Great read on the history of the Gator Growl

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Florida
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<p>By DAVID CUMMING, Alligator Writer</p>

<p>Think you’re just another orange–and–blue–painted face in the crowd?</p>

<p>Think again.</p>

<p>Audience turnout, growing technology and even a horde of hate mail have played an immense role in shaping today’s 85th annual Gator Growl. </p>

<p>The tradition began in 1907. UF was an all–male school then, and students invited their fathers to come to Gainesville for a late–October football game weekend called Dad’s Day.</p>

<p>In 1916, amid the backdrop of World War I, Dad’s Day tradition morphed into a Friday night pep rally.</p>

<p>Scores of young UF men were required to scavenge the local forests in search of wood before nightfall. Students were checked at gates, and if they didn’t bring their weight in wood, they were referred to the Freshman Guidance Committee, according to UF archives.</p>

<p>The wood was burned in a large bonfire, which was said to “fire up” student spirit before the Saturday football game.</p>

<p>Despite the pre–game festivities, the Gators football team lost every game in the 1916 season, managing to score only one field goal against Indiana University.</p>

<p>UF’s two national football championships and three Heisman Trophy winners show that the times have clearly changed.</p>

<p>Click link for rest of article:</p>

<p>The</a> Independent Florida Alligator: News - Modern–day Gator Growl shaped by history</p>