville Senior Games Howard K. Wallace Golf Classic

6pm United Downtown by United Way North Central Florida UF Women’s Swimming & Diving @ SMU Classic (W) 8pm UF Volleyball @ Alabama 8pm UF Soccer @ Alabama UF “Blue Trees” @ UF Campus 7:30pm Phantom @ Curtis M. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true. Leon J. Suenes

UF Football South Carolina

october 20th

october 26th 11am UF Women’s Cross Country

UF Women’s Swimming & Diving @ SMU Classic (W)

12pm UF Men’s Cross Country

UF “Blue Trees” @ UF Campus 2012 Fall Parade of Homes Gainesville Senior Games

7pm Star Gazing at Dudley Farm Historic State Park 7:30pm IFAS/CALS TailGATOR @ Stephen C. O’Connell Center october 21st UF Men’s Golf @ Isleworth Invitational

2pm UF Volleyball @ Texas A&M 2pm UF Soccer @ Vanderbilt Gainesville Senior Games 2012 Fall Parade of Homes UF “Blue Trees” @ UF Campus 2pm HOPE’s Annual Horsin’ Around Fall Festival @ HOPE – Horses Helping People, Inc. 4pm Fairytale Wedding Show @ University Air Center

october 22th UF Men’s Golf @ Isleworth Invitational UF “Blue Trees” @ UF Campus

@ SEC Championship @ SEC Championship

2pm UF Women’s Swimming & Diving @ South Carolina 2pm UF Men’s Swimming & Diving @ South Carolina 7pm UF Volleyball Mississippi State UF “Blue Trees” @ UF Campus

october 27th 8am Gainesville’s Greatest Garage Sale @ Gainesville Regional Airport 3:30pm UF Football@ Georgia UF “Blue Trees” @ UF Campus 2pm Takacs Quartet @ UF Auditorium 5pm The Fest 11 @ The Venue Nightclub, 1982 5:30pm Sacred Earth Fall Psychic Fair @ Sacred Earth Center

UF “Blue Trees” @ UF Campus

5pm Swamp Symphony @ Flavet Field

october 29th

UF “Blue Trees” @ UF Campus

6:30pm FREE Introduction to Square Dancing @ Carpenters’ Union Hall 10:30pm Matisyahu @ Florida Theatre

6pm Young Leaders Society Leadership Boot Camp @ The United Way Office 7pm A Passion for Justice: An Encounter With Clarence Darrow @ Hippodrome Theatre

UF “Blue Trees” @ UF Campus 9pm Blackberry Smoke @ Florida Theatre, Passion Pit @ Stephen C. O’Connell Center

october 25th 4pm UF Women’s Swimming & Diving @ Georgia 4pm UF Men’s Swimming & Diving @ Georgia 6:00pm UF Soccer @ South Carolina UF “Blue Trees” @ UF Campus 11pm Iration @ Florida Theatre

Gainesville

october 28th

UF Men’s Golf @ Isleworth Invitational

october 24th 6pm UF Volleyball @ Florida State

UF Women’s Golf @ Betsy Rawls Invitational

october 23.

Every Day is Gameday

Only the venues change!

october 30th UF “Blue Trees” @ UF Campus UF Women’s Golf @ Betsy Rawls Invitational

6:30pm FREE Introduction to Square Dancing @ Carpenters’ Union Hall october 31st UF “Blue Trees” @ UF Campus

6:30pm Halloween and the Great Pumpkins @ Florida Museum of Natural History 9pm Halloween Carillon Concert @ Century Tower

VisitGainesville.com The more difficulties one has to encounter, within and without, the more significant and the higher in inspiration his life will be. Horace Bushnell

flourish magazine | OCT/2012 25

One of the easiest ways to plan a playdate is around a BOOK. We invite you to check out our websiteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LOVE BOOKS section for activities to go along with a book.

26 flourish magazine | OCT/2012

If the wind will not serve, take to the oars. Latin Proverb

The Playgroup:

As a mom of three, I am always looking for ways for my children to connect with other children their own age, and I’ve discovered that playgroups can foster lasting friendships for both kids and moms.

Building Friendships with Families in Gainesville We’ve been lucky to have made great friends over the years with my daughter’s playgroup, but this playgroup didn’t happen overnight. It took thought and effort for my daughter and her friends to learn to respect each other and have a great time together. It also took an amazing group of moms willing to work together to parent our children together in a loving and enriching environment. Many of us met through a group that was formed with our local hospital, North Florida Regional Medical Center, where we gave birth to our children. They host a weekly luncheon for new

moms and offer support and guest speakers. After a few months, as our little ones began to outgrow the hospital group, we started to form weekly playdates. We also joined local Moms groups that really took us out into our community to learn the various resources there are for families. Communication is key in playgroups, and one great way we kept in touch with each other was through a website we created. Calendars, message boards, photo sharing and contact lists put everything at our fingertips as busy moms, and it’s password protected.

Work spares us from three evils: boredom, vice and need. Voltaire

We’ve even started using the internet to help our children’s classrooms stay connected and build communication. As you can imagine, we’ve had quite a few playdates with our children in the past six years. Here are some of my favorites: • Teddy Bear Picnic • Shark Tooth Hunting • Alligator Fun on La Chua Trail • Splash Park Playdate • Cooking With a Book Theme • Letter Themed Playdates • Kid’s Book Club Building friendship is an important part of our children’s

lives, it’s even better when you’re modeling it with great friends yourself. So get out and get connected to other Gainesville Moms!

Kim Vij is the co-author of The Educators’ Spin On It. As an early childhood teacher and a mom of three, she’s learned many tips and tricks of parenting and teaching in the past 20 years. She shares her “Educator’s Spin” on parenting issues, how make learning playful and playtime meaningful. Kim is always sharing great ideas for you to do at home with your child and their friends. Check out her website TheEducatorsSpinOnIt.blogspot.com

flourish magazine | OCT/2012 27

Cornfield fun! As a local Halloween must-do year after year, The Newberry Cornfield Maze is always a delight. From 3 p.m. until dark, the non-haunted, family-friendly event offers a twisting maze and cow-feeding hayride that is open to all ages, in addition to a kid zone that includes a huge bounce house, a corn box, a corn tunnel, carnival games and a train ride through a fallfriendly mini-maze. But when the sun goes down, the fear sets in. With a haunted house, hayride and maze, the 70-acre area turns into a frightening reality. We caught up with Brad and Chris, event directors, to find out what we can expect this season.

The Haunted Hayrides

Venture off into the dark, with gates closing behind, and embark on a frightful ride through The Sullivan House and Bud’s Place, two 200-year-old haunted homesteads. Old Man Sullivan doesn’t take kindly to you traveling through his property as you start to see the evidence of those he caught. Don’t assume you can take refuge at Bud’s, he likes visitors, he just doesn’t like for them to leave. The ride then travels through time, back into the old west where men shoot first and ask questions later. Don’t get caught in the crossfire! 28 flourish magazine | OCT/2012

The Haunted House

This tormented house is full of hallways and rooms with spirits who are not happy to see you. To enter the house, you must walk through an old school bus that was found buried in the back of the farm. Rumor has it that this bus went missing after returning from Dixie County. It was dropping off football players, who claim they were being followed by a driverless white truck. We only found the bus a few years ago and have brought it out for this special tour.

Open October 5–November 3, 2012 3 P.M.–11 P.M. Fridays and Saturdays 2 P.M.–5 P.M. Sundays

Cornfield Maze

Seven acres of a dark, ghoulinfested cornfield have been chopped from front to back to test your survival-dependent, directional abilities in this twisting maze. There is only one entrance and one exit. Will you be followed? Yes! Will you be able to find your way out? I make no promises!

Group discounts are offered to groups of 10 or more that are attending the event and purchasing the Haunted Hayride. Group tickets must be purchased in one transaction and approved ahead of time by emailing newberrycornfieldmaze@gmail.com. Standard tickets are also available for purchase at the event, located at at Hodge Farms 20015 West Newberry Road Newberry, Florida 32669. (352) 316-4859

Don’t get caught waiting in line, purchase advance tickets at newberrycornfieldmaze.com.

The thing always happens that you really believe in, and the belief in a thing makes it happen. Frank Loyd Wright

Outdoor by Emily Alter

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Every tool set should have essential tools in it, but this pink set also Beach heat have you breaking makes a statement! The 39 piece set has everything you need and a sweat? Reach for your Tervis water bottle more all fitting in a compact hard shell case. and cool off! The Tervis insulation design keeps your drink cool for hours and the water bottle structure is great for the beach or pool! $29.99 apollotools.com Show off your Gator pride or choose from hundreds of design options. $25 tervis.com

30 flourish magazine | OCT/2012

The best way out is always through. Robert Frost

Cobrahead Weeder and Cultivator

Weeding has never been easier and more enjoyable than with the Cobrahead! This tool replaces the use of a trowel, small hand fork, dribble and hand hoe and acts as a weeder, cultivator and planter. Perfect for novice to expert gardeners! $24.95 (short handle), $59.95 (long handle) cobrahead.com

Tomboy Traveler

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Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot, but make it hot by striking. William B. Sprague

flourish magazine | OCT/2012 31

A Fitting Entrance Transform your home with a new entryway and take advantage of the energysaving features as well as the fresh, welcome appearance. Dear Debbie: We will be selling our house in the fall and want to give it some added curb appeal. Would there be much work and expense involved in putting in a new front door? I was thinking of adding side glass panels, not sure if this is a mistake. Thank you for any ideas. We love your column. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Frieda Dear Frieda: Replacing your entry door is a great idea! It will not only

32 flourish magazine | OCT/2012

When the best things are not possible, the best may be made of those that are. Richard Hooker

transform the exterior of your home, but also your front hall. Any rooms that open onto the hall will reap the benefit of a new design, and if you add glass panels, more light. There’s lots to consider, and you will find a wide choice of style and color. Entrance doors come in wood, fiberglass and steel. Wood is a traditional favorite with authentic designs to match your architectural style, whether Victorian, Colonial or Craftsman. The new fiberglass or steel doors look like wood but offer low maintenance and are more weatherresistant and durable. They’re also more budget friendly. The entrance shown here is from Pella. The six-panel fiberglass door has a woodgrain finish. The side panels and transom frame the entry with the artful detail of decorative glass. There are various designs available that provide either partial or full privacy, while allowing light to shine through. Glass inserts or metal fretwork can be installed as part of the door as well. Since you are thinking about adding panels, or a wider door, the original entry

through windows by limiting the amount of radiant energy they emit. However, not all low-E glass is the same; some filter out a substantial portion of red and/or blue light. This is what is causing your problem. The lighter the paint color, the more distortion you will see, as light colors are better reflectors. I don’t see beige working here. Instead, move in the opposite direction and Dear Debbie: We recently replaced our choose a deep cornflower blue. This stunning shade will complement your bedroom windows with low-E glass. The caramel carpet. Bedrooms are night rooms, warm beige we love on the walls now has a lime-yellow tint. I’ve tried testers of different which will help to some extent. beiges and also gone darker than we wanted, You can pull the drapes and enjoy a softer, artificial light. But again, with all the but they all look greenish. Is there any way energy-conscious changes in light bulb to get a warm beige shade that will go with our new caramel brown carpet? We also are production, be aware of the effect these lights have on your walls and furnishings picking out a duvet and drapes. Thank you from a faithful reader. – Cindy Dear Cindy: This is a challenge. We Debbie Travis’ House to Home column is produced don’t really think about how the window by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please email glass we choose will affect our interior color your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com. choices. Clear glass filters out very little of You can follow Debbie on Twitter at the visible color spectrum, causing little to www.twitter.com/debbie_travis, and visit Debbie’s no distortion in the colors of our interiors. new website, www.debbietravis.com. Low-E coatings reduce heat transfer opening will have to be enlarged. Ask a professional contractor what this will entail in materials and labor. A 36-inch-wide door will add more room to maneuver, whether you are carrying a baby, a bag of groceries or need extra space for a wheelchair or walker. That’s a big bonus, and one more important element to consider.

Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. Albert Einstein

flourish magazine | OCT/2012 33

by Anita Booth

Kickin’ It with Your Own Bucket List

Do you have a Bucket List? If you’re not familiar with what a Bucket List is, it’s a compilation of things one might wish to accomplish before they, well… kick the bucket! And, let’s admit it, who hasn’t given thought at one time or another to…“Gee, before I die, I’d sure like to….” Your list can be any length ranging from a couple of things to an infinitum. It can be realistic, sensible, random or totally, off-the-charts, bizarre. It might include something you’ve always wanted to accomplish, something you never made time for, something you’ve always wanted to learn, hidden talents you’ve never explored, places you’ve always wanted to visit or even a fear you’ve wanted to face. 34 flourish magazine | OCT/2012

To date, research indicates the Top 10 Bucket List Items are, in ascending order: water rafting, running a marathon, getting married, going on a cruise, swimming with dolphins, getting a tattoo, skydiving and, the number one item on the Bucket List is: Seeing the Northern Lights! The exercise and topics are merely suggestions to get you kick-started. Grab a pen – no bucket required – and begin.

You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take. Wayne Gretzky

I’ve always wanted to… GO TO – a foreign country, a live concert, a major league sporting event, a nude beach, a national monument, a dude ranch, a U.S. Mint, the mountains, a major city, a small town.

LEARN HOW TO – cook with a wok, create a piece of art, play a musical instrument, speak another language, surf, snowshoe, weave baskets, build a sand castle, perform CPR, fly an airplane, sing like a pro, play poker like a pro, do stand-up comedy, speak in public, foster a pet, foster a child, organize an event, help the needy.

TRY – a really exotic food, acupuncture, a new religion, sky diving, hang gliding, bull riding, riding on a motorcycle, riding in a hot air balloon, going on a police ride-along, a weekend without mod-cons, having an entire day free from looking at the clock.

GET – a tattoo, a wild haircut, a massage, a complete make-over, something waxed, an education, a degree, a ride on a helicopter, time alone, more time with loved ones, more sleep, less sleep, an animal companion.

As you can see, your list may include absolutely everything and anything, plus it’s for all ages. Nothing is off limits. Also, as you continually add to your bucket list, you’ll likewise relish the thrill of crossing things off.

For impetus and further information visit www.bucketlist.net. This top-rated website contains a blog, books and gear, tribe lists (groups of people with common interests), how to create a Bucket List, how to help others with their Bucket Lists, great links, and, of course, a gigantic Bucket List that’s broken down into several categories. Along with success comes a reputation for wisdom. Euripides

flourish magazine | OCT/2012 35

Dear Teacher BY MARGE EBERTS AND PEGGY GISLER

It’s never too early to get familiar with college life

Question: My wife and I are both college graduates, and we definitely want our three children – ages 6, 12 and 15 – to go to college. We talk to them often about how much we enjoyed college. When is the best time to take them on college visits? – College Bound

36 flourish magazine | OCT/2012

You cannot plough a field by turning it over in your mind. Author Unknown

Answer: Your 15-year-old should be visiting colleges now. And it is not too early for the other two children to get an idea of what college is like. College visits usually should begin at schools close to your home. Your first visits should include fun activities, from college sporting events to special campus events to hiking or camping in the area. Younger children just need to get the flavor of what college campuses are like. Your older child needs to have a checklist of things to see at each school, including taking a campus tour, visiting a class, checking out eating and dorm facilities, talking to students and learning about the courses offered. After each visit, he or she should write down which aspects of a school appealed to him or her and which ones didn’t. It will make it far easier

later on to make a decision about where to apply. Incidentally, visits for older children need not be limited to schools they might want to attend, as each visit will help them formulate what they really want in a college. The ideal time for college visits for high-schoolers is when school is in session – simply because it gives the best picture of college life. Nevertheless, summer vacation visits can be very helpful, as it gives children of all ages an idea of what other things in the area around a college might make a particular school appealing, from mountains to the seashore to big-city or rural life. So when families are on vacation this summer, they should make an effort to at least drive through a few college campuses near their vacation spots.

Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome. Samuel Johnson

Arts Activity:

Introduce your children to photography. Your household probably has one or more old digital cameras that they can use. It is not enough to have them just push a button and take a picture – even if it’s a great picture. They need to learn some of the basics. Number one is for them to explore how their camera works. Reading the manual and playing with all of the options is very important for older children. The second thing your children need to learn is what great photography looks like. This is not difficult to do, as most libraries will have photography books by acclaimed photographers. It is also possible for them to go online to see the works of such renowned photographers as Ansel Adams, Alfred Stieglitz, Annie Leibovitz and Alfred Eisenstaedt. The final thing that they should do is take pictures. Not every shot will be great. In fact, probably only about one in 20 will be one they should keep. As they continue to take pictures, they will be learning about composition, lighting, contrasts and colors.

Send questions and comments to Dear Teacher, care of Flourish Magazine or to 1 North Illinois Street No. 2004, Indianapolis, IN 46204, or log on to www.dearteacher.com, or email DearTeacher@DearTeacher.com.

flourish magazine | OCT/2012 37

O2B Kids and Flourish Magazine invite you to come to Spooktakular this year. Oct 13 6pmâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;10pm

Flourish

38 flourish magazine | OCT/2012

Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

GRAB A CRAYON

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

Kids Dot 2 Dot Connect the dots to discover the hidden image.

Spot the Difference

Can you spot the ten differences between these two pictures?

1. Extra door, 2. Hat missing, 3. Pencil bigger, 4. Balloon missing, 5. Horn larger, 6. Hair different, 7. Lollipop missing, 8. Umbrella missing, 9. Pom pom missing from clown suit, 10. ‘CLOWN’ changed to ‘CROWN’.

Can you spot the ten differences between these two pictures?

Dot 2 Dot Connect the dots to discover the hidden image.

Kids Spot the Difference 006 © Lovatts Media Group Pty Ltd 1. Extra door, 2. Hat missing, 3. Pencil bigger, 4. Balloon missing, 5. Horn larger, 6. Hair different, 7. Lollipop missing, 8. Umbrella missing, 9. Pom pom missing from clown suit, 10. ‘CLOWN’ changed to ‘CROWN’.

The power of imagination makes us infinite. John Muir

KDot011_Spider_PUZSOL.eps © Lovatts Media Group Pty Ltd

flourish magazine | OCT/2012 39

Kids In the Kitchen By Debora Dyess

Cooking with our little ones is always a fun way to bring in any season. With fall in the air, the crisp leaves, spooky images of Halloween and wonderful fall fruits make for a great combination in the kitchen. Mini-rectangle pumpkin pies are a super way to spend time with your children and start a new family tradition. Cooking with kids changes as the little chefs grow. If your children are preschool aged, they love to help mix the ingredients. Hand the child the pre-measured ingredient directly over the mixing bowl and help them pour it in. Older children may need a little guidance, but this recipe is simply enough for them to follow.

Mini-Rectangle Pumpkin Pies Ingredients: • Prepared refrigerated pie crust • 15 oz. can solid-pack pure pumpkin • 1 eggs • ½ cup brown sugar • 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice • 1 tsp vanilla extract • Lemon zest • 1 stick butter • ½ tsp salt

(If you want the kids to have more ingredients to add, replace pumpkin pie spice with 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp allspice, ¼ tsp cloves) 40 flourish magazine | OCT/2012

You’ll also need: • Waxed paper • Small “leaf,” “cat” or “jack-olantern” cookie cutter • Butter knife • Cookie sheet • Mixing bowl • Measuring cups and spoons, mixer or whisk Directions for Rectangle Crusts: • Preheat oven to 325°. • Have children wash and dry their hands. • Allow children to help you spread waxed paper over your work surface. • Get out all ingredients, measuring cups and spoons

If you’re sharing with friends or neighbors, allow pies to cool and wrap them in fall colored plastic wrap. Color code different fillings with seasonally colored wrap, or designate according to top crusts. • Measure all filling ingredients into mixing bowl. • Mix or whisk until mixture is smooth. • Cover with a cloth until needed. • Spread pie crust on waxed paper. • With butter knife, cut 8"x5" rectangles out of crust. • Use cookie cutters to create top crusts (“leaf,” “cat” or “jack-o-lantern”). Putting It All Together: • Spoon 2–3 tbsp of filling into the center of the pie crust rectangle. • Dampen edges of pie crust and fold to make 4"x5" mini pies. • Place on cookie sheet.

•M oisten top of rectangle. Place topper and press lightly. • Brush with melted butter. •B ake 15–20 minutes or until pies are golden brown. •A llow pies to cool before eating. If your children are not pumpkin pie lovers, replace the filling with their favorite jelly, pie filling or a mixture of 1 part cocoa powder, 1 part sugar and a ¼" slice of butter. Pie sizes can vary according to your children’s size and appetite. Most of all enjoy the time with your children. Memories are made with time spent together – the pies are just a bonus!

Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Planning a Great Halloween Party By J. Grey

The most important part in planning any party is to pay attention to the guest list. If someone doesn’t have the same sense of fun as everybody else, it can be a real downer. That sourpuss who acts like he doesn’t want to be there can make it very difficult for everybody else to let loose as a grade-school mentality sets in and can cause others to join forces with the malcontent. When hosting a theme party, be sure to get the invites out a little earlier than normal as your guests may need additional time to get their look together. Since people will be in costumes, they may not be aware of how much room they need to move around, so don’t forget to put away any breakables. Fairy wings have a habit of knocking down vases.

For the little partiers include a lot of activities and games. Switching things often will keep them interested and distracted from tearing up the house. For the bigger kids, try to focus on activities or games that will scare them. A flashlight treasure hunt (with adult supervision) is a great way to burn off all of that sugar. For adult, 2–3 games are a great way to get people talking, but if you’re planning a game that involves pairing off, tread carefully – this trick takes hostess skills. It is best to keep like-minds together. Halloween can give you a platform for serving unforgettable finger foods for kids and adults, but just remember that kids appreciate being grossed-out much more than adults do. To keep everyone

First say to yourself what you would be, and then do what you have to do. Epictetus

mingling, serve finger foods that are easy to eat. Save the taco bar or meatball subs for football parties where most everyone is sitting down. Healthy wraps and dips make great staples to go along side of the Halloween treats. For drinks, serve clear or light- colored beverages. Your furniture will thank you!

flourish magazine | OCT/2012 41

A LOOK AT THE GATOR NATION UF senior Isabelle LendL won the first individual title of her career last month. Photo by Saj Guevara

GOLF

Florida’s men won their season opening tournament by placing four golfers in the top-five finishers for a 24-stroke victory at The Invitational at The Ocean Course in Kiawah Island, S.C. on Sept. 11. As for the women, senior Isabelle Lendl won her first individual title to lead the team to a second place finish at the Dale McNamara Invitational in Broken Arrow, Okla., on Sept. 18.

Goal keeper Taylor Burke is allowing les than two goals per game this season. Photo by Tim Casey

SOCCER

The Gators were 4–3–1 and 1–1 in SEC play but had dropped out of the Top 25 heading into a four-match home stand. Goalie Taylor Burke has two shutouts and 25 saves while allowing 1.47 goals per game. Kryka Tymrak has two goals and three assist to pace a balanced offense. A huge crowd of 4,125 fans watched the team’s lone tie, a 0–0 final after two overtimes at North Carolina.

Florida volleyball coach Mary Wise has guided a young team to wins in eight of its first 10 games. Photo by Ben Cornfield

VOLLEYBALL

Florida was 8–2 and No. 13 nationally heading into its SEC home opener against Missouri on Sept. 21. The Gators opened league play with a five-set win at Arkansas and a 3–0 victory at Kentucky. Gainesville native Chloe Mann tied for the team lead with 13 kills in each win. The team’s only losses were at No. 2 Texas and No. 9 Stanford. Fact: In Women’s Swimming & Diving, three SEC teams finished among the top 10 nationally with Georgia finishing as the national runner-up.

GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012 39

A LOOK AT THE GATOR NATION

Compiled by Mike Capshaw

ALL-SPORTS NOTEBOOK

38 GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012

The UF women’s cross country team does a Gator Chomp after winning the Mountain Dew Invitational. Photo by Ben Cornfield

CROSS COUNTRY

The Gators swept victories in their lone home meet, the 24th Annual Mountain Dew Invitational, with both the men’s and women’s squads earning team victories on Sept. 15 at the Mark Bostic Golf Course in Gainesville. Florida’s women registered a perfect team score of 15 by taking the top five spots in their race while the men’s had five runners finish in the top 10.

Fact: A fixture on the school’s all-time statistical chart for both batting and pitching, Brad Wilkerson was a first-round choice of the Montreal Expos in 1998.

Florida band performs prior to kickoff during the Gatorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; season opener. Photo by Curtiss Bryant

Fact: The fall 2011 incoming freshman class had an average 4.23 GPA and 1920 SAT score

Scenes from the Swamp

The crowd cheers after a Caleb Sturgis field goal during a 27-14 win against Bowling Green on Sept. 1 in The Swamp.

GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012 37

Angling FOR A NIBBLE

Hook. Line. Sinker.

As of SEPTEMBER 2012. Courtesy of Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.

LAKE Santa Fe

With the largemouth bass spawning period over, bass will move from the shallows to deeper water more frequently. Fish the vegetative edge in the early morning and late evening hours. Topwater frogs or Zoom Horny Toads have been productive lately. By mid to late morning most activity will stop near shore, so switch tactics and target bass in deeper water with associated submerged structure. Two FWC marked fish attractors were refurbished this past January and should be ideal locations to begin your efforts. Also, shell bars can be located with newer bottom scanning electronics; they have been productive offshore spots for some anglers. Panfish spawning activity will peak this quarter. Look for beds in shallow or clear waters.

summer. Seek out physical structure interface areas, such as maidencane/open water or lily pad/grass combinations. Black crappie fishing slows down in summer months; mid-lake would be the best bet for this species for those continuing to pursue them. Classic bass fishing tactics should provide for some action with the early morning or late evenings being the best times.

LAKE NEWNANS

The prolonged drought in north central Florida has greatly influenced access to the fisheries at Newnans Lake. Access is currently only possible with small vessels that can be pushed off of their trailers. For those anglers that manage to reach the lake, most are fishing the relatively deeper water near Palm Point for bream, catfish, and black crappie. Anglers should be aware of tagged black crappie with rewards.

SUWANNEE AND SANTA FE RIVERS

Water levels and flow volumes in both of these rivers are near all-time lows. This is much more evident in the Santa Fe and from Branford upstream in the Suwannee. Rainfall in the latter parts of last quarter have helped somewhat. Plan your fishing accordingly and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to keep a watchful eye out for the spotty afternoon thunderstorms. Additionally, this is the time of year that sturgeon are jumping, so slow down to reduce the risk of colliding with one of these massive fish.

Most spring runs are productive areas to sight cast for striped mullet. Try filamentous algae wrapped around your hook and fished under a float. Water clarity and schooling mullet combine for a unique opportunity to target this species of fish. Look for surface SUWANNEE LAKE ripples then simply cast your baited hook in Water levels are low and shallow water is a front of the actively feeding schools at the result. Most of the fishable areas from the two docks are both too shallow and chocked river/run confluence. with emergent vegetation. Concentrate your efforts from a small boat in the northern lobe of the lake. As the shallow water warms, all fish will utilize the deeper water in the northern section more frequently. Try fishing with crickets or worms on the bottom for panfish in the deep hole. This area can be spotted by its lack of standing timber. The abundance of the flooded cypress offer bass the needed cover for ambushing unsuspecting forage.

LAKE WAUBERG

Bluegill and redear sunfish should bite at the edges of grass on crickets and grass shrimp all

In the Santa Fe, eelgrass beds in the upper and middle reaches hold fish. Try fishing for bass and panfish in deep grass beds or close to fallen trees with small jigs or mealworms. Mealworms tend to stay on hooks better in grass than crickets. The lower Santa Fe has less grass and therefore narrows the available habitat for ambush predators, namely bass. Medium-running crankbaits fished over grass will catch both Suwannee and largemouth bass. Fallen trees in deep water hold bass, and fishing with crayfishcolored jigs or creature baits is the right track to be on for finding them.

For the latest updates, visit myfwc.com 36 GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012

Fact: UF is home to 16 colleges and more than 150 research centers and institutes.

Jeff Driskel uses his legs to pick up yards during a 20-17 win at Texas A&M on Sept. 8. Photo by Icon Sports Media

Fact: UF has 4,215 faculty members with distinguished records in teaching, research and service.

Scenes from the Swamp

Fans do the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Gator Chompâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; during the season opener, a 27-14 win against Bowling Green. Photo by Curtiss Bryant

GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012 35

Scenes from the Swamp Dominique Easley has his jersey held while fighting off of a block against Tennessee. Photo by Icon Sports Media

34 GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012

Florida coach Will Muschamp argues a call with an official during a 37-20 win at Tennessee. Photo by Icon Sports Media

Fact: UF ranked 21st in the National Universities category of the 2012 Washington Monthly magazine College Rankings.

Water Wasters: A Drain on the Environment

and Your Wallet

GRU customers use water efficiently, using significantly less than the regional average. Nevertheless, unsuspected culprits and practices can quickly waste water and cause unnecessarily high water bills. GRU suggests that customers make a few simple changes to become more water efficient.

Bathroom A leaky faucet may seem like just a few lost drops of water, but it can drip away up to 500 gallons of water each month. With the sink, toilet and shower, your bathroom can account for 50-75 percent of your homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s indoor water use and can be the biggest culprit of wasted water. Turn the water off when brushing your teeth or shaving. Leaving the water running for one minute can waste 2 gallons of water.

Kitchen The amount of water used for cooking, cleaning, washing and drinking can be significantly reduced by making a few small changes to your kitchen habits and equipment. Wait to run the dishwasher until it is completely full. Each cycle can use up to 15 gallons of water. Swap out your old dishwasher for an energy-efficient one. Dishwashers made before 1994 can cost up to $40 more per year than newer, ENERGY STARÂŽ models.

Landscaping An improperly maintained in-ground irrigation system can leak water and waste money. Inspect systems annually to prevent over-watering, breaks, leaks and backflow into drinking water lines. Add a rain sensor to an in-ground irrigation system to keep your system from running when there has been sufficient rain. GRU offers a $25 rain sensor rebate. Find more information on using water efficiently, including details on the latest irrigation rules, by visiting www.gru.com.

One community. One request. One hundred years of GRU service. GRU Centennial sponsors:

THE TRAIL TO THE FUTURE

Recruiting Notebook Gators addressing positions of need on recruiting trail Florida sits with 19 verbal commitments for the Class of 2013 with the latest coming from Seffner (Fla.) Armwood receiver Alvin Bailey, who picked up an offer in August and committed on Sept. 1 over Central Florida and Michigan. Bailey gives the Gators four receivers in the class, but the coaches are still recruiting the position in hopes of adding another. Two candidates for that position are Laquon Treadwell and Marquez North. North and Treadwell have both said they will visit Gainesville this fall and if they do, the Gators could land one of them. Now that football season is underway fans will start to see 2013 prospects taking official visits and underclassmen on unofficial visits to Gainesville for games. During the season opener against Bowling Green on Sept. 1, Florida hosted a huge official visitor in Georgia offensive lineman commitment Trenton Brown. Brown is 6-foot-8, 370-pounds and named Florida his leader after the visit. Brown is a junior college prospect who can provide instant help up front. Another visitor for Bowling Green was former Nebraska offensive lineman Tyler Moore, who is looking to transfer to Florida or Florida State. Following the visit to Florida, Moore named the Gators his leader. Moore, like Brown, has played in college and could provide instant depth for the Gators and a much needed position of need. Here a few other prospects that will visit Florida from the Class of 2013. They are safety Marcell Harris, defensive tackle

Greg Gilmore, cornerback Jalen Ramsey and defensive lineman Ebenezer Ogundeko. The Gators look solid for all four prospects, but will have to battle it out with LSU for Gilmore’s signature.

Basketball

Much like Florida football coach Will Muschamp, UF hoops coach Billy Donovan has been on a roll on the recruiting trail. Donovan lande dhis top target in Bonifay (Fla.) Holmes County forward Chris Walker, who is ranked among the top players in the country for the Class of 2013. Walker choose Florida over Kentucky and Kansas and the main reason he said he committed was because Donovan personally recruited Despite a verbal commitment to Georgia, junior college offensive lineman Trenton him and was at every one of his Brown, a 6-foot-8, 370-pounder, said Florida was his leader following a Sept. 1 summer AAU basketball games. visit to The Swamp. Photo by Curtiss Bryant Walker is also AAU teammates with fellow Florida point guard commit Kasey Hill. Adding more depth to the 1. RB Adam Lane (5–8, 215, Winter Haven, Fla.) frontcourt Donovan also had 2. DT Caleb Brantley (6–3, 305, Crescent City, Fla.) Orlando (Fla.) Boone forward 3. LB James Hearns (6–3, 235, Tallahassee, Fla./Lincoln) Schuyler Rimmer pledge to the 4. LB Daniel McMillian (6–3, 220, Jacksonville, Fla./First Coast) Gators in August. However, 5. RB Kelvin Taylor (5–10, 205, Belle Glade, Fla./Glades Day) Rimmer backed off of his pledge 6. WR Rodney Adams (6–1, 175, St. Petersburg, Fla./Lakewood) by mid-September. Sources close 7. LB Quinton Powell (6–2, 195, Daytona Beach, Fla./Mainland) to the situation said Rimmer was 9. DB Nick Washington (6–0, 180, Jacksonville, Fla./Trinity Christian) asked to walk-on to free up a 10. DB Keanu Neal (6–1, 200, Bushnell, Fla./South Sumter) scholarship for the Gators. 11. WR Ahmad Fulwood (6–4, 200, Jacksonville, Fla./Bishop Kenny) With only scholarships 12. OL Joshua Outlaw (6–4, 280, Lithonia, Ga./King) available, Donovan and his staff 13. OL Cameron Dillard (6–3, 285, Canton, Mich./Plymouth) will look to add as many as two 14. WR Marqui Hawkins (6–2, 205, Columbus, Ga./Carver) more prospects in the Class of 15. DL Joey Ivie (6–4, 269, Dade City, Fla./Pasco) 2013. One most likely will be a 16. QB Max Staver (6–5, 235, Brentwood, Tenn./Brentwood Academy) wing player to play either the 17. OL Octavius Jackson (6–4, 295, Moultrie, Ga./Colquitt County) shooting guard position or the 18. WR Chris Thompson (6–0, 200, Gainesville, Fla./Gainesville) small forward position while the 19. WR Alvin Bailey (5–11, 170, Seffner, Fla./Armwood) other could be for big man like 7-footer Joel Embiid, a native of Cameroon who plays center at G Kasey Hill (6–0, 175, Clermont, Fla./Monteverde Academy) Monteverde Academy in Florida. F Chris Walker (6–9, 220, Bonifay, Fla./Holmes County)

Football Commitments (Class of 2013)*

Basketball Commitments (Class of 2013)*

32 GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012

Fact: UF is No. 19 in U.S. News & World Report “Top Public Universities” (August 2011).

