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Gator also excels off the gridiron
A Times Editorial
Published January 10, 2007
If you live in Florida and are a sentient being, you know by now that the University of Florida Gators are college football's national champions. By the palindromic (reads the same forward and backward) score of 41-14, the Gators shocked the favored Ohio State University Buckeyes Monday night. It has been quite a run for UF, the first Division I university to win both the NCAA men's basketball and football crowns in the same year. Nothing carries the clout of a football championship. This victory will aid both athletic and academic recruiting. It will give second-year coach Urban Meyer leverage (as though he needed more) at contract renewal time. It will make it even easier for already generous Bull Gators to giddily open their checkbooks to support scholarships and facilities for student/athletes of all sports. If you are one of those who snickers at the term student/athlete, then it had to be heartening to read the lead item on the university's home page Tuesday. Not only did Gator quarterback Chris Leak outplay Buckeye QB and Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith, but Leak is also a finalist for the Draddy Trophy. Never heard of it? Also known as the "Academic Heisman," it recognizes an athlete's "academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership." Leak, who has silenced unfair criticism of a remarkable collegiate football career with his final performance, has already graduated with a sociology degree and perfect attendance on the Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll each semester. Good for the University of Florida to use its football fame to boost its academic reputation. Perhaps the thrill of this victory will persuade the Legislature to open its purse strings for higher education and encourage the Florida Board of Education to build a state university system as renowned for its academics as its athletics. In the meantime, all Floridians (yes, even Florida State University Seminoles) should celebrate an outstanding achievement that reflects well on the entire state. There is only one question left unanswered. What were the Buckeyes thinking in the first half when they went for it on 4th and 1 from their own 29 yard line?
[Last modified January 9, 2007, 21:22:31]
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by Monica
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01/10/07 10:35 PM
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No where did it say that only UF is the only quality FL school. Just saying that their football players are smart as well. And being one of those "smart" kids, I think it's kinda sad to downplay the achievement of my fellow classmates.
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by Susan
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01/10/07 02:11 PM
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As a parent of a "smart" kid who chose to go to FSU rather than UF, I believe many schools in Florida can provide a quality education to our kids. Look at the merits of the specific educational program. It is sad to think only UF can offer quality.
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by paul
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01/10/07 01:19 PM
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i guess you haven't heard that they won basketball in 2006 and football in 2007 this is a different school year which runs from august to may.
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by chris
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01/10/07 10:33 AM
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to all parents with smart kids: the university of florida is the best school in the state and will soon be a top 10 public university in the country. this is just the beginning for UF. consider that before sending your kids to any other school.
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