“It’s great to be a Florida Gator.”
Every student, alumnus or ACR knows this phrase all too well. It’s the most common chant in the Swamp; it whistles through the Gainesville wind. It’s literally the first thing all incoming freshman hear when the tacky Preview staffers welcome them to campus. Suffice it to say, this phrase lives in Gator lore.
But what is its significance? Why is it so great to be a part of the Gator Nation? For some, it’s our athletic program. For others, it could be the various on-campus involvement opportunities.
Via: Gamedayr
But whether your allegiance is to the Florida Gators athletic program, academia or both, everyone here has something in common. It’s the delicious sports drink we all grew up on: Gatorade.
The ESPN “30 for 30″ series recently released a short film titled, “The Sweat Solution.”
In this short documentary, filmmakers David Belinson and Neil Amdur delve into the grueling heat of Gainesville summers and the revolutionary formula that would help the Gators endure it.
Dr. Robert Cade, former kidney specialist at Shands hospital and Renaissance man, spent most of his summers treating Florida football players for constant dehydration and heat strokes. Heat strokes aside, the Gators were simply ill-equipped to carry out a challenging summer program without the proper nutrients to withstand it. Water was obviously provided, but its great density would slow down the players and cause cramps. That’s where Cade spotted the problem.
Via: NY Times
Cade devoted most of the 1960s to finding the perfect formula that would not only battle dehydration in sports, but also enhance athletic performance. After multiple experiments, Cade and his team found the potion that they thought would change the trajectory of sports forever.
When the formula was presented to then Head Coach Ray Greaves, he was excited but apprehensive. He proceeded to throw his freshman squad under the bus and volunteered them as testers. The initial test was conducted before the annual Freshmen vs. JV game. The JV team historically dominated the game, as they were next in line to be varsity Florida Gators. However, the electrolyte-powered freshman team manhandled the JV squad and Cade’s formula had prevailed.
Immediately following the game, Greaves employed Cade and his minions to continue the production of their hydration concoction, which he referred to as Gatorade.
Via: Fast Co. Create
All of a sudden, the Gators were making headlines for their improved performance on the field. Players like Heisman Trophy winner Steve Spurrier were shocking the nation and the Gators’ “secret stuff” was the buzz of commentators everywhere. Cade and his sports drink swept the nation and they never looked back.
Other companies have tried to replicate the elixir, but to no avail. You just can’t match the perfection that is Gatorade.
So although there are many reasons as to why it is indeed great to be a Florida Gator, one thing will always remain true. No matter what school you attend (even FSU), sport you play or profession you pursue, we all grew up drinking the same “secret stuff” that was brewed right here in Gainesville.
Feature photo courtesy of: Coloribus