prove themselves all over again, and there are always growing pains as both sides learn what to expect from one another. The relationship can develop by working through the rough patches with a lot of give-andtake. Coaches give more than they take, but it often comes with some compromise. If they learn to love and respect each other unconditionally, a fruitful life can be born. Trust is paramount. “What these guys have done is bought into what I’ve really tried to sell to them,” Muschamp said. “We also always point to what is critical about being a good player whether it’s the attitude, it’s the effort or it’s the toughness. Those are things that are just the core values of our program. It’s something we talk about all of the time. “It’s sounds really boring to everybody but that’s just what we do.” Last season, the Gators were 0–5 when trailing at halftime. “I walk into the locker room at halftime (at UT),” Muschamp said. “There’s not anybody pointing fingers. There’s not anybody complaining. There’s not anybody going, ‘What’s going on out there.’ And last year, quite honestly, we had some of that. There was some uncertainty. “Instead of panicking, we’ve pulled together and we’ve had a lot of poise and, again, we haven’t arrived. We need to continue to press forward.” Pressing forward is what has happened over the past 20-plus month with Muschamp and his players. They’ve learned to trust in him and his system, and the result thus far has been positive. This season, led by solid defense and special teams as well as a quickly improving offense behind the 1–2 punch of Mike Gillislee and Jeff Driskel, the Gators are 3–0 with impressive SEC road victories,

a new face for 2012

both coming after the team faced halftime deficits. Games were won with exactly what Muschamp’s been preaching: Establish toughness with stout defense and a power running game. “These guys responded the right way, and we’ve responded with the right people, guys that have bought into what we’re doing,” Muschamp said after the Tennessee win. “Are we where we want to be? Heck no, so let’s not start celebrating now – let’s be realistic about where we are. And we’ve got a long way to go.” Muschamp was the first to admit the 2011 Gators wouldn’t have rallied to win 20–17 at Texas A&M as it did on Sept. 9. Last year’s Gators may have never got back up after seeing Tennessee’s seemingly unstoppable offense piling up points and yards in the first half, but this year’s team did before pulling away for a convincing 37–20 win in Knoxville, Tenn. The difference is in the team’s toughness, which Muschamp said is a “night and day” difference when compared to last season. The team struggled running the ball and stopping the run after opening the season 4–0. “Just going through spring practice with this group. I think first off all you’ve got to credit our players for the commitment level of being realistic,” Muschamp said. “Our players have bought in 100 percent and when you have a buy-in like that it makes it easy. Our guys have seen the results now, so not they’ve seen the success of it. “This is a different 3–0 … We are a much better team than we were at this time [last season}.” Clearly this is a different team than a year ago. A tougher, more confident team willing to fight for everything it gets. A team that understands the way it’s supposed to play to win. It’s found its identity.

Fact: UF built the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certified building in the state of Florida.

GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012 31

a new face for 2012 Florida’s Jon Bostic stuffs Texas A&M running back Christine Michael in a 20-17 Florida win on Sept. 8. Photo by Icon Sports Media

Green, the Gators erased doubts by rallying for wins at Texas A&M and Tennessee. Each game is another step for this team in learning and establishing its identity to will include grinding out close wins like it did at Texas A&M. Last season was a team searching for an identity under a first-year head coach. It played

the second half of the season, and the second half of most games, like a team without an identity. These things always take time. Rarely can a new coaching staff instantly get 105 players to buy into and believe in a new system. A lot of trust is involved as players and coaches get acquainted. Like the rest of a fan base,

30 GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012

players anxiously follow as coaching searches unfold to find out who’ll lead them in the coming months and years. Once hired, a unique and odd courtship begins between coach and player. A group of players signed by a different coaching staff, often recruited to fit into a completely different scheme is the football

equivalent of a pre-arranged marriage with neither spouseto-be ever meeting because dating is not allowed. When the wedding day arrives, the parties are stuck together with most of the players sticking it out for the remainder of their college football lives. There’s no wedding party. They have to

Fact: Every state dollar appropriated to the University of Florida results in a $15 return on investment.

YEAR 2 COACHES AT FLORIDA The past four Gators coaches showed they had teams pointed in right direction by their second seasons: Year Coach 1980 Charlie Pell 1991 Steve Spurrier 2003 Ron Zook 2006 Urban Meyer

Overall/SEC 8–4/4–2 10–2/7–0 8–5/6–2 13–1/8–1

Note After 0–10–1 record in 1979 SEC East, Orange Bowl champs Three-way tie for SEC East title Won BCS National Championship

Peer into Will Muschamp’s steely wide eyes and you can see it. That no-nonsense, uber-intense look fans witnessed in full force after come-from-behind wins at Texas A&M and Tennessee.

That’s Will Muschamp. That’s the look of Florida Gators football, version 2012. Mirroring their coach, the Gators have adopted a new identity. With a stout defense and an offense built around a powerrunning attack, the Muschamp era is officially underway in his second season as head coach. Muschamp has led, and his team has followed. The Gators have taken on Muschamp’s mentality by finally buying into his philosophy: Play tough, smash-mouth football by running the ball, and stopping the run. Wear down a team to own the second half and, specifically, the fourth quarter. Close wins still are wins. Muschamp is a former college walk-on who had to earn a scholarship before hustling his tail off to climb the college-

Fact: UF is No. 7 in the Princeton Review Best Value Public Colleges (2012).

a new face for 2012

Photo by Tim Casey coaching ladder. Like Muschamp, this is a blue-collar team that will work tirelessly for every yard, point and win. “We grew up a lot last year,” Muschamp said after a 37–20 win at Tennessee. “You sit in the locker room at Auburn, South Carolina and Jacksonville [site of a loss against Georgia], it’s tough, it’s hard, and these guys have got a lot of pride. We’re the University of Florida, and these guys didn’t come here to go 7–6.” For those who have blocked last season out of their memory, 7–6 was the Gators’ final record. It took a win against Ohio State in the Gator Bowl to avoid the team’s first losing season since 1979. After raising eyebrows with concerns about the direction of the team with a closer-thanexpected 27–14 win in the season opener against Bowling GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012 29

a new face for 2012

Players finally following Muschamp’s lead unconditionally

Gators Find New Identity By Mike Capshaw

Florida linebacker Neiron Ball shows his toughness while pressure Bowling Green quarterback Matt Schilz in the season opener. Photo by Curtiss Bryant 28 GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012

Fact: UF is No. 2 in Kiplinger’s “Best Values in Public Colleges” (2012).

the wild card

Jordan Reed’s game-by-game statistics: DATE OPP 9/ 1 Bowling Green 9/8 @Texas A&M 9/15 @Tennessee

RESULT REC W 27-14 3 W 20-17 5 W 37-20 5

In 2010,the dramatic departure of Urban Meyer left a sour taste in mouths of a (Gator) Nation, and Reed was forced to learn an entirely new playbook under new offensive coordinator/Big Mac connoisseur Charlie Weis and new coach Will Muschamp. Muschamp’s first season came to an end with a momentum-building win in the Gator Bowl against Ohio State, and with it came Weis leaving ot be the head coach Kansas. That meant a new offensive coordinator heading into the 2012 season, and yet another offseason spent questioning where the protagonist of this story, Reed, was going to play. Sophomores Jeff Driskel and Jacoby Brissett had laid claim not to the starting quarterback spot, but at least to a lengthy, drawn out competition that simultaneously captivated Gators fans and made them sick to their respective stomachs. Trey Burton was moving to tight end after spending a little time at quarterback himself. Then there were the question marks of Tevin Westbrook, making the move from defensive

YDS 33 59 60

AVG 11.0 11.8 12.0

LNG 16 30 23

TD 0 0 1

end to tight end, and highly touted true freshmen Kent Taylor and Colin Thompson. This was going to be Reed’s third offensive system in three years, and the depth chart didn’t appear to be doing him any favors. Yet, in his second full season at tight end, Reed seems have to finally found himself a home, no matter who is calling the plays or throwing the ball or clogging the depth chart. The days of lining up at quarterback are behind him. The days of dealing with a revolving door of coaches are also something to be observed from his rearview mirror. This year is finally different, and it is not because of his coaches or his natural pass-catching abilities. No, this year is different for Reed because he is not using those pass-catching hands exclusively for, well, catching passes. “Just talking about blocking … I used to just throw my head in there, now I’m using my hands more, so it’s paying off.” Whatever the case may be, welcome to the party, Jordan Reed.

Fact: Gatorade is just one of hundreds of commercial products resulting from UF research.

GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012 27

the wild card Jordan Reed has 13 receptions for 152 yards through the first three games. Photo by Curtiss Bryant

Jordan-esque By Ben Cornfield

Gators tight end Jordan Reed soars despite changes If the Florida Gators football team was like a kid’s birthday party, complete with pin-thetail-on-the-donkey, a birthday cake and goodie bags, Jordan Reed would be the kid who was running around with his birthday hat on sideways after eating far too much cake and frosting. Is that kid going to run around everywhere and then get sick and throw up all over the place, or is his sugar rush going to knock him into a deep sleep in just a few moments? Not at all to insinuate in any way that Jordan Reed is a little kid that eats too much cake, but that metaphorical kid would be considered a total wild-card to the parents at the party, just as Reed has been viewed in the eyes of his various coaches. Is Jordan Reed taking all the snaps at quarterback or will he be running around the backfield? Is he going to catch passes or watch the game from the sidelines? Just as no one knows what that kid is going to get in to, it has taken a long time for anyone to know what Reed, a quarterback-turnedrunning back-turned-tight end, would be doing this season. Now, he looks like a potential NFL tight end. Reed came to Florida not only as a quarterback but as one of the few that arrive on the sunny Gainesville campus from out-of-state. After throwing for more than 1,700 yards as a junior, not only did he earn a spot among the ESPNU Top 150 players in the nation, but he was named a finalist for the 2008 Joe Montana High School Quarterback of the Year Award. Since his decision to join the Gators three years ago, however, the team has undergone quite a transformation, and few members of this 2012 squad have been able to roll with the program’s changes in the same fashion as Reed. 26 GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012

Jordan Reed makes a diving catch for a touchdown in a 37–20 win at Tennessee. Photo by Icon Sports Media Fact: UF opened its doors in Gainesville in 1906 with 102 students.

6 Jeff Driskel

Height 6’4” Class Sophomore Hometown Oviedo Weight 237 lbs. Experience 1L School Hagerty However, it was clear a decision needed to be made. The two had been entrenched in competition throughout the offseason, and if one wasn’t given the nod to singularly lead the team, Florida would be entrenched in mediocrity moving forward. Eventually, the choice was made, and Driskel was tabbed as the starter. So far, it has been the correct choice. In his first two career starts at quarterback, he was thrown into the fire, traveling into two hostile environments: Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, and Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. His response was an overwhelming success. First, he directed a comefrom-behind victory to spoil Texas A&M’s conference debut. A week later, he turned Neyland Stadium into his personal stage, gaining 300 all-purpose yards and throwing two touchdowns in Florida’s 37–20 drubbing of Tennessee. For a guy who was unsure he would even be the quarterback to start the season, Driskel quickly turned skeptics into believers – producing the most timely and effective game Florida had seen at the quarterback position in the last two seasons. “Just like last week, a hostile environment, down, they have the momentum, but no one hung their head,” Driskel said after beating Tennessee. “No one in that locker room thought for a second that we were out of that game.” The resiliency shown is

Growing up before our eyes

something the team lacked last season. Two weeks in a row, Florida entered halftime with a deficit and was able to regroup and win the game. The Gators had been 0–5 last season when trailing at the half. Much of the credit has to be given to Muschamp and his staff for making corrections, but Driskel deserves loads of credit, too. After moonlighting as an overmatched freshman a year ago, he has matured into a leader in his sophomore season. Not only can he manage a game, but also he has developed into a playmaker, someone defensive coordinators must identify to stop because of his ability to pass and run. Still, there is room for growth as Florida prepares for its toughest tests. The Gators host LSU and South Carolina and Georgia in October before traveling to Tallahassee to face Florida State in the regular season finale on Nov. 24. Florida lost each of those games last season. There also are key SEC games in between, with a trip to Vanderbilt on Oct. 13, and a home game against league newcomer Missouri on Nov. 3. If the Gators are to win this season, Driskel will need to continue to grow as a quarterback. Despite the strong play, he is still a workin-progress as opposed to a finished project, something he understands. “I mean I still have a long way to go,” he said after winning at Tennessee. “I hit some big plays and definitely got better from Game 1, Game 2 and now Game 3. But I still have a long way to go.” As a program, Florida still has a long way to go. However, in Driskel, the program has found a capable leader.

Fact: UF is a national leader in alternative energy research, with strong programs in ethanol production, and nuclear and solar energy.

GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012 25

Growing up before our eyes

Sophomore signal-caller Jeff Driskel starts hot to ignite offense

Driskel era begins for Gators

It is not often a program the caliber of Florida’s enters a season engaged in an ongoing quarterback competition. The saying goes, “If you have two starting quarterbacks, you don’t have one,” because the disadvantages with splitting snaps during practices and games can disrupt chemistry and consistency. The Gators entered their opener against Bowling Green by throwing conventional wisdom to the wind with both

24 GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012

Jeff Driskel guided the Gators to come-from-behind SEC road victories in his first two career starts at quarterback. By Phillip Heilman Photos by Curtiss Bryant

Jeff Driskel and Jacoby Brissett trading snaps. Because coaches said both deserved to start, Brissett lined up at quarterback and Driskel split out at receiver for the first play of 2012. After the 27–14 home win on Sept. 1 saw Driskel play a majority of the time, Florida second-year coach Will Muschamp stated he had not found a starter and would continue to evaluate the pair’s performance moving forward. Fact: UF traces its beginnings to a small seminary in 1853.

Mike Gillislee has wisdom beyond his years. He has a patient approach and a fixed confidence in himself and his abilities. Traits that help produce a running back are what helped Gillislee bide his time prior to this season. Through his first three seasons, there wasn’t much work for the DeLand, (Fla.) back. He found himself behind Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey on the Florida depth chart, seemingly unfit for a running system that preached getting to the outside. As the Florida offense struggled, fans clamored for Gillislee to get the ball. Still, he finished the season with just 56 carries, two less than his sophomore total. Despite the lack of opportunities, he was never a distraction in the locker room. Never raising an eyebrow or offering a dissenting opinion, Gillislee awaited his appointed time with confidence. As Demps and Rainey entered the NFL, and new offensive coordinator Brent Pease coming to town preaching a more downhill running game, Gillislee entered his senior season as the featured back for the first time in his career. At SEC Media Days in Hoover, Ala., he set goals of 1,500 yards and 24 touchdowns. Immediately, his confidence drew the ire of many who believed his goals were nothing more than hyperbole and questioned if he had the talent to be a successful lead back. It quickly became obvious he did have the talent. The patience and steady confidence brewing in him immediately turned into production on the field. In Florida’s season opener, he rushed for 148 yards, the most a Gators running back had gone for in an opener since Earnest Graham’s 182-yard effort in 2002. It was clear from the beginning there was something special about the way Gillislee ran the ball.

FREE GILLY He was touted as a power back, someone that would benefit from Pease’s new schemes. While he has been, it has become clear he is more than that. In addition to offering a level of physicality a Florida running back has not offered in recent memory, he also has a unique blend of speed and vision. He rarely fails to make the best cut to hit the biggest hole. His A-gap power, something Gators coach Will Muschamp noted earlier this season, has allowed him to penetrate those holes with fluidity and quickness. He can also run effectively to the perimeter, as shown by his second touchdown against Texas A&M on September 8, helping Florida defeat the Aggies 20–17. “He’s definitely a huge part,” UF quarterback Jeff Driskel said of Gillislee. “He’s been running great.” At Tennessee a week later, a groin injury threatened to keep him out of the game. Freshman Matt Jones started for the Gators, but Gillislee’s impact was felt late in the game. In the final five series, a fresh Gillislee continue to pound at a winded Tennessee defensive line. Needing just 18 carries, he again broke the 100-yard plateau, finishing with 115 yards. “That’s just Old Man River,” Muschamp said of Gillislee after his Tennessee performance. “He just keeps going.” With 346 rushing yards through the first three games, Gillislee set a new career mark for a season. While he may not attain the cosmic numbers he set out for prior to the season, he has proven to all he can be the feature back and staple of the Florida offense. After three years of patiently waiting, he is now patiently finding holes in the defense. The results speak for themselves. “It’s a dream come true,” he said.

Fact: UF’s annual economic impact exceeds $8.76 billion.

GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012 23

FREE GILLY

“That’s just Old Man River. He just keeps going.” – Will Muschamp on Mike Gillislee. By Phillip Heilman Photos by Curtiss Bryant

The time is now Senior Mike Gillislee equaled his number of carries all of last season (56) in the first three games of 2012 and his 346 yards are a career high.

Mike Gillislee’s Career Rushing Statistics Using a patient approach, Mike Gillislee has earned his chance for the Gators and taken full advantage.

Year Carries Yards 2009 31 267 2010 58 328 2011 56 328 2012** 56 346

Average Touchdowns 8.6 1 5.6 7 5.9 2 6.2 4 **Rushing totals through three games

22 GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012

Fact: UF boasts an enrollment of nearly 50,000 students annually.

HS FOOTBALL BREAKDOWN

“The Prep Zone” Insider We’ve reached the halfway point of the high school football regular season, and now the real fun begins. That’s because postseason berths are on the line. The month of October offers some key games with district implications. While some district races might go right down to the wire, other fates likely will be determined before we even get to November. Here are five district games in Gainesville and Ocala to keep your eyes on in the month of October.

St. Francis at Oak Hall (2A-District 2) – Friday, October 5

It’s a small school showdown and budding rivalry in Gainesville. It likely will determine which team gets eliminated from the district race. Both teams had disappointing losses in September, but despite that, the winner of this game still has a chance to make the playoffs while holding bragging rights for a year.

Vanguard at Gainesville (6A-District 5) – Friday, October 19 The Purple Hurricanes Every Join Us have a stout Tues Night defense which -7 p.m. from 6 at Sonic ” Zone “The Prep zone.com theprep

Dunnellon in the mix too. The Rams have made improvement, but so have the Pirates. allowed minus-68 yards rushing in a win against 3A power Trinity Catholic (Ocala) in Forest at Buchholz mid-September. But the ‘Canes, who (7A-District 1) - Thursday, October 25 received their first-ever No. 1 ranking in Which Buchholz team will show up? Will it be football last month, also turned the ball over the Bobcats’ team that went on the road to four times and were flagged 19 times for 190 surprise Class 8A Orange Park? Or will it be yards. Vanguard is a team that they can’t the team that was crushed at home by afford to make mistakes against. Not only is Columbia (Lake City) in mid-September? the game likely for the district championship, With Lincoln (Tallahassee) also in the district, but the ‘Canes lost at Vanguard last year. So the margin for error is very small. GHS has had this one circled on the calendar. It will be a good test for Eastside at North Marion Gainesville, which will go to Boot Hill the (5A-District 5) – Thursday, October 25 following week to try and avenge a 2011 loss North Marion showed its grit early when to Madison County. Expect the winner of this the ‘Colts bounced back from an early season one to win the district, while the loser gets in loss to county rival Vanguard in Week #2 to as the runners-up. hand Class 7A Forest (Ocala) its first loss of the season. The Colts have dominated district play since Craig Damon Eastside at Crystal River began coaching his alma mater in 2000. They (5A-District 5) – Friday, October 19 have made the playoffs every year under Damon, including nine consecutive district titles. Eastside is improved, but a date in Sparr might be a must-win game for the ‘Rams, especially if they lose at Crystal River. Crystal River turned some heads early when they got off to a 2–0 start heading into their bye in Week #3. The Pirates actually have a bigger game on October 5 against North Marion, but this game becomes a must-win for at least one of these teams with

Fact: In its faculty, UF has 40 Eminent Scholar chairs.

GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012 21

TEST YOUR STADIUM SMARTS

Gator Trivia

1) In what year did construction begin on Florida Field? c) 1931 d) 1930

9) In what year was the stadium named Ben Hill Griffin Stadium?

10) Who dubbed Ben Hill Griffin Stadium “The Swamp”?

2) In what year was construction completed on Florida Field?

a) 1989 b) 1990

a) 1932 b) 1933

c) 1931 d) 1930

3) In 1949, plans were drawn up to how many seats to the west stands? a) 11,200 b) 11,000

c) 11, 150 d) 12,000

c) 1991 d) 1992

a) Red Barber b) Steve Spurrier c) Ron Zook d) Ray Graves

11) In 1991, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium was the site of the largest football crowd (collegiate or professional) in state of Florida history. 12) Prior to what season, was construction completed on the stadium expansion/renovation that included the addition of 2,900 luxury club seats?

5) In 1971, which of these were installed at the stadium?

a) True

4) In was year was the expansion completed? a) 1951 b) 1950

c) 1949 d) 1952

a) More seating b) An athletic training center c) Artificial turf d) Skybox tower

6) In 1982, the completion of the … brought capacity to 72,000. a) South End Zone b) New North End Zone c) East-side addition d) West-side renovation

7) In 1991, the stadium was named the largest on-campus collegiate football stadium in Florida. What was its capacity? a) 84,000 b) 85,000

a) 2003 b) 2002

b) False

c) 2004 d) 2001

13) What is the stadium’s current capacity? a) 88,500 b) 88,548

c) 88,900 d) 90,000

14) In what year were the statues honoring Florida’s three Heisman Trophy winners – Steve Spurrier, Danny Wuerffel and Tim Tebow- added? a) 2010 b) 2009

c) 2011 d) 2012

c) 88,000 d) 83,000

8) During the 1991 and 1992 seasons, the stadium was the site of the… largest crowds in state history a) 11 b) 10 20 GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012

c) 12 d) 13

1–D, 2–D, 3–A, 4–B, 5–C, 6–A, 7–D, 8–C, 9–B, 10–B, 11–A, 12–A, 13–B, 14–C

Answer Key:

Fact: Today, UF is one of the most comprehensive and academically diverse universities in the nation.

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Gators fans show their spirit during Florida’s season opening win against Bowling Green in The Swamp. Photos by Curtiss Bryant

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GAME PREVIEW

MISSOURI TIGERS vs. FLORIDA – NOV. 3 in Gainesville, Fla.

MISSOURI TIGERS OUTLOOK

presence in the group would help Franklin The big storyline for Missouri is the team’s out substantially. Freshman Dorial Greeninaugural season in the SEC after moving Beckham will have an instant impact at from the Big 12. Many question how the 6-foot-6, 220-pounds. Other than size, the Tigers will fare in the SEC, but coach Gary Pinkel thinks his team will transition without No. 1 overall prospect in the nation also runs the 40-yard dash in 4.4-seconds, so any problems. “I’d be disappointed if we were intimidated. We played in a pretty good he should be a playmaker right away. football league ourselves. We understand the great league we’re coming into. It’s all going OFFENSIVE LINE to play out. We all know how it works. It’s in Last year, the Missouri offensive line only the process,” Pinkel said at SEC Media allowed 18 sacks, which was 34th in the Days. The Tigers will be led on offense by country. This season, the Tigers return quarterback James Franklin and receivers three starters in Justin Britt, Jack Meiners Dorial Green-Beckham and T.J. Moe. and Travis Ruth whose experience should Green-Beckham, although a freshman, will help build upon last season’s success. have an instant impact due to his size and athleticism. However, the name of the game DEFENSIVE LINE in the SEC is defense and it’s unclear of how Missouri’s two defensive playmakers Brad the Tigers defense will fare in their new Madison and Sheldon Richardson will be conference. If the defense struggles, it’s hard anchoring the Tigers defensive line this to imagine Missouri’s offense can carry the season. However, the success of this unit team enough to be serious contenders in will depend on the health of these two as the SEC in their first year. they both sustained injuries in the spring and are currently rehabbing to be ready for the fall.

QUARTERBACK

James Franklin returns as the starting quarterback for the Missouri Tigers. While his passing has improved, it has been his running that has caught the attention of rival defenses so far in his career. In 2011, he ran for 981 yards and led the team with 15 touchdowns. His dual-threat capabilities will be essential to the offense, especially with the departure of three top wide receivers from last season.

RUNNING BACK

The focal point of Missouri’s run game would have been Henry Josey, the Tigers leading rusher in 2011 with 1,168 yards. However, Josey tore his ACL and MCL, so seeing him this season is highly unlikely. Kendial Lawrence, who had a strong end to the 2011 season, will assume the starting role.

