This weekend, when the UF men's track and field team competes for the first time since its second-place finish in the NCAA Indoor Championships on March 14, there will be a new yet familiar face looking to contribute on the track for UF: Jeff Demps.
A national title, NCAA, NCAA Meet and UF record from senior Bradley Ally in the 200-yard individual medley and five broken UF records highlighted day one of the 2009 NCAA Championships for the Gators. UF resides in fourth place (107 points) following the first day of competition from the Student Rec Center Natatorium in College Station, Texas. Texas (171), Auburn (141), Stanford (130), UF (107) and California (103) round out the top five teams after day one.
It should be labeled "The Thriller at Linder."
In 2008, the Gators had national-championship aspirations while winning the Southeastern Conference, but after the season, the team, which was full of seniors, was dismantled.
Senior swimmer Rex Tullius has a positive mindset for the next three days.
Fast starts haven't been one of the Gators' strengths this season.
This week might prove to be a glimpse into the future for the Gators.
The Southeastern Conference had a strong showing in the Schenkel E-Z-Go Invitational this weekend, but excuse the Gators if they aren't too happy with their performance in the tournament.
Junior swimmer Gemma Spofforth makes a habit out of setting records, and her performance at the NCAA Championships meet in College Station, Texas, proved that.
Whether it is in a low-key competition or on a large stage against the top competitors in a sport, success is a major confidence booster for athletes, and this especially stands true for the younger athletes on the UF women's track and field team.
While students are looking forward to the relaxation that comes with the end of the semester, the No. 5 UF men's golfers are looking forward to the end of school for a different reason.
In sports, there will always be room for improvement.
The No. 5 Gators opened up the 2009 NCAA Championship meet Thursday at the Student Rec Center Natatorium on the Texas A&M University campus with five finals-qualifying swims and dives. Three individuals and two Gator relays are set to return to Thursday evening swimming and diving consolations and finals.
It's the invitation of a lifetime.
With first and second place out of reach, the Gators men's golf team went into the final round of the Southern Highlands Collegiate with third as its objective.
Lately for Terrell Wilks, another week means another school record.
How do you follow up a thrilling win against a highly ranked conference rival?
Sophomore diver Monica Dodson knew this weekend was going to be a challenge. With the pressure to qualify for the NCAA Championship on her shoulders, she succeeded in achieving a goal she and her teammates trained for all season.
While the UF women's golf team may be disappointed with this tournament in the short run, in the long run this week might prove to be the one they look at as the one that catapulted them to the next level.
Welcome to the Alex Lacroix Show, a program of endless thrills and excitement.
Solutions by The State News
