Holy Gator Chomp! Add me to the list of people who didn't realize what was going on in this thread. The title should be changed to "The Real Carlos Alvarez is POSTING Here!"

Mr. Alvarez, thank you so much for taking the time to contribute your memories and thoughts. Your writing style is perfect for these stories. It's so amazing to learn details we would otherwise never have the chance to know.

I can't help but notice that many of this forum's younger crowd haven't posted in this thread. You have to wonder if they've read it. Some of them still don't seem to understand how long and winding (and often painful) the road has been to where we are now, consistent excellence in Gator football.

Thank you Mr. Alvarez, and so many of your teammates and coaches too, for helping to lay the foundation of the Great Gator Nation!!!

Be well and God bless.

Ok, let's get back to some pertinent questions. Mr. Alvarez, can you tell us who came up with the idea to jump into Flipper's tank and who was the first player or players to do so? Did the entire team jump in? And was there any repercussions for these actions? I was at the game but I was only 14 years old and I believe we left right at the end of the game.

Nothing like getting a little love from Mr Alvarez. One of the best that ever played the game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I heard a rumor that Carlos is going over to Gator Country. I hope this isn't true, we love you here.

Alvarez knows...but Iw as there on the second deck, gathering our belongings up when some one said, "they are jumping in the tank!" When I looked, ir appeared alot of players were down there, but only a few were in the pond. Lots of fun! Lots of cheering from the remaining Gators! A I said in earlier post, Hurricane fans were gone, just Gator faithful and the bands...

quote:

Originally posted by rick:
Carlos, I graduated in 72 as well and had an English class with you freshman year. What a great time to be in school, with the music, the war protests (remember the moratorium against going to class on the 15th of the month), and everything else. I went to Bishop Kenny in Jax and remember Father Gannon.

The Spring Game in 68 gave us a glimpse of the year to follow in '69. What a year that was. It ended in a weird way when we beat UT and then hired their coach. You and John were my heroes at the time along with Tannen, Abdelnour and others, that I felt were the heart of the team. Seeing you and the other players on campus everyday made my time at UF that much more special. Thanks for your contributions to UF. You and John are part of some very special memories in my life.

Again, thank you for all the posts and the great memories. This has been an amazing experience for me and I appreciate everyone who has contributed. Who knew the Florida Flop could have so many positive sides so many years later.

One outcome out of all of this is that I have decided to write a book with the collaboration of my son about my experiences before, during and after my years at the University of Florida. Interestingly, my son Daniel, who is a UF graduate, huge Gator fan and now a lawyer in San Francisco, has been after me the last couple of years to work with him to write a book about my Cuban experience, my family's immigration to the USA and my Gator days. This blog has made me realize that this book is a worthwhile effort at this point in my life and I want to thank each of you for your inspiration to get this project underway. Any thoughts anyone out there has on this would be appreciated.

I have also begun talking to other Gator players to get them to post. I would love to read their perspectives on things. Will see if this can start a trend.

Some of my teammates have begun kidding me that I have not mentioned them in the blog. We have had some good laughs about it. I really have had the privilege to have played and remain friends with a special group of guys. And old Gator fans remember players (outside of John Reaves who I have already mentioned)in my freshman class like (and excuse my misspellings) Fred "Catfish" Abbott, (All-SEC outstanding middle linebacker at Florida), Andy Cheney (a superb athlete and wide receiver that was crucial in making 1969 possible), David Peek (the absolutely best roommate anyone could ever have for 4 years), "TD" Tommy Durrance (our team captain in 1971 who passed away too soon a couple of years ago and was as tough a running back as has ever played at Florida), Mike Rich (fabulous fullback from Georgia and taught me how to talk southern), Robert Harrell (outstanding defensive lineman and Mr. Impeccably Dressed), Richard Kensler (John Reaves' roommate and an incredibly courageous player playing through multiple injuries), Harvin Clark (a number of great returns at Florida and a great defensive back), Gene "Miami Fats" Conrad (Gene is legendary among our group for his toughness, sense of adventure and wild energy), Mike Dwyer, Dale Hutchinson, Bruce Cutwright, Charlie Hood, Doug Sorenson (pound for pound the toughest guy on the freshman team and the guy who could push me physically to max my workouts, now a doctor), Jimmy Barr (who made a key interception/touchdown return in the infamous 1969 Houston game, among other great plays), Tom Condon, Jimmy 'Go Go" Getzen (wonderfully musically talented guy and one of the funniest people I have ever met), Bruce Cox, Bill Dowdy, Jerry Cocker and others too many to mention and even more others just as close that were not part of my recruiting class. Any one of those names bring many stories to mind. These guys showed an urban Cuban kid what true friendship is, how to fish and hunt North Florida style and how to like country music, specially Hank William's "Lonesome Whippoorwill." Boy, they sang that badly...........I tried teaching them some Cuban culture but it never stuck except for Cuban sandwiches...............