RECEIVER

Michael Egnew, Wes Kemp and Jerell Jackson have all left, so the main target for Franklin will be T.J. Moe. Moe was the team’s leading receiver in 2011 so having his

LINEBACKER

It’s a thin position for Missouri, but Zavair Gooden will be the senior leader of this unit for Missouri. Gooden is a three-year starter for Missouri. Junior linebacker Andre Wilson also returns for the Tigers and he was the team’s leading tackler last season with 98 tackles.

FAST FACTS

Colors: Black and gold Location: Columbia, Mo. Enrollment: 33,805 Conference: Southeastern Conference, Eastern Division

QUICK READS

Coach: Gary Pinkel, 12th year 2011 records: 8–5, 5–4 in Big 12 Offensive coordinator: David Yost Offensive formations: Spread, no huddle Defensive coordinator: Dave Steckel Defensive formation: 4–3 Key returners: QB James Franklin, WR T.J. Moe, DB E.J. Gaines, P Trey Barrow, RB Henry Josey Key newcomers: WR Dorial GreenBeckham, OL Evan Boehm, TE Sean Culkin, LB Michael Scherer

DEFENSIVE BACK

The defensive backs are an experienced group for the Tigers as they return seven upperclassmen in 2012. E.J. Gaines is going to be the leader of this secondary. Last season Gaines broke up 16 passes and the Tigers will need that kind of performance in 2012 to compete against SEC quarterbacks.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Trey Barrow will probably see duties as the team’s punter, placekicker and kickoff specialist for the second straight season. He received all-conference honors in 2011 for punting.

18 GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012

SCHEDULE

9/1 SE Louisiana 9/8 Georgia 9/15 Arizona State 9/22 @ South Carolina 9/29 @ Central Florida 10/6 Vanderbilt 10/13 Alabama 10/27 Kentucky 11/3 @ FLORIDA 11/10 @ Tennessee 11/17 Syracuse 11/24 @ Texas A&M

Fact: A total of nine conference titles were claimed by the University of Florida in the course of the 2010-11 season.

GAME PREVIEW

GEORGIA BULLDOGS vs. FLORIDA – OCT. 27 in Jacksonville, Fla.

GEORGIA BULLDOGS OUTLOOK

Experience. Experience. Experience. The Georgia Bulldogs return five starters on offense and nine starters on defense. Speaking of defense, that will be the strength for the Bulldogs in 2012. Todd Grantham’s defense was ranked fifth in total defense last season and figures to be even stronger this season. Aaron Murray will be playing his third straight season as the starting quarterback and the tandem of wide receivers Malcolm Mitchell and Tavarres King will be a tough combination to stop for opposing defense. The Bulldogs will also benefit this season from a lighter conference schedule by avoiding LSU, Alabama and Arkansas for the second straight year. The biggest question will be the offensive line that loses three starters from a unit that struggled significantly last season. If the offensive line is any better than last season, there aren’t too many weaknesses in the defending SEC East champions.

QUARTERBACK

Redshirt junior Aaron Murray returns in his third starting season after being named All-SEC First Team in 2011. Murray was second ranked in passing in the SEC with 224.9 yards per game and set a single-season school record with 35 touchdowns. Arguably the best quarterback in the SEC heading into 2012, much of Georgia’s success this season will lie on Murray’s shoulders.

RUNNING BACK

With Isaiah Crowell dismissed from the team, Ken Malcome and Richard Samuel are expected to share starting duties once the season begins, but freshman Keith Marshall will be one to watch throughout the year. Marshall was one of the highest ranked running back recruits in the class of 2012.

RECEIVER

Wide receiver will be a significant strength for the Bulldogs as sophomore Malcolm Mitchell and senior Tavarres King lead this group. Gerogia will return four of its five top receivers from 2011. Michael Bennett will add another quality receiver to an already deep group. Arthur Lynch and Jay Rome will have to replace the production of Orson Charles at the tight end position.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Georgia lost three starters from last year’s offensive line, which gave up 33 sacks. So this unit will be a big question mark heading into 2012. Freshman tackle John Theus could have an immediate impact since the Bulldogs will be looking for two new tackles. Theus is a five-star prospect from Jacksonville, Fla.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Defensive tackle John Jenkins will anchor this experienced line. At 6-foot-3, 351pounds, Jenkins is virtually unblockable. Jenkins, along with Arby Jones, combined for seven sacks and 13 tackles for loss. Kwame Geathers will also add another weapon to this dangerous Georgia defensive line.

LINEBACKER

At linebacker, the Bulldogs return Jarvis Jones, Alec Ogletree and Cornelius Washington, along with two more returning starters. Jones exploded onto the scene last year with 13.5 sacks. He had four in one game against Florida. This linebacker corps is experienced and looking to build on it’s top 10 defense from last season.

DEFENSIVE BACK

Georgia ranked 10th in pass defense in 2011 and return four starters from last year’s group. Bacarri Rambo intercepted eight passes last season and remains one of the best defensive playmakers in the SEC. With such an experienced group, Georgia could have an even better secondary this season, despite losing Brandon Boykin.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Georgia lost all three facets of its special teams from last season in Blair Walsh, Drew Butler and Brandon Boykin. True freshmen Marshall Morgan and Colin Barber have thrown their name into the mix for the starting kicking and punting job, but everything is still unclear at this point. Brandon Smith and Malcolm Mitchell are two players who could step in to fill Boykin’s shoes in 2012.

FAST FACTS

Colors: Red and black Location: Athens, Ga. Enrollment: 33,367 Conference: Southeastern Conference, Eastern Division

QUICK READS

Coach: Mark Richt, 12th year 2011 records: 10–4, 7–1 in SEC Offensive coordinator: Mike Bobo Offensive formation: Pro-style Defensive coordinator: Todd Grantham Defensive formation: 3–4 Key returners: QB Aaron Murray, WR Malcolm Mitchell, WR Tavarres King, TE Michael Bennett, DB Bacarri Rambo, DT John Jenkins, LB Jarvis Jones, LB Alec Ogletree Key newcomers: ATH Josh HarveyClemons, OT John Theus, RB Keith Marshall, DE Jordan Jenkins

SCHEDULE

9/1 Buffalo 9/8 @ Missouri 9/15 Florida Atlantic 9/22 Vanderbilt 9/29 Tennessee 10/6 @ South Carolina 10/20 @ Kentucky 10/27 FLORIDA* 11/3 Ole Miss 11/10 @ Auburn 11/17 Georgia Southern 11/24 Georgia Tech * vs. Florida in Jacksonville, Fla.

Fact: Jim Watkins was the initial Gator to be taken in the first round when he was chosen by the Atlanta Braves in the 1978 Draft.

GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012

GAME PREVIEW

SOUTH CAROLINA vs. FLORIDA – OCT. 20 in Columbia, S.C.

SOUTH CAROLINA OUTLOOK

Running back Marcus Lattimore will return from injury and the former SEC Freshman of the Year will bring a significant boost to the Gamecocks’ offense that ranked 73rd in total offense last year. Lattimore also has a great shot at being involved in Heisman Trophy consideration by season’s end. Connor Shaw will return as stating quarterback and figures to be a more established passer this season after leading them to a 7–1 record as the starter sans Lattimore. On defense, former No. 1 overall recruit Jadeveon Clowney, along with Devin Taylor, gives the Gamecocks a dominating presence on the defensive line. Overall, South Carolina’s defense features a core group of seniors that will look to repeat as one of the nation’s best pass defenses in 2011. Experience on both offense and defense gives South Carolina an excellent shot at making it to Atlanta in December, but it will depend on the success of both Shaw and Latimore. Anything less than a SEC Championship berth will be a disappointment for South Carolina fans.

QUARTERBACK

Junior Connor Shaw finally has the starting job to himself with Stephen Garcia gone. Shaw will look to build on his 1,448 passing yards and 14 touchdowns. Shaw also provides another dimension with his running ability as he amassed 525 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.

RUNNING BACK

Getting Marcus Lattimore back from a knee injury will bring stability to the South Carolina offense. With almost 1,200 yards his freshman year on 249 attempts, Lattimore can be the workhorse of Spurrier’s offense and is a favorite as a potential Heisman Trophy candidate this season. Brandon Wilds will give them a reliable backup option since he received significant playing time last season in Lattimore’s absence.

RECEIVER

Alshon Jeffery is gone, but junior Ace Sanders, sophomore Bruce Ellington and freshman Shaq Roland should help fill the

void left by Jeffery. Justice Cunningham and Rory Anderson anchor a tight end group that only had four touchdowns between the two of them. Look for them to be bigger assets in the running game.

OFFENSIVE LINE

The Gamecocks return three starters on the offensive line in A.J. Cann, T.J. Johnson and Cody Gibson. Cann and Gibson now have one year of experience playing within the SEC, which should increase the reliability of a line that allowed 30 sacks in 2011.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Melvin Ingram is gone, but the firepower isn’t. Devin Taylor and SEC Freshman of the Year Jadeveon Clowney give the Gamecocks a strong presence up front. Clowney has the potential to turn into a superstar has he attempts to build on his eight sacks as a freshman.

LINEBACKER

The linebacker corps for South Carolina features tons of experience with three-tofive seniors expected to get playing time. Shaq Wilson and Reginald Bowens, two starters from the 2011 season, will anchor this veteran defensive group in 2012.

DEFENSIVE BACK

In 2011, the Gamecocks were the nation’s second best passing defense and in 2012 they return three senior starters. D.J. Swearinger had 58 tackles and three interceptions as he looks to be the leader of the secondary now that Stephon Gilmore has gone to the NFL.

SPECIAL TEAMS

South Carolina’s special teams group is laden with uncertainty. As of now, no starter has been determined for the Gamecocks at either position. Wide receiver Ace Sanders has the potential to be a standout punt returner in the SEC and should be receiving the majority of punt returns throughout the season.

16 GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012

FAST FACTS

Colors: Garnet and black Location: Columbia, S.C. Enrollment: 44,557 Conference: Southeastern Conference, Eastern Division

QUICK READS

Coach: Steve Spurrier, 8th year 2011 records: 11–2, 6–2 in SEC Offensive coordinators: Shawn Elliot/ Steve Spurrier Jr. Offensive formation: Pro Defensive coordinator: Lorenzo Ward Defensive formation: 4–3 Key returners: RB Marcus Lattimore, RB Brandon Wilds, QB Connor Shaw, WR Ace Sanders, DL Devin Taylor, DL Jadeveon Clowney, LB Shaq Wilson, DB D.J. Swearinger Key newcomers: RB Mike Davis, ATH Jerell Adams, DB Jordan Diggs, WR Shaq Roland

SCHEDULE

8/30 @ Vanderbilt 9/8 East Carolina 9/15 Alabama-Birmingham 9/22 Missouri 9/29 @ Kentucky 10/6 Georgia 10/13 @ LSU 10/20 @ FLORIDA 10/27 Tennessee 11/10 Arkansas 11/17 Wofford 11/24 @ Clemson

Fact: That number is just one away from the program’s record 14 top-10 teams in 2009–10.

GAME PREVIEW

VANDERBILT COMMODORES vs. FLORIDA – OCT. 13 in Nashville, Tenn.

VANDERBILT COMMODORES OUTLOOK

Over one year, coach James Franklin took this Vanderbilt squad from bottom dwellers in the SEC to a team who believed it could win every single game. The Commodores finished last season by losing to Cincinnati 31–24 in only their second bowl game in 29 years. The Vanderbilt defense was something to rave about last season after finishing 18th in the nation. Even though some big players are gone in the secondary, the Commodores have seven of 11 starters returning and look to have as much success stopping the run and pass as last year. On the offensive side, nine of 11 starters are returning, including senior QB Jordan Rodgers, RB Zac Stacy and WR Jordan Matthews. With the experience of these seniors leading the way, Vanderbilt will have a chance to have an explosive offense in a defense-heavy league.

QUARTERBACK

Last season Jordan Rodgers stepped in midway through to be the starter. Despite only completing half his passes, Rodgers threw for 1,524 yards and nine touchdowns with 10 interceptions. Now the senior will have the reigns to this team but will have Wyoming junior transfer Austyn CartaSamuels breathing down his neck.

