UF Student-Journalist Kyle Curtis joins the record crowds to watch -- and celebrate. History was in the making as I joined the passionate fans at Condron Family Ballpark for two remarkable nights, eagerly awaiting the rematch between the Florida Gators and the South Carolina Gamecocks in a crucial Super Regional best of three. Little did we know that these two unforgettable nights would be filled with such dramatic moments, incredible plays and unwavering fan support. The atmosphere was electric. Both nights. Me and all the kids with our gloves were there, hoping to snag a foul ball souvenir. Leading up to both games, I was feeling confident, knowing Florida’s impressive track record at home thus far. Nonetheless, also knowing it was the NCAA Tournament, I was well aware anything is possible, recalling that South Carolina had swept the Gators earlier in the season in Columbia. The Rainy Delay A steady downpour set the stage for testing the fans' dedication. Yet, we remained resolute, using the back-to-back 2 1/2 hour delays to go fetch a barbecue sandwich ($10) and even watching highlights from Florida’s last time in the Super Regionals, 2018. The rain may have dampened our clothes, but it could not dampen our spirits. We knew that once the first pitch was thrown -- if indeed it was -- the Gator faithful would show up. And did they ever, breaking the state record for the most fans the second straight night: Adding the 8,851 paid to the 8,439 from Friday and a grand total of 17,290. A Beautiful Night Emerges As if the weather itself bowed to the anticipation, the rain subsided, revealing a stunning multi-colored evening sky. The stadium lights illuminated the field, and a cool breeze swept through the stands. It was as if the elements conspired to provide the perfect backdrop. The record-breaking attendance spoke volumes about the unwavering support of the Gators' faithful. Is UF becoming a baseball school? Sitting on the Berm With a prime spot on the berm for $10, I settled in to soak up the atmosphere. The berm offered a unique experience, with fans sprinkled throughout but pretty much jammed in on the grassy slope, with differently designed Gator blankets and towels used to soak up the dampened grass. The cheers and chants echoed throughout the stadium, creating an electric energy that fueled the Gators from the start. It was an extraordinary feeling to be part of such a passionate and united group stadium. The left field berm during Saturday night's Super Regional game. UAA Photo. The Game Begins With the crack of the bat Friday, the game was underway. South Carolina's Will McGillis wasted no time, launching a powerful home run over the left field fence on the second pitch of the game, igniting the visiting team's fans. However, the Gators swiftly responded as Josh Rivera sent a colossal 453-foot blast over the left field berm, tying the game at two and electrifying Gator fans. The sheer power and emotion from Rivera lit up the home crowd. Wyatt Langford's Heartwarming Gesture In between innings, an endearing moment unfolded before my eyes. Wyatt Langford, a player known not only for his skills but also for his kind heart, made his way towards a young kid sitting on the berm. With a smile on his face, he began playing catch, creating a lasting memory for the lucky child. The future top-5 draft pick never fails to put others first through his selflessness, warranting a roar from the leftfield stands for the kid from Trenton. Home Runs Overhead The excitement continued to build as the game progressed. Two more home runs sailed over my head Friday, one in favor of the Gators, while the other put a run on the board for the Gamecocks. In a back-and-forth game, fans never really had a time to even go grab a hot dog from the concession stand. Florida's bats and gloves did just enough to keep the Gators around long enough until they were finally able to capture the lead. A Thrilling Finish BT Riopelle’s family had a section behind the plate of around 12 people when he came up to the plate in a tied ball game in the sixth inning. Knowing that this is one of the final times they will see their Gator family member play the game (BT says he won't play pro ball) he has played since a toddler, his family erupted at any moment it could. Holding posters of his face pinned all over their clothing, they burst into hugs and screams as they watched BT