sports - The Independent Florida Alligator

Elliott Orkin returns a ball during Florida's 9-3 win against William & Mary on Saturday at the Ring Tennis Complex.

Sports

Florida men’s tennis defeats William & Mary in season opener

By CAYLEE UNDERWOOD | Jan. 10, 2015

The Gators men’s tennis team started its dual-meet season on a high note.

Florida's Hugh Graham Jr., left, hugs Antwan Wright as teammate Dedric Dukes looks on after winning the 4x400-meter race during the NCAA outdoor track and field championships in Eugene, Ore., Saturday, June 8, 2013. Florida tied with Texas A&M for the men's championship.

Sports

UF sprinters have strong showing to wrap up UAB Invite

By Kyle Brutman | Jan. 10, 2015

Coming off their first meet of the season, the top-ranked Gators track and field teams have already experienced how events in this sport can come down to mere centimeters.

Kansas State head football coach Bill Snyder, right, speaks as from left, Brian Bosworth, Bob Breunig, Reese Davis and Lincoln Kennedy laugh during a news conference announcing the 2015 College Football Hall of Fame Class on Jan. 9, 2015, in Dallas.

Sports

Wes Chandler inducted into college football hall of fame

By RICHARD JOHNSON | Jan. 9, 2015

For the 11th time in school history, and the fifth time in the past 10 years, the Florida Gators have an inductee in the college football hall of fame.

Bridgette Owens competes during the Tom Jones Memorial Invite on April 19 at the Percy Beard Track. Owens, who clocked a 12.80-second 100-meter hurdles on Saturday, was one of 25 UF athletes to advance to the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Ore.

Sports

Owens shatters 60-meters hurdle record on Day 1 of UAB Invite

By Kyle Brutman | Jan. 9, 2015

The Gators saw plenty of success on the first day of the UAB Blazer Invitational, showcasing their talents while showing Birmingham, Alabama why they are the top-ranked team in the country.

Ronni Williams goes up for a layup during Florida's win against Longwood on Nov. 17.

Sports

Early slump costs Florida women’s basketball in SEC home loss to Ole Miss

By GRAHAM HALL | Jan. 8, 2015

The slow starts haven’t improved, and Florida is seemingly still figuring out what lineup can keep the team competitive in the opening minutes.

New head football coach Jim McElwain speaks at his opening press conference in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Sports

Notebook: Collins prepping Florida's 'psycho' defense

By RICHARD JOHNSON | Jan. 8, 2015

Geoff Collins is a psycho — or at least, that’s the name given to his brand of aggressive defense. "The psycho defense" is ready to be installed as Collins and the rest of the Gators staff officially took over with a team meeting Monday night and the defensive assistant coaches met with the media Thursday.

Randy Shannon speaks during a mdia avilability on Thursday

Sports

Randy Shannon eager for fresh start coaching UF football team

By MORGAN MORIARTY | Jan. 8, 2015

On a cold Thursday morning in Gainesville, new associate head coach and co-defensive coordinator Randy Shannon met with reporters wearing a windbreaker sporting a Gator head logo on it.

Mike Holloway looks on during the Southeastern Conference Cross Country Championships on Nov. 1, 2013, at the Mark Bostick Golf Course.

Sports

Track and field debuts today

By Kyle Brutman | Jan. 8, 2015

The top-ranked Gators open their 2015 indoor track and field season today at the UAB Blazer Invitational in Birmingham, Alabama.

Maxx Lipman swings at the ball during Florida’s 4-2 win against TCU on Jan. 26 at the Ring Tennis Complex.

Sports

UF opens dual-meet season Saturday against William & Mary

By CAYLEE UNDERWOOD | Jan. 8, 2015

After a competitive Fall season, the UF men’s tennis team is keeping a positive mindset going into its dual-meet season.

Coach Rhonda Faehn talks to freshman Bridget Sloan before her performance on beam during Florida’s 197.3-194.625 victory against Missouri on Jan. 18 in the O’Connell Center.

Sports

UF gymnastics preparing for unknown in season opener

By GRAHAM HACK | Jan. 8, 2015

The wait is almost over.

Brooke Copeland attempts a three-point shot during Florida's win against Stetson.

Sports

UF Women’s basketball preps defense for Ole Miss

By GRAHAM HALL | Jan. 7, 2015

In the minds of coach Amanda Butler and her players, the Southeastern Conference is its own season.

New head football coach Jim McElwain following his introductory press conference on Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Sports

Notebook: McElwain looking for right fit at wide receivers coach

By JORDAN MCPHERSON | Jan. 7, 2015

Jim McElwain’s staff is still one short.

Antwan Wright races during the 2014 Tom Jones Memorial Invite.

Sports

UF ignoring rankings as season opener nears

By Kyle Brutman | Jan. 7, 2015

While both the Florida men’s and women’s track and field teams begin the season at the top of the collegiate polls, the Gators do not feel that is enough to satisfy their goals.