RUNNING BACK

OFFENSIVE LINE

The versatility of this line will be strong since every veteran has seen time at more than one spot. Run blocking will be the strength of this unit led by senior Ryan Seymour. The pass protection needs to improve even with a mobile quarterback after allowing 27 sacks last season.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Senior Rob Lohr could have left to the NFL but is back for another year and will be the anchor of this defense. He had 41 tackles with five sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss. Lohr will help the defensive line to another strong year against the run.

LINEBACKER

The two people to lead the linebacking corps will be Chase Garnham and Archibald Barnes. Together they made 110 stops with four sacks and 10 tackles for a loss. This unit is nothing to rave about and it will need some unsung heroics to make any sort of impact this season.

DEFENSIVE BACK

Last season the placekickers Ryan Fowler and Carey Spear hit only 8-of 14 kicks. Neither one has any range or any deep leg. Senior punter Richard Kent averaged 42.5 yards per kick which was 22nd best in the nation. Norman and corner Andre Hall will battle for the kick return duties while Jonathan Krause will likely return the punts.

The leader of this receiving corps is senior Jordan Matthews who led the team with 41 catches for 778 yards and five touchdowns. Sophomore Chris Boyd will be a strong No. 2 receiver after his team-leading eight scores. This group has the experience, mixed with Rodgers’ experience, to have a successful year.

The Commodores’ secondary was extraordinary this past year, but it lost its two best players in cornerback Casey Hayward and safety Sean Richardson. Now senior cornerback Trey Wilson and junior safety Javon Marshall will need to step up. Last season they combined for 72 tackles and five picks. Even though the experience is there, the secondary will be nowhere close to where it was last year.

Senior Zac Stacy will be the staple to this Commodore offense. Last year, Stacy broke the single-season rushing record with 1,193 yards and 14 scores averaging 5.9 yards per carry. His backup will be junior Warren Norman who needed the last year-and-ahalf to heal his knee. As a freshman two years ago, Norman rushed for 783 yards and looks to bounce back this year.

RECEIVER

SPECIAL TEAMS

FAST FACTS

Colors: Black and gold Location: Nashville, Tenn. Enrollment: 12,859 Conference: Southeastern Conference, Eastern Division

QUICK READS

Coach: James Franklin, 2nd year 2011 records: 6–7, 2–6 in SEC Offensive coordinator: John Donovan Offensive Formation: Spread Defensive coordinator: Bob Shoop Defensive formation: 4–3 Key Returners: DT Rob Lohr, RB Zac Stacy, WR Jordan Matthews, QB Jordan Rodgers, OG Ryan Seymour Key Newcomers: QB Austyn Carta-Samuels, RB Brian Kimbrow, LB Darreon Herring, DL Caleb Azubike, OL Andrew Jelks

SCHEDULE

8/30 South Carolina 9/8 @ Northwestern 9/15 Presbyterian 9/22 @ Georgia 10/6 @ Missouri 10/13 FLORIDA 10/20 Auburn 10/27 massachusetts 11/3 @ Kentucky 11/10 @ Ole Miss 11/17 Tennessee 11/24 @ Wake Forest GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012 15

Fact: UF has earned a league-record of eight team titles in Southeastern Conference action.

the outdoorsman

Issues like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Rotator Cuff injuries, Neck Pain, Back Pain, Arthritis and a variety of joint disorders can wreak havoc with your pleasurable hobby. When using your firearm for personal safety, work or hunting, the last thing you need during a split second decision is your shoulder to freeze, your back to spasm or your hand to cramp. Massage can break up adhesions between fascial By Katelyn N. Vilardell sheaths and muscles built up from daily use. What that means to you is faster reflexes, better control, coordination and speed. How many extra

A little-known secret to sports, archery and firearms enthusiasts is that massage can help improve your speed, firing accuracy and control.

arrows could you pull in a competition if you had 35 percent greater range of motion in your shoulder and your hands and arms were twice as limber as the previous time you practiced? How could your aim improve if you had 40 percent greater control over a slight trigger squeeze? How could your firing speed and precision improve with better coordination and faster reflexes? Massage won’t turn you into a bodybuilder overnight, but it does improve your performance, flexibility and strength by working out lactic acid buildup and relieving tight ligaments and over-trained muscles. In addition to muscle-specific massage and pain relief therapy, Haile Village Spa & Salon offers stretches and exercises that you

MASSAGE SECRETS

can do at home to improve your flexibility and strength with every muscle related to archery and firearms. Practice them, share them, keep them secret and win competitions with them – it’s up you, but you will improve with them! We can also help you get event ready or recover after an intensive workout. If you have a large sports event or charity run, we are always interested in helping out the community and can host a chair or table massage for your participating athletes. Haile Village Spa & Salon is pre-booking for the holidays! If you mention this article while scheduling during the month of October for any appointment before January 1, 2013, you will receive 20 percent off the total service price!

Call us at (352) 335-5025 to book your appointment today! For more information, visit our website www.hailevillagespa.com

UF March of Dimes Collegiate Council Proudly Presents...

9th Annual

gators march

for babies

Sunday, November 4, 2012

©R

and

t atis

352.378.9522

/gatorsmarchforbabies /gatorsmfb

gatorsmarchforbabies.org/iam Fact: Among AAU public universities, UF ranked second in bachelor’s degrees and fourth in doctorates awarded to Hispanic students in 2009-10.

GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012 13

CLOSE TO HOME

904 Boys By Andrew Spivey

Florida’s Jacksonville pledge are class acts off the field Jacksonville hasn’t been kind to Florida in recent years as far as sending players to the University of Florida. From 2006 to 2012 only three players from the Jacksonville area signed with Florida which is only a little over an hour away from the Gainesville campus. But that has changed as three Jacksonville area players have already committed to attend Florida next year and another player has Florida in his top two. Those players are First Coast High linebacker Daniel McMillian, Bishop Kenny receiver Ahmad Fulwood and Trinity Christian safety Nick Washington. Florida also has the possibility of adding Sandalwood defensive end Demarcus Walker to this year’s signing class, which is sure to be among the best of the country thanks to, among others, the elite contingent from Jacksonville. “I think Florida is going to start recruiting Jacksonville better now,” Daniel McMillian said. “It’s a Gators town already and the new staff has done a great job of recruiting the area. It’s not just one coach it’s all of the coaches. They want to dominate our area.” “Three kids from the same area that’s big,” Fulwood said. “Florida has gotten back into the area this year and they are here to stay for years I think.” Jacksonville is home to the Florida/ Georgia rivalry every year and is widely considered part of Gator Country but the area just hasn’t had a hometown boy to root

12 GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012

for since Tim Tebow have family at school with you plus your other family isn’t far away in Jacksonville. played at Florida. It will help make things more comfortable Now that three for me and I’m sure those guys too.” area prospects will All of three of these prospects on the be on the Gators field have been invited to top All-American the Jacksonville community will have games and have over a dozen offers a piece. But what makes these three guys special their eyes not only are what they do off of the field in the on the Gators but Jacksonville area to help others. these three guys. Fulwood, McMillian and Washington are “It’s big for both heavily involved in a 7-on-7 program the Jacksonville in the Jacksonville area to help the younger community to have us going there,” kids, plus they work with the boys and Washington said. “They will definitely be rooting us on and be are biggest supporters. girls clubs during the summer months. “I think it’s big to help out in the I already hear people say I can’t wait ‘til your playing for Florida and stuff like that.” community and to give back,” Washington said. “We have a chance to be a role model “Jacksonville people love the Gators,” to younger kids and we should use it.” McMillian said. “It’s big to have all three of Being a role model is something that us guys go there and be able to represent Fulwood hopes will the 904 area code carry on once he and hopefully make gets to Florida. them proud.” “I think it’s big to help out in the “I want to be a Usually when community and to give back. We have a high school seniors chance to be a role model to younger huge role model,” Fulwood said. “I move to college kids and we should use it.” – future there is an Florida Gators safety Nick Washington think I have matured quicker because of adjustment period of Jacksonville Trinity Christian. helping out with the of being away from little kids and having your family and them look up to me. I hold myself to higher friends for a little while. For these three prospects they will have standards because I want to set a good someone to lean on as off the field Fulwood, example for everyone.” Now that they know where they going McMillian and Washington are good friends. to attend college the biggest question is “The adjustment period will be so who will room with who when they get much easier,” Fulwood said. “We are all to Gainesville next summer. best friends so if one of us gets homesick “Hopefully, Demarcus comes to we have our friend to talk too. Instead of Florida so we will each have someone knowing nobody you will have two of your to room with,” Fulwood said. close friends by your side from day one.” “It doesn’t matter who rooms with “This means the world to me as a person,” McMillian added. “I will have family who as long as Demarcus chooses there as those guys are family to me. So you Florida,” McMillian added. Fact: Gainesville was named for Gen. Edmund Pendleton Gaines, an Army commander during the Second Seminole War and the captor of Aaron Burr.

By all accounts, the Gators are bigger – well, most anyway – stronger and faster. Players talked about how they’re using different muscle groups and working harder than they’ve ever worked before. “Jeff Dillman is a Will Muschamp guy at the end of the day,” Muschamp said at the team’s media day on Aug. 2. “And he’s putting (in) the same philosophical ideas I want in the weight room, from an Olympic core lifting and the things that we need to do to be successful, that I know work in this league. “A lot of the workouts are meant to make players more explosive – with more lifts like power clean and clean-and-jerk – while increasing endurance. We’ve definitely made strides thanks to (the workouts),” said receiver Frankie Hammond. “Jeff Dillman and his staff did a good job this whole off season training us and getting us in shape. They ran us into the ground just to make us better. “That way when the fourth quarter comes around we can finish.” Offensive lineman James Wilson said he’s noticed his body had “changed over the summer” and others echoed the same sentiment. “We’ve been able to get our strength up and that’s going to help us last longer in games and throughout the season,” said tight end Jordan Reed. “It’s going to help us get ready for the big hits and I feel a lot stronger and more explosive than I’ve been since I’ve been here.” “We had a great offseason as a team,” said offensive lineman Jon Halapio. “The Olympic lifts went well. First time for me personally. I feel like I got a lot stronger and faster.” Safety Matt Elam said he did not leave Gainesville once this summer, saying how this is “definitely the hardest” he has ever worked. He appeared to

MASS IMPROVEMENTS

have put on some weight, as has most every defensive player. Linebacker Jon Bostic said he’s up to about 245 pounds. Getting stronger doesn’t always mean putting on weight, though. Several players improved strength by lowering body mass index. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett said he’s lost about 15 pounds and junior offensive lineman Jonotthan Harrison is right around 300 despite being listed at 309 pounds. “This strength program really focused on areas that we hadn’t focused on before,” Harrison said. “We’re doing a lot of things differently tecniquewise. Things we’ve done was focus on getting bigger, faster and stronger – and that’s going to help us a lot going into the season.” Defensive lineman Dominque Easley said the difference with Dillman’s workouts is they are specifically designed for each player. Trey Burton echoed that, saying it made sense that skilled position guys focus on one aspect and lineman focus on another. “Coach Dillman’s got us all benching almost 400 pounds,” said senior defensive lineman Earl Okine. “I just feel like we are going to be a way more physical front seven than you have seen in the past few years.” Senior running back Mike Gillislee said he has noticed a change in the entire team, a change that will punish defenders on Saturdays this fall. “I fell like the whole team, as individuals, have gotten a lot stronger and a lot more physical since coach Dillman as came in,” Gillislee said. “We’ve all gotten better.”

Gator Country reporters Phillip Heilman and Rita Rocio contributed to this report.

Fact: Sixty-five percent of UF freshmen graduate in four years, and 83 percent graduate in six years.

GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012

MASS IMPROVEMENTS

Gators taking the field bigger, faster and stronger in 2012

By Mike Capshaw

Safety Matt Elam and the rest of the Gators defensive players appeared to be in better shape physically at the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s media day in early August. Gator Country photo by Mike Capshaw

The Dillman Effect: Bigger Men On Campus 10 GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012

Florida football players are even bigger men on campus these days. During the offseason, strength and conditioning coach Jeff Dillman has transformed the team.