Pls let us know when this memoir is available. I'd like to be one of this first owners and thanks again for providing us with a great experience twice in our lives; as a player and as a poster providing your insights on this forum.

Lord, I forgot that Getzen was on your team.
He played at my HS and his Sr team was amazing
going 11-0 with no Playoff for class C back then.
He was very fast and along with an amazing athlete named Mike Bell they won two state championships in track. I think Getzen and Bell tied for the 100yd dash in that meet.
I think Getzen ended up in Opry Land for many years.
Thanks again, Carlos. I will buy the book for sure.

It is pretty amazing, I forgot most of those guys names. My how time flies. It was definitely a fun and interesting time to be in college.

Thanks for the memories, Carlos.


By the way, how weird is it that these guys are calling you Mr. Alvarez?

quote:

Originally posted by A.Vandelay:
I heard a rumor that Carlos is going over to Gator Country. I hope this isn't true, we love you here.

True but I will also post here. Never leave the date that brought you to the dance..........

quote:

Originally posted by gatorpe:
Lord, I forgot that Getzen was on your team.
He played at my HS and his Sr team was amazing
going 11-0 with no Playoff for class C back then.
He was very fast and along with an amazing athlete named Mike Bell they won two state championships in track. I think Getzen and Bell tied for the 100yd dash in that meet.
I think Getzen ended up in Opry Land for many years.
Thanks again, Carlos. I will buy the book for sure.

Go Go (Getzen) has done extremely well in the entertainment field. Here is his web site (www.jimmytravis.com) He goes by the stage name of Jimmy Travis.

quote:

Originally posted by gatorhar:
Ok, let's get back to some pertinent questions. Mr. Alvarez, can you tell us who came up with the idea to jump into Flipper's tank and who was the first player or players to do so? Did the entire team jump in? And was there any repercussions for these actions? I was at the game but I was only 14 years old and I believe we left right at the end of the game.

It was the idea of a group of us seniors and I do not know who thought of it first. If one of my teammates knows I will let you know. No, the whole team did not jump in but there were a good number of us in that pool--I would estimate 20 or so. And there were no repercussions to any player from that incident. I don't even remember the coaches saying anything about it but remember our equipment manager was not too pleased about the soggy equipment. Interestingly, everyone focused on the Gator Flop and the jump into the Dolphin pool was dwarfed by the Gator Flop controversy.

Mr. Alvarez, Carlos, however you'd prefer to be referred to as, I think I speak for just about all of us here that we are truly honored in having been a part of not only you being here, but that we've somehow assisted you in concluding that you should write a book, as your son has stated. You are a huge part of UF history, and I think we feel like we are a little part of that history now that you've been here. All of us will look forward to your completion of the book.

And I think I speak for all of us again if you can do us all one favor. Just mention the Gator Sports Message Board (GSMB), in the book. We would all love that!!!

Anyway, again Thank you for coming here. It would be awesome to see other Gator Greats/players come aboard and talk with us. It's a great way to stay connected to the fan base.

Good luck in everything you do.

Hello again Carlos,
When you complete your book you could charge an extra 10 bucks or so for a signed copy and donate it to your favorite charity.
I'm in.

Including your experiences coming from Cuba, and life as a young refugee growing up in Miami would be great. I remember kids at St. James who came and didn't know a word of english were teased quite a bit, and not just by the students. The nuns weren't too kind sometimes either.

Carlos proves that with hard work you can accomplish many great things. What a great country.

Mr. Alvarez,

Boy I wish my parents would have stayed around to see the what the internet can do. My mom loved you My dad was a little jealous probably but they would tell me stories about you and John Reaves. My first game was in Auburn when Wes Chandler got bit by the war eagle, I was 3 and haven't missed a game since. My mom worked at the Supreme Court for a many years and I believe she had the chance to meet you at least I remember her telling me. Anyway enough rambling, just wanted to say thanks on behalf of my parents for all the memories you gave them, I feel blessed to have read your entries.

