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This Time, Gators Cheered For Him

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By MICK ELLIOTT | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 26, 2008

GAINESVILLE - George Edmondson, the Gators' beloved Mr. Two-Bits, brought fans at The Swamp to their feet again Saturday, but this time he wasn't leading a cheer. He was receiving it.

Edmondson, who became a piece of Florida football history while leading his trademark cheer for more than 60 years, will retire his role at the end of this season. During Saturday's homecoming game against Kentucky, the Gators honored the 86-year-old Tampa resident.

Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley presented Edmondson with a custom shadow box featuring the trademark tie, the block "F" and a golden whistle. As a special permanent tribute, the Gators cheerleaders will display a special "2-Bits" whistle emblem on their megaphones.

"Well, I'm not as young as I used to be," Edmondson said. "At 86 years of age, I've got to slow down. Nothing is forever.

"I feel like I just cannot physically keep it up. I'm pushing myself. I don't want something bad to happen."

Edmondson, a former Navy pilot in World War II, did not attend Florida. He was enrolled at The Citadel before enlisting after Pearl Harbor. After returning from the war, Edmondson was attending a UF game when the Gators were booed.

In response, he stood and led the cheer. By Edmondson's recollection, he has missed only two home games since.

No Chance

Kentucky coach Rich Brooks confirmed what everybody saw.

"Our kicking game was a disaster," he said. "It's hard to get back on track."

The Wildcats never had a chance. Any hope of a solid defense building momentum and shutting the Gators' attack down was ruined on their opening two possessions by two blocked punts.

The Wildcats had not allowed more than 24 points in any game this season. The Gators scored more than that in the first quarter. Kentucky had allowed just two rushing touchdowns all year. Florida scored twice on the ground in its first eight plays.

"They beat us in every aspect of the game," said UK QB Mike Hartline, who was 7-of-16 for 33 yards. "You should have to question how you can move on from this or how we can get better or what we need to do differently."

Gator Bites

Florida extended its win streak against Kentucky to 22 straight. ... With two rushing TDs, junior QB Tim Tebow tied Emmitt Smith for the most all-time rushing touchdowns (36) in school history. ... Florida's 63 points are the most the Gators have scored under Urban Meyer in an SEC game. ... The Gators' three blocked kicks in one game tied a school record. ... Sophomore S Ahmad Black's 40-yard interception return for a TD was his second pick for a score this season. ... Redshirt freshman QB John Brantley threw his first career touchdown on a 38-yard pass with 11:45 remaining in the game. His receiver, redshirt junior David Nelson, recorded his first career touchdown on his first reception of the season. ... Freshman DT Matt Patchan from Armwood High made his first career start.

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