Fact: The stadiumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s namesake, Ben Hill Griffin Jr. was a life-long Gator supporter and fan who was extremely benevolent and generous to UF sectors.

Pushing through the pain Mack Brown (pictured) and Matt Jones have been solid while spelling starting running back Mike Gillislee, who hasn’t seen many snaps due to playing with a sore groin.

Football is, to say the least, a violent, sometimes extremely dangerous sport. Defensive players are generally ruthless, flying around the football field with a reckless abandon necessary for making plays against increasingly sophisticated offensive schemes. Thus far, the Florida Gators’ defensive unit has done just that. The team’s two touchdown passes given up against Tennessee were the first of the season through the air against Florida’s vaunted secondary. However, with such a strong commitment to making stops has come the dreaded bite of the injury bug. It happens at every level of play. Witness the countless former NFL athletes who are currently suing the League for increased medical benefits following widespread and widely varying levels of brain damage. Witness the severe injuries inflicted every so often that keeps mothers of football players everywhere on the very edge of their seats at every level of play, not just among the professional ranks. Finally, to a far lesser extent, just take a look at any given team’s injury report the Monday following a slew of weekend games. The Florida Gators, playing in front of nearly 200,000 ravenous opposition fans the past two weeks in both College Station, Texas, and Knoxville, Tenn., were able to escape both with a victory. Once that little bug rears its ugly head and bites down, it is tough to come away

from an afternoon of football unscathed, and that is what happened to coach Will Muschamp’s team in a 20–17 win against Texas A&M at Kyle Field. Sharrif Floyd was one of the first to go down with cramps. However, as the game wore on, he was followed to the sidelines by Mike Gillislee, Neiron Ball, Josh Evans, Jelani Jenkins, Cody Riggs, Chaz Green, Omar Hunter and Lerentee McCray, all suffering from various degrees of various injuries. Jenkins is still out with a broken thumb, as is speedy defensive back Cody Riggs, suffering from a broken foot. Of course, not all these Gators play the same positions. There were questions of depth behind some, while players were able to step right into other slots. However, no matter what the cause of the missed playing time, no matter how long the athlete in question will be held out and no matter what position he lined up on the field, one variable held true for each individual situation. No matter who Muschamp was forced to turn to, whether it be a senior waiting his turn for years or a wide-eyed true freshman, one thing stood out in coach Boom’s mind as fact. After spending countless months working with this group of student-athletes, of molding them into a team that can compete at the highest levels he knew any of his backups could fill in for his injured starters and he knew they would produce. While many may have been a bit wearier

Fact: Since 1985, UF has been a member of the Association of American Universities.

of playing with a slew of second-stringers on the road against an SEC opponent, Muschamp could not have been more confident. “We kind of have a saying around here. ‘Man down, man up’,” Muschamp said. “Chaz Green had some cramps, probably could have returned but Kyle Koehne came in and did a nice job for us. Mike Gillislee strained his groin … but Mack Brown and Matt Jones both stepped in and did a nice job for him in those situations. Both guys, for the first time, in a critical time in the game had to step in and play and play on the road and play well, and they did.” Before a 37–20 win at Tennessee, Green was unable to go, but Kyle Koehne stepped in at right tackle and didn’t miss a beat. Antonio Morrison became the first true freshman to start for Jenkins at linebacker. It may be the first of several starts for Morrison with Jenkins projected to miss four weeks after having surgery to fix his broken thumb. Riggs is out just as long, and safety De’Ante Saunders returned to the field after missing the first two games to start in the secondary. Muschamp understands that what he is building in Gainesville is a team, not a collection of individual talent. He has the utmost confidence in each one of the young men who has earned an orange and blue jersey over the course of months and years of hard work, sweat and dedication. On Saturdays, the rest of the nation has witnessed Muschamp’s players ‘man up’ the way he always believed they would. GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012

“Man down, man up” By Ben Cornfield Photos by Curtiss Bryant

Injuries don’t slow down Gators, especially on a deep defense

“We kind of have a saying around here. ‘Man down, man up’,” – Florida coach Will Muschamp after several players suffered heat-related cramps and injuries in a 20-17 win at Texas A&M.

Lerentee McCray slid from linebacker to the Buck end/linebacker position before the season after a knee injury to Ronald Powell, who was expected back this month before suffering a setback in his rehabilitation. 8

GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012

Fact: UF also ranked No. 3 on SmartMoney magazine’s list of colleges and universities that help graduates get top salaries (2011).

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CHEERS & JEERS These are REAL emails from REAL Gator Country readers that come through our inbox each month. Readers can send questions, comments and suggestions to customerservice@ gatorcountry.com. Put “Cheers & Jeers” in the subject line and your email could end up in this feature that we share with the rest of our readers in each issue.

Guys and gals, if you are not going to give equal time to having both presidential candidates criticized – instead of only anti-Obama ads – I want to cancel my account. It is extremely aggravating to see those Romney ads every time I log on to this site. I did not pay a subscription to have that stuff on this site.

We sure do apologize about all the political ads that have been popping up. Gator Country does not endorse any candidate and does not have a political agenda of any kind. It is election time however and that means the company who serves our ads has to run a few episodes of the Candidate Cartoons every now and again. We find it annoying to and, sometimes, we get so aggravated we want 6

to cancel our own accounts. The good news is, the Gator Country forum Too Hot for Swamp Gas is the perfect place to let off some steam so flap your right and left wings and get on over to the fracas – moderators are standing by.

Your editors messed up big time. When I got my magazine some pages were upside down. And what happened to GC? I don’t want this girlie stuff.

At a board meeting one day, after everyone had consumed far too much caffeine, we brain-childed a marketing concept never before seen by mere mortals. We thought it would be a neato keen concept to have 2 different magazines in one, each with its own unique cover and made more recognizable by having each side facing a different way.

GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012

Once we’re finished user testing we may discover there’s a reason it’s never been done this way before or we may discover that we actually are publishing geniuses – the jury is still out. Nonetheless, Gator Country magazine has expanded its content to be more inclusive of women and kids. The “upside down” pages you see is our sister publication, Flourish. If you are not in touch with your feminine side and don’t care to read the girlie stuff, perhaps you will be kind enough to share Flourish with the women you care about.

Fact: The UF freshman retention rate of 96 percent is among the highest in the country.

If winning cures everything, then losing causes everything else.

Following our live chats on GatorCountry.com has become interesting during the Gators come-from-behind wins at Texas A&M and Tennessee. The “come-from-behind” part is what makes it so intriguing. After a ho-hum win against Bowling Green in the season opener, Florida’s first half in Aggieland was equally uninspiring. Many, including myself, were wondering if this team was headed in the right direction under second-year coach Will Muschamp. I don’t think any one went as far as firing up firewillmuschamp.com or anything of that magnitude, but several of the rapid-fire chat comments during the 15-minute halftime were along those lines. There wasn’t widespread panic. Some looked at the situation sensibly, but a few went into borderline meltdowns. Thanks to the only Gatorssports site with live in-game chats on the net, we’re able to witness the rollercoaster reactions in real time. One fan, after a failed fake punt early in the second half, posted how he was so turned off by the Gators’ game that he turned the TV off. Fortunately for Florida, the quick-draw conclusion meant missing Muschamp’s men manning up in the second half for an impressive comeback that

Expect to Win

Chat-A Tat-Tat spoiled the Aggies’ SEC debut with a 20-17 defeat. The following week, the Gators flipped the first-half script on Tennessee with a dominating second-half performance en route to a convincing 37–20 win.

All is well in Gator Country.

The sometimes dramatic and always entertaining ebb-andflow of the fan base during the chats adds to the overall game experience, whether you’re watching on TV or from the stands (chats are mobile, too). Plus, to get instant insight and analysis from our staff and our football-savvy members everyone sees things – such as personnel, adjustments, key blocks on big plays and even injuries – they otherwise may have missed. Personally, I have to admit I’ve become addicted to following the chat as the game happens. Of course, I post a ton of comments (just to note, typos are allowed in chat rooms!), but I enjoy reading them even more. In a way, the things Gators fans see that I sometimes don’t helps our post-game coverage be more comprehensive. In the past we’ve had 100s in chats, so it can get fast and furious. Most of all, it’s fun, so feel free to join us during the games at GatorCountry.com and be sure to buckle up. It can be a wild rollercoaster ride.

Mike Capshaw Managing Editor Gator Country Multimedia Inc.

Fact: UF ranked No. 6 on Payscale.com’s list of universities that offer the best return on investment for undergraduate education (2011).

GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012

WHAT’S INSIDE CEO www.gatorcountry.com Raymond Hines III

COO Bernadette King

CFO Raymond Hines, Jr

MANAGING EDITOR Mike Capshaw

SEPT 21. OCT 5. OCT 19

STAFF WRITERS Andrew Spivey David Shepherd Dan Thompson Phillip Heilman

Bo Diddley Plaza, SE 1st St. 6-10 pm

REPORTERS Drew Laing Max Mattern Elizabeth Rhodes

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Join Albert and Alberta for a pep rally street party to kick off the football weekend. Enjoy a FREE, familyfriendly event along with the first annual Florida Track Club Sunset 5K race. All in one place – Downtown Gainesville.

CONTENTS

Saj Guevara Jack Lewis

CEO Marc Douglass

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Lauren Douglass

COPY EDITOR Daniel Sutphin

ART DIRECTOR Daniel Tidbury

GRAPHIC DESIGN Daniel Tidbury Lisa Torres Jane Dominguez

PROMOTIONS Amanda Liles Karen Jones Hilah Driggers AnnMarie DeFeo

ACCOUNTING Lynsey Parrish

CIRCULATION Eddy Falla

On and off The Field 8 “Man Down, Man Up” 10 The Dillman Effect: Bigger Men on Campus 12 904 Boys 15 Vanderbilt Game Preview 16 South Carolina Game Preview 17 Georgia Game Preview 18 Missouri Game Preview 20 Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Trivia

21 “The Prep Zone” Insider 22 The Time is Now 24 Driskel Era Begins for Gators 26 Jordan-esque 32 Recruiting Notebook 36 Fishing Report 38 All Sports

Two Magazines

in One!

www.floridatrackclub.org

SPECIAL PROJECTS Lauren Kolansky Daniel Sutphin

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Shane Howell (shane@whpinc.com)

ADVERTISING & SALES Shane Howell Bryan Porter Matt Frey

Gator Country Magazine is brought to you by Gator Country Multimedia, Inc. and What’s Happening Publications, Inc. For advertising opportunities, please contact us at 352-371-5881 or sales@whpinc.com. Magazine subscriptions are available at www.gatorcountry.com For subsciption related questions or concerns, please call (800) 601-4623 or email folks@gatorcountry.com Connect with us: TheGatorCountry @GatorCountry

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GATOR COUNTRY | OCT/2012

Fact: In 1911, UF football had its first undefeated season going 5-0-1.

THE WORLD’S FIRST PALE ALE TH E I NTRODUCTION OF BAS S ALE I N 1 7 7 7 WAS A REVOLUTION FOR ENGLISH BEER DRINKERS. IN A WORLD OF STOUTS AND PORTERS, BASS ALE’S LIGHT COLOR STO OD APART, AND PALE ALE SOON BECAME A BEER STYLE OF ITS OWN, PROVIDING A FULL FLAVORED TASTE THAT STARTS OUT WITH HINTS OF CARAMEL, BUT FINISHES STRONG WITH A LIGHT, HOP BITTERNESS. IN 1 8 75, THE BASS RED TRIANGLE BECAME ENGLAND’S FIRST REGISTERED TRADEMARK DUE TO THE WIDESPREAD ATTEMPTS TO REPLICATE AND UNDERMINE THIS FAMOUS BEER.

october 2012

Volume 5

Issue 12

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GATORS FIND NEW IDENTITY

INSIDE Gillislee Gets Going “Man Down, Man UP” Jacksonville Boys Recruiting Notebook

OR FLIP F NEW H IS FLOUR