put the Gators ahead with a moonshot to center field, followed by the opposing pitcher’s sad eyes. A lead the Gators would not give up for the rest of the night. Rather than watching Riopelle round the bases and celebrate with his teammates, or even celebrate with fans around me, I found myself enthralled watching the Riopelle family celebrate gloriously The game reached a pivotal moment in the seventh inning when Cade Fisher took the mound in relief for the Gators. Fisher shut down the Gamecocks, tossing two scoreless innings and allowing only one hit. The roar of the crowd echoed through the stadium as each out brought the Gators one step closer to victory. In the bottom of the eighth inning, the Gators added a crucial insurance run. Tyler Shelnut stepped up to the plate and delivered a clutch RBI base hit to left field, extending the Gators' lead to 5-3. The eruption of cheers from the crowd was deafening as we recognized the significance of that run. As the ninth inning arrived, the tension in the air was oppressive. Brandon Neely, the Gators' closer, took the mound, determined to secure the win. Neely carved through the first two batters, striking them out in quick succession. However, the Gamecocks' Will McGillis, having already hit a home run earlier in the game, stepped up to the plate once again. In a moment of short fear, McGillis sent a solo home run over the fence, narrowing the Gators' lead to 5-4. With one out left, the crowd held its breath as Braylen Wimmer approached the plate. The tension was unbearable, but Neely summoned all his strength and induced a groundout to third base. The stadium erupted into a chorus of cheers and applause as the Gators secured the final out, sealing their 5-4 victory. The game had been a rollercoaster of emotions, from the early setbacks to the clutch hits and stellar pitching performances. It was a testament to the resilience and determination of the Florida Gators and our fan base. Throughout the game, I embraced the full baseball experience. Between innings, I made my way to the concession stand, where the scent of hot dogs and popcorn filled the air. As the seventh inning stretch arrived, the familiar tune of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" filled the stadium, and I joined in singing along with the crowd, feeling a bonding sense of camaraderie. In the midst of the game's intense moments, I also took the time to enjoy the small details—the crackling sound of peanuts being shelled, the laughter and chatter of fellow fans and the feeling of unity as we cheered on our team. Sometimes nervous chatter. Saturday - Game 2 The excitement from Friday night carried into Saturday's 3 p.m. first pitch at Condron Park, where the atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation of the Gators securing a spot in Omaha. Just like the previous night, Mother Nature decided to join in. As the jumbo tron announced yet another weather delay, sighs could be heard throughout the stadium. After a delay of 2 ½ hours, with many fans heading to local bars and restaurants, Hurston Waldrep took the stage and delivered a pitching gem. Standing in the same spot over the left field wall as the night before, with the berm completely packed, I had a spectacular view of one of the most beautiful college ballparks in America. The sun quickly set over home plate, casting its warm rays on me in left field, until it disappeared under the clouds. Regardless of sunlight, Hurston Waldrep displayed his mastery for eight innings, showcasing his skill. Equally as bright as the sun. Word of Waldrep's impressive strikeout count, reaching a total of 13, began to spread throughout the berm. It was a different feeling compared to the home run derby of the previous night, yet the supercharged atmosphere remained unchanged, even without any home runs from the Gators. As Brandon Neely sealed the victory for the Gators with the final pitch Saturday, I couldn't help but jump up and down in celebration with 8,000 of my closest friends. The team celebrated by dog-piling on the pitcher's mound, and fans exchanged hugs and high-fives, knowing that the Gators had secured their ticket to Omaha. Kevin O'Sullivan's eighth trip to Omaha and Florida's 13th. For me, a student journalist and huge Gator baseball fan, my "Take Me Out To Berm Game" proved to be a memorable experience. Even if I never did catch a foul ball. .