Ok Carlos, what was the reason why the football team at NMHS struggled so much after our first year. Was the coaching THAT BAD? And, outside of the FT.Lauderdale game, which was your best HS game you played. Just interested.

quote:

Originally posted by Muncie-Nole:
Ok Carlos, what was the reason why the football team at NMHS struggled so much after our first year. Was the coaching THAT BAD? And, outside of the FT.Lauderdale game, which was your best HS game you played. Just interested.

Our coaching was relatively lacking in high school. At the high school level coaching can have a greater effect on the outcome (given generally the same quality of players) of the game than at the college or pro level because the players are still basically rookies to the game and will not know different techniques to enhance their skills or reduce their deficiencies. In addition, if you have defenses or offenses that are not based on the players' strengths but rather the coach's limited knowledge of the game you start out in a tenuous position.

Coach Sullivan, my senior year high school year, was a great offensive line coach (and a wonderful person), but some of his assistants had limited knowledge of the game and that became obvious to me as I learned more about the game. Our offense was way too basic and the defense too predictable. Our team included a number of players that had been very successful in the Optimist league playing for the Northwest Boy's Club so we had talented players like Donnie Lewis, Joe Jendry, Mario Valcarcel to name a few.

I will say that our practices were brutal and would not be permitted today. We use to have three hour practices with one or two totally insufficient water breaks in August. Sometimes the water breaks consisted of ice cubes being thrown on the ground for players to fight over. The hitting was constant and the verbal and emotional abuse from some of the coaches relentless. That simply is wrong but I think the coaches didn't know better. I think most high schools at the time did the same thing. One of my surprises in college was how much easier practices were. We worked harder but smarter. Of course that was the beginning of Gatorade (thank you Dr. Cade!) at Florida and it was freely given to all the players throughout practice sessions.

I do not know what my best game was in high school but my best half was against Hialeah Senior High my senior year. By half time I had two interceptions and had run from my halfback (tailback) position for something like a 100 yards. I did that while running a 101 degree fever the whole game. I got yelled at halftime for not showing more emotion in the locker room. I still laugh at that moment given my dehydration state at the time. Again, I know the coaches meant well but sometimes they were not in touch with the players. I lost 8 pounds during the game and was out for three days recovering. Different times.

This has made me think of my receiver coach at Florida, Coach Bubba McGowan. I was very lucky to play under him. Not only did I learned a lot from him but he knew me well and coached me and others as individuals and not as coming out of the same mold. He was always knowledgeable, optimistic and supportive. I can still hear his constant whistling during practice and all the Gator players that played under him know what I mean. He knew for me, for example, that he needed to be a calming voice during game day because I had a tendency to be very emotional in my play. I did not need to be told to play harder but I did need to be told to play smarter. He knew that and I will forever be grateful to him.

quote:

Originally posted by ca.alvarez:
Again, thank you for all the posts and the great memories. This has been an amazing experience for me and I appreciate everyone who has contributed. Who knew the Florida Flop could have so many positive sides so many years later.

Some of my teammates have begun kidding me that I have not mentioned them in the blog. We have had some good laughs about it. I really have had the privilege to have played and remain ... adventure and wild energy), Mike Dwyer, Dale Hutchinson, Bruce Cutwright, Charlie Hood, Doug Sorenson (pound for pound the ...

Bruce Cutright!! He was my boss at a civil engineering firm in Jacksonville, Florida between 2000 and 2002! I learned a lot from Bruce about finishing. I had a bad habit of taking projects to 80% and thinking they were done. He got me to see the bigger picture. Quality guy, Bruce.

quote:

Originally posted by URGatorbait:
Mr. Alvarez, Carlos, however you'd prefer to be referred to as, I think I speak for just about all of us here that we are truly honored in having been a part of not only you being here, but that we've somehow assisted you in concluding that you should write a book, as your son has stated. You are a huge part of UF history, and I think we feel like we are a little part of that history now that you've been here. All of us will look forward to your completion of the book.

And I think I speak for all of us again if you can do us all one favor. Just mention the Gator Sports Message Board (GSMB), in the book. We would all love that!!!

Anyway, again Thank you for coming here. It would be awesome to see other Gator Greats/players come aboard and talk with us. It's a great way to stay connected to the fan base.

