We've looked back. Now, it's time to take a peek forward.
Over the last three weeks, we unveiled our alligatorSports Top 10 UF Athletes of 2008-09, counting down from No. 10 to No. 1.
We were praised and vilified. We would have it no other way.
Now, I'd like to introduce one final list to push through the summer doldrums, and take a look at some of the most intriguing questions that will be answered during the next nine months in Gainesville.
Starting Thursday, we will reveal what we think are the Top 10 Burning Questions for UF Athletics in 2009-10.
Once again, we went through a nomination process and had our six-columnist panel select and rate their list. The ballots were tallied.
And of course, we welcome any feedback. E-mail us at sports@alligator.org or find us on Twitter at twitter.com/alligatorSports. We might publish it or read it on the alligatorSports Podcast, which you can check out on iTunes).
But back to our upcoming roll call of the most important topics of the quickly approaching new school year.
We tried to look at it like this &ndash if you're a Gators fan, what are you most worried or curious about over the next nine months?
From a national exposure standpoint, obviously UF's upcoming 2009 football season promises to be closely watched and analyzed from coast to coast. The team will be rightfully represented on our list for that fact &ndash there are plenty of interesting storylines to ponder surrounding the gridiron action this fall.
But step outside the football bubble and you'll find plenty of intrigue. Obviously there's the questions for Billy Donovan and the men's basketball team, but what about the volleyball team vying to return to the Final Four, which will be in Tampa this year? The soccer team finished its season ranked in the top 10. The softball team lost its best pitcher ever to graduation. Women's lacrosse will play its first match this spring in a beautiful new stadium. The baseball team made a surprising trip to Super Regionals but lost plenty of depth to Major League Baseball. The gymnastics team will compete in its home gym if it qualifies for the Super Six, held in the O'Connell Center in 2010.
We're trying to look at the UF sports landscape as a whole, and it's hard to deny there's plenty of success to go around. But what about the women's golf team hiring a new coach? Does Donovan go on the hot seat if the men's basketball team struggles again?
What are your Top 10 Burning Questions for UF Athletics in 2009-10?
How will your list compare with ours?
You will have to wait until Thursday to find out.