Waldrep Had It Going Saturday Night

Waldrep Punches Gators' Ticket To CWS

Coveted John Bol Becomes A Gator John Bol, a highly rated four-star center in the 2024 recruiting cycle, made a significant decision on Saturday, committing to the University of Florida amidst fierce competition. He chose the Gators over top programs such as Connecticut, Michigan, Missouri, Texas, USC, and Wake Forest. Bol had also contemplated forgoing the college basketball route altogether and joining Overtime Elite, a developmental professional basketball league based in Atlanta, catering to 16-20-year-old players. "I'm going to the University of Florida," Bol said. "It's a good program and it's a really good fit for me. Ultimately, my goal is to make it to the NBA, and I feel like being at Florida is the best fit for me. The SEC's style of play is one that I believe will contribute to my success and ultimately help me achieve my goals. Additionally, I think Florida is a program that has the potential to make a championship run." Bol, currently playing for Sunrise Christian in Wichita, Kansas, holds an impressive ranking as the No. 29 overall prospect and the No. 3 center in the 2024 recruiting cycle. His commitment to Florida marks a significant achievement for Gators coach Todd Golden, who has been one of the hottest coaches in the country on recruiting and in the transfer portal trail. And, no, he's no kin to the celebrated Sudanese-American Manute Bol or the Orlando Magic's Bol Bol. Speaking highly of Golden, Bol stated, "Coach Todd, he's a young coach but really experienced, a really good guy, and a really good coach too. There are a lot of things that I liked about him. I like the way that he talks and I really like the way that he coaches. I was there for a couple of practices and he's out there with the guys and active. He's not just on the bench shouting out what to do. He's also showing them what to do and how to do it. He's a really good dude, and I think he will be able to help me." Florida continues to make waves on the recruiting trail, having recently added guards Zyon Pullin and Julian Rishwain as transfer prospects to fill two of the three remaining scholarship spots for the upcoming 2023-24 season. Bol's commitment from the 2024 ranks further solidifies the Gators' impressive recruiting efforts. As the No. 23 overall prospect in his recruiting class, Bol becomes the highest-rated commit for Florida since the 2019 class, which included standout players Scottie Lewis (No. 7) and Tre Mann (No. 21). At an imposing height of 7-foot-1 and weighing 190 pounds, Bol possesses the size and length coveted by the Florida coaching staff for their front court. While the Gators recently added 7-footer Micah Handlogten from the transfer portal during the offseason, Bol's exceptional wingspan sets him apart. Demonstrating his defensive prowess at both the prep level and on the travel ball circuit, Bol's shot-blocking abilities and defensive impact caught the attention of top programs nationwide. Florida entered the picture in October, and Bol had the opportunity to experience the program firsthand during an unofficial visit on April 21. His junior year performances at Sunrise Christian showcased his skills, averaging nine rebounds and an impressive 3.7 blocks per game in 27 appearances, earning him a national ranking of 92 in the blocks category. While Bol's offensive game will require refinement before he becomes the well-rounded center that Coach Golden envisions, his potential in that area is evident. Under the guidance of assistant coaches Kevin Hovde and Carlin Hartman, Bol is expected to acclimate quickly upon his arrival in Gainesville. Joining shooting guard Isaiah Brown from Orlando Christian Prep in Florida's commitment class, Bol's addition strengthens the Gators' foundation for the 2024 class. Additionally, the coaching staff is actively seeking a point guard, although the recent reclassification of Dedan Thomas Jr. to the 2023 class has led to a reevaluation of their options in that position. Nonetheless, a smashing week for Todd Golden and staff just got that much better. This can't be the cherry on top because this may just be the entire cake itself.

The second time BT Riopelle saw the exact pitch he wanted Friday night, he didn’t miss. In the bottom of the fourth, Riopelle got plenty of a James Hicks fast ball only to see his towering fly ball come down to earth about a half foot in front of the center field fence for a very long out. Two innings later, South Carolina reliever Will Sanders tried to sneak an 0-1 change-up past Riopelle and he got all of it. His high-arching blast landed between the center field fence and the tall green monster some 400 feet away, his 16th home run of the season and third since Sunday when he torched Texas Tech pitching for a pair of homers that propelled the Gators into the Gainesville Super Regional against South Carolina. Riopelle’s 2-out home run broke a 3-3 tie as Florida (49-15) went on to take game one of the best-of-three series over the Gamecocks (42-20), 5-4, at Condron Family Ballpark before a crowd of 8,439, the largest on campus baseball crowd in state of Florida history. The Gators will face South Carolina Saturday in a