Good luck in everything you do.

You can be sure that the GSMB will be mentioned in the book (I may be able to mention some of the IDs in the blog, who knows) and how that finally tilted the balance towards doing the book. Again, thanks to all.............

Carlos, Dale Hutchinson sits next to us in the Swamp (in the section that my parents sat in for the first time at the 1969 Houston game). I do not think that people realize how different the game was in some ways then. I think he said that he played guard at about 220 lbs. 1969 was a fun season.

Andy Chaney might have been the best hs running back I have ever seen. He made a great receiver at the next level.

Carlos--Your remarks about coaches and coaching techniques are ones which need to be shared. So many high school coaches only know what they know from having been coached and thus, a whole philosophy is perpetuated whether or not it is beneficial or efficacious. Think about including a chapter in your book directed at those who seek to coach or who find themselves charged with that function by virtue of entering the teaching field and being called upon to "coach" something in order to get the job. You have first hand experience and your exceptional insights would make a real difference for not only the coaches, but, more importantly, the student athletes as well.

Need to echo URGatorbait by adding my personal thanks for carving out time in your busy schedule to "talk" with us here. I mentioned in a post connecting with my dad over your recollection of the Tulane game and since then, he has told so many of his old Gator buddies of how I was privileged to actually "hear" about it directly from you. Know that you are remembered dearly by the Gator faithful and appreciated greatly for the player you were and the man that you are. Blessings~

Carlos. . . thank you for taking the time to answer the questions regarding NMHS. I can't speak for Florida high schools today, since 1976 was my last year as Band Director at N. Miami Beach HS. Since the late 70's I've been up here in the Midwest teaching instrumentalists. However, it seem taht there was a pep assembly for EVERY game back then, and our school was going to WAR every week!!! Something that HS's do alot less these days.

The "Ice Cubes" really got to me, and I'd never would have believed it happen. Wow, and everyone complained about the "Chicken Wire" at FSU! I will never forget marching my band around in the rain in preparation for the PRIMETIME show at the Miami-Dade Junior College stadium. The school principal gave me a verbal lashing on the field. Yet, there was the foootball team just yards away hitting each other helmet to helmet.

I wonder after watching Bear Bryants early practices with the Texas A & M team, that it impacted those HS coaches of that time period.

I sure hope when you write "THE BOOK" that you don't make it just a typical uf biography. There are way too many of those. Please include alot of those South Florida experiences. Hey, the "ice cubes" have got to have a special paragraph!

quote:

Originally posted by Muncie-Nole:
Carlos. . . thank you for taking the time to answer the questions regarding NMHS. I can't speak for Florida high schools today, since 1976 was my last year as Band Director at N. Miami Beach HS. Since the late 70's I've been up here in the Midwest teaching instrumentalists. However, it seem taht there was a pep assembly for EVERY game back then, and our school was going to WAR every week!!! Something that HS's do alot less these days.

The "Ice Cubes" really got to me, and I'd never would have believed it happen. Wow, and everyone complained about the "Chicken Wire" at FSU! I will never forget marching my band around in the rain in preparation for the PRIMETIME show at the Miami-Dade Junior College stadium. The school principal gave me a verbal lashing on the field. Yet, there was the foootball team just yards away hitting each other helmet to helmet.

I wonder after watching Bear Bryants early practices with the Texas A & M team, that it impacted those HS coaches of that time period.

I sure hope when you write "THE BOOK" that you don't make it just a typical uf biography. There are way too many of those. Please include alot of those South Florida experiences. Hey, the "ice cubes" have got to have a special paragraph!

Geez, they don't do pep rallies every week any more. Went to Merritt Island High during the Gerald Odom era (All SEC UF linebacker, who's son played LB too). Beat Tallahassee Leon for the class 4A state championship (largest category back in those days). Man, football was huge. Made for GREAT Friday nights (and after game activities).

quote:

I will say that our practices were brutal and would not be permitted today. We use to have three hour practices with one or two totally insufficient water breaks in August. Sometimes the water breaks consisted of ice cubes being thrown on the ground for players to fight over. The hitting was constant and the verbal and emotional abuse from some of the coaches relentless.

I played HS ball for an ex gator player, Charlie Roberts in the early 70s. Our practices were insane. No water breaks usually and very long practices in the summer heat mid to late Aug. I wonder how no