game scheduled for 3 p.m., but could start later if weather intervenes. The Gators will send Hurston Waldrep (8-3) to the mound. The way the game began, it seemed as if the Gators were going to be in for a rather long night. Brandon Sproat, who has been known to struggle all season to get into a rhythm in the first couple of innings, needed 38 pitches to get through the first two innings, giving up three runs on seven hits including a leadoff home run to Will McGillis. The Gamecocks put two on the scoreboard on four first inning hits to give Sproat the look of a pitcher who wasn’t going to last very long. After the Gators tied the game up at 2-2 in the bottom of the first on a Jac Caglianone single through the shift to right field and a 453-foot home run onto the streets in left field, Sproat got into more trouble. A single, a sacrifice bunt and a single by McGillis gave South Carolina a 3-2 lead. After Braylen Wimmer doubled to right field and Ethan Petry was intentionally walked, Sproat saved his start for all practical purposes by getting Cole Messina to tap back to the mound for the start of a Sproat to Riopelle to Caglianone inning-ending double play. From that point on, Sproat took command. He gave up only two more hits and walked only one more batter, although there was a bit of controversy in the fifth when Wimmer hit a high tapper to the right of the mound that Sproat fielded off balance. A high and away throw to first eluded Caglianone but as Caglianone turned to chase the ball, Wimmer tripped off his feet. Thinking he was awarded second, Wimmer trotted to second but Shelnut alertly threw to Rivera, who applied the tag. That brought South Carolina coach Mark Kingston out of the dugout and a full-fledged argument ensued. However, there was no interference on the play and Wimmer was out. Sproat finished the night with a strong 6-inning performance, allowing nine hits while striking out seven to earn his eighth win of the season. Sproat threw 105 pitches but was still throwing in the mid-to-high 90s when he finished his outing. The Gators had tied the game at 3-3 in the fifth when Tyler Shelnut hammered the first pitch he saw deep over the left field fence for his seventh home run of the season. That set the stage for Riopelle, Florida’s Mr. Postseason. Since the Southeastern Conference Tournament, Riopelled has hit six home runs. Florida added insurance in the bottom of the eighth on a walk to Rivera, a single down the third base line by Luke Heyman and a single in the third-short hold by Shelnut. When Sproat departed after six innings, Kevin O’Sullivan turned the game over to freshman Cade Fisher to pitch the seventh and eighth innings. Fisher, who salvaged the Gainesville Regional with a brilliant 7-inning start against Texas Tech Sunday night, allowed only one hit while striking out one. Brandon Neely came on to close the game in the ninth to earn his 13th save of the season but it wasn't without an anxious moment as he gave up a 2-out, first pitch homer to left field by McGillis.

The financial services industry will have to wait awhile longer for BT Riopelle. Florida’s clutch-hitting catcher has already let his future boss to let him know it could be awhile before he reports to work. “I actually texted my boss the other day,” Riopelle said Friday night after his 400-plus foot home run to dead center field in the sixth inning helped propel the Gators (49-15) to a 5-4 win over South Carolina in game one of the NCAA Gainesville Super Regional at Condron Family Ballpark. “He’s like keep winning.” The Gators can win the super regional and punch their ticket to Omaha for the College World Series with a win Saturday at 3 p.m. (ESPN2). The Gators will send Hurston Waldrep (8-3) to the mound against South Carolina's Jack Mahoney (7-3). It was an 0-1 pitch, a change-up according to South Carolina reliever Will Sanders, that Riopelle launched about three feet farther than his towering fly ball that Gamecock center fielder Will Tippett caught two innings earlier when the vast majority of the 8,439 people squeezed into the stadium groaned in disappointment. Riopelle didn’t disappoint the second time around. It was his 16th home run of the season, the sixth since the postseason began a couple of weeks ago at the SEC Tournament in Hoover, Alabama, and this one sent the largest on campus crowd for a baseball game in state history into an absolute frenzy. The Riopelle home run broke a 3-3 deadlock and gave the Gators their first lead of the game. An inning earlier, it was Tyler Shelnut’s turn to come through with the big hit just when the Gators needed it the most. Shelnut deposited the very first pitch he saw off James Hicks to start the fifth over the berm in left field for his seventh home run of the season. Shelnut came to the plate again in the eighth with runners on first and second and two out, this time facing South Carolina reliever Nick Proctor. Shelnut smacked a 2-0 pitch through the third-short hole into left field to drive home Josh Rivera with the fifth run of the game. Shelnut admitted it wasn’t exactly a quality swing, but it got the job done and it delivered the insurance the Gators needed since South Carolina’s Will McGillis hit his second home run in the top of the ninth. “I kind of knew going into that at-bat, it was like man, we only got a one run lead,” Shelnut said. “All it takes is like one big swing, somebody be on time just once and just one good swing and and it'll tie the ballgame. So going into that I was like I know I have to get this run across. However that's going to be I have to get on base. Just keep turning the lineup over, and it wasn't the most ideal, I guess, or the prettiest swing but we did it and that's all I needed.” There were other heroes on this night. Josh Rivera was one. When South Carolina roughed up Florida starter Brandon Sproat for a couple of first inning runs, Rivera hit a monstrous 2-out, 2-run home run to left field with Jac Caglianone on base to answer in the UF half of the inning. This was a no-doubter the moment it left the bat. By the time it fell from orbit it was on the street some 453 feet away. Florida coach Kevin O’Sullivan knows just how critical Rivera’s 17th home run of the season was. “Looking back at the game, probably the biggest at-bat of the game other than Shelnut’s singling and driving the fifth run was Josh answering back with a 2-run home to get us right back into it because normally in games like this, the team scores first it gets momentum. It can kind of get away from you a little bit, especially in this kind of environment,” O’Sullivan said. The word that best captures Brandon Sproat’s performance is resilient. He can heat up the fast ball to 100 miles per hour almost on demand but some games it takes awhile before he finds his groove. Early in the game, with South Carolina sitting dead fast ball, Sproat had two innings worth of issues. Hitting in the leadoff spot, McGillis hit his first home run almost straight down the left field line for a 1-0 lead. Braylen Wimmer hit a sky high fly ball into center field that Wyatt Langford lost in the lights. Sproat struck out Gamecock slugger Ethan Petry on three pitches, but Cole Messina singled to center. A fly out later and Gavin Casas singled into right center for a 2-0 lead. Rivera’s homer in the bottom half of the inning tied things at 2-2, but South Carolina scored one in the top of the second and was on the verge of breaking the game wide open with the bases loaded and only one out. That was the point in the game that Sproat really began to relax and take control of the game. He induced a come-backer to the mound from Cole Messina, flipped it home to Riopelle for the force and then Riopelle completed the double play with a strike to Jac Caglianone at first. Starting in the third inning, the tactics changed. Sproat began mixing in more change-ups and breaking pitches. He still heated it up occasionally to 99 miles an hour, but the offspeed stuff put the kibosh on the South Carolina hitters. Sproat set down all six batters he faced in the third and fourth innings, but ran into some trouble in the fifth when a controversial play at first base was ruled Florida’s way. Wimmer hit a bouncer right of the mound that Sproat fumbled a bit, then made an off-balance throw that sailed past Caglianone and into foul ground down the right field line. Making a looping turn at first, Wimmer caught Caglianone’s foot and fell down. When he got back to his feet, Wimmer thought first base umpire Greg Street awarded him second base. Meanwhile out in right field, Shelnut was on the move to back up Caglianone the moment he saw Sproat try to field the ball. He ran the ball down and threw a strike to Rivera standing on second. Rivera applied the tag for the out, which was immediately followed by South Carolina coach Mark Kingston bursting out of the dugout to protest the call, but the call stood. “So my job was just to be there and as it kind of unfolded,” Shelnut said. “I was a little confused as to what the runner was doing. He thought the play was over, but the biggest thing that we're taught is the play’s never over. So, I just made sure I got the ball and got it as quick as I could because the play you know, obviously, wasn't over even though there was some confusion. So getting the ball in and getting the out that was big.” It was a big day for Shelnut, a small town kid from Fort White, population 619, who came to Florida after spending two years at Santa Fe College. Asked how many more people were at the stadium Friday night than live in Fort White, Shelnut grinned and replied, “Probably like 8,300.” Shelnut’s play in right field proved critical because Petry followed with a sharp single to right field. It would have almost certainly scored Wimmer if he had made his way to second and could have ended Sproat’s night on the mound. The play on Wimmer was huge, but so was Riopelle’s throw from his knees that nailed Petry trying to steal second. That was the second out. Messina drew a walk, stole second and advanced to third when Riopelle’s throw sailed into center field, but Sproat was unfazed, striking out Talmadge LeCroy on five pitches for the final out. Sproat (8-3) finished his night in the sixth when he got a pop-out and a strikeout after Michael Braswell’s 1-out single. In his six innings, Sproat allowed nine hits, but only two after the first two innings. He walked two, but one was intentional, and struck out seven. After encountering so much difficulty in the first two innings, Sproat was basically untouchable the rest of the way. “All you could do is ask your starter to go six innings, give it three runs or less,” O’Sullivan said. “That’s what we define as a quality start. Regardless of when he gives up the three runs that just shows the maturity of where he's at. Maybe a couple years ago, he wouldn't have been able to recover but he's just matured tremendously over the last couple of years and you know, he hung in there and like I said before zeros he put up after that right. It was just an outstanding effort.” Sproat was relieved by freshman lefty Cade Fisher, who needed only 28 pitches to dispose of the Gamecocks in the seventh and eighth innings, holding them to a single in the seventh. Brandon Neely got the ball in the ninth to earn his 13th save of the season. He struck out two and gave up a solo homer to McGillis before getting Wimmer on a bouncer to third for the final out of the game. Saturday’s SEC games Gainesville: South Carolina (42-20) at FLORIDA (49-15), 3 p.m., ESPN2 (Game two) Winston-Salem: Alabama (43-19) at Wake Forest (50-10), 12 noon, ESPN (Game one) Hattiesburg: Tennessee (41-19) at Southern Miss (45-18), 3 p.m., ESPNU (Game one) Baton Rouge: Kentucky (40-19) at LSU (46-15), 3 p.m., ESPN (Game one)

Mighty Mouse Holloway Does It Again! Gators dance around the track to overtake the Razorbacks The Gators needed all 21 events to find the 57 points that would deliver them their second NCAAOutdoor national title in as many years, scoring solid performances in the seven events in which they had competitors. Heading into the last event of the night, Gators needed to win the event that they had dominated all year including setting the collegiate record. The team they were chasing, the Arkansas Razorbacks had dominated the field and multi events to begin the 4x400m Relay with 52 points and the national title within their grasp. Unfortunately for the Razorbacks, the 4x400 meter relay is in the Gators wheelhouse and the team of Emmanuel Bamidele, Jacory Patterson, Jevaughn Powell, and Ryan Willie polished of the championship with the flair of another collegiate record with a time of 2:57.54. The time, which is one of the fastest times ever ran by a group anywhere in the world in the history of the sport and testament to Florida coach Mike Mouse Holloway and his ability to have his team prepared when it matters most. Coach Holloway who captured his sixth outdoor championship was asked why winning never gets old. “I get asked a lot what’s your favorite championship?” “The next one,” Holloway stated. “It’s always a different experience you know, I’m almost speechless.” After a disappointing finish to the indoor season Coach Holloway started to remind his team what was expected of them in the championship meets and with a limited outdoor season the Gators as is Coach Holloway’s calling card showed up when it mattered most. What may be most impressive is that the Gators had only won one event heading into their victory in the 4x400 Relay. In one of the best races of the night Emmanuel Bamidele bested teammate Ryan Willie one hundredth of a second to win the 400-meter dash. While Willie was the favorite in that race the Gators were able to take a major share of the points as Jevaughn Powell would also place seventh, giving the Gators a crucial 20 points to get back in the hunt. Sprinter Robert Gregory would follow their efforts with a fourth place finish in the 200-meter dash to add five crucial points to his teams total. The Gators also received All-American performances from PJ Austin, who finished fifth in the 100-meter dash, Sean Dixon-Bodie who would finish fourth in the triple jump, and a fourth place finish from Malcolm Clemons in the long lump. Eight points would come to the Gators albeit with a little bit of controversy in the 4x100 meter relay. The Gators finished the race in third place behind Texas Tech and LSU. However it was later ruled that Texas Tech had committed an exchange zone infraction and the Gators were awarded second place as a result of the ruling. Had the initial result stood the Gators would have won the championship still but by a narrow margin of only two points. Coach Holloway credited veterans such as Willie and Jacory Patterson for his team renewed focus during the outdoor season. “As soon as we walked off the track in Albequerque our charge was to be in the infield here with a better showing,” he said. “Preparation creates opportunity”. “I’m proud of everyone involved”. This is the fourth men’s outdoor championship for Coach Holloway in the last seven years with a possible title for the Gator women pending for Saturday. If that were to happen, it would be 14 total championships for the Gators under his leadership.

The June Bloom rolls on as another big group of recruits are set to arrive in Gainesville this weekend. After 17 prospects were on campus last weekend for maybe the biggest recruiting event in recent memory, 14 more will be taking official visits this weekend.

Todd Golden has utilized the transfer portal better than any other coach in college basketball and now has added a sixth transfer to the roster for next season.

"The 2023 SEC Men’s Runner of the Year and 400 Meter Dash Champion, Willie is the “swiss army knife” for a deep Florida men’s roster which is poised for another run at a national title." Florida Sprinter Ryan Willie When you ask great athletes and coaches what makes a great leader, many will state that the best way to lead is by example. Florida junior sprinter Ryan Willie has come to personify what leading by example means. The 2023 SEC Men’s Runner of the Year and 400-meter dash champion, Willie is the “Swiss army knife” for a deep Florida men’s roster which is poised for another run at a national title. A season ago Willie played a role similar to a football teams’ second receiver playing a supporting role to NCAA and world champion Champ Allison who turned pro in 2022. The Baltimore native has taken on a more versatile role for the Gators. In addition to the 400 meters, Willie runs the crucial first leg of the Gators 4x100 Meter Relay which is one of the nation’s best. In the 4x400 Meter Relay, Willie is now running the anchor leg after running the second leg for the Gators a year ago when they set the collegiate record on their way to the national title. In the SEC Championship, Willie anchored the Florida team that eclipsed the record time of 2022, setting a new collegiate mark with Jraevaughn Powell, Emanuel Bamidele and Jacory Patterson. When visiting with Ryan Willie in 2022, one could sense that he was poised to handle the pressure that goes with taking on a leadership role for Coach Mouse Holloway’s Gators. ”We may be better than last year,” said a confident Willie. “Our transfers are really good”. The transfers he was speaking of were sophomore Emmanuel Bamidele (Texas A&M), and juniors Robert Gregory (TCU), Jevaughn Powell (UTEP) who have added depth to a well assembled roster. In Thursday’s NCAA preliminary round, both Bamidele and Powell advanced to the finals in the 400 meter dash while Gregory would advance in the 200-meter dash. While those performances were impressive, it is Willie who looked the strongest in his 400-meter heat, outrunning his competitors by ten meters or more. The race was indicative of Coach Holloway’s ability to have his athletes ready when it matters most. “He has us ready and we get rowdy too,” said Willie, who is a true disciple of Holloway’s teaching. What could be his greatest asset is how he feels about his Florida Gator teammates both -- male and female. Observing him around distance runner Gabby Wilkinson and fellow sprinter PJ Austin, Willie is a dominant voice, who will do whatever help his teammates on and off the track. However when you get right to it seems that no matter where, no matter what, no matter the leg, Willie lives for the last event of each meet. When the Gators line up for the 4x400, his teammates gather in the stands in a cheering frenzy that rivals the Rowdy Reptiles in the O’Connell Center. The Gators have a group of five to six athletes they could choose to get the baton around the track, but no matter who handles the first three legs, it will all lead to Ryan Willie who’s arms and legs could hold the fate of the Gators national title hopes as he rounds the track. The great thing for the Gators is……he is just fine with that. Florida Gators Advancing to the Finals and Place Men PJ Austin-100m Dash Robert Gregory-200m Dash Ryan Willie-400m Dash Emanuelle Bamidele-400m Dash Jevaughn Powell-400m Dash Relays-4x100, 4x400 Sean Dixon Bodie-Triple Jump Malcolm Clemons-Long Jump (Finished 4th) Women Talitha Diggs-200m Dash, 400m Dash (Defending NCAA Champion) Jasmine Moore-Long Jump Claire Bryant-High Jump, Long Jump (Finished 5th) Jasmine Moore-Triple Jump, Long Jump (Finished 3rd) Grace Stark-100m Hurdles Alida Van Daalen-Discus, Shot Put (Finished 4th) Parker Valby-5000m Run Sterling Lester-Heptathlon Relays-4x400

No. 2 Gators-Gamecocks Super Showdown No. 2-national seed Florida hosts No.15-national seed South Carolina in an NCAA Super Regional showdown at Condron Family Ballpark today! June 9, 2023 Games one and two will air on ESPN 2. The opener is set for Friday, June 9 at 6 p.m. followed by a 3 p.m. Saturday matchup. If necessary, Sunday's game time and TV information will be announced at a late date. SERIES SCHEDULE Friday, June 9 - 6 PM - South Carolina vs. No. 2 Florida - ESPN2 Saturday, June 10 - 3 PM - No. 2 Florida vs. South Carolina - ESPN2 *Sunday, June 11 - TBA - South Carolina vs. No. 2 Florida - TBA *If necessary GAINESVILLE SUPER REGIONAL TICKET INFORMATION Visit the Florida Gators Baseball ticket page for complete details. All-session berm tickets are ON SALE NOW. All-session reserved tickets go on sale Wednesday at 10 a.m. Single-game tickets launch Thursday at 10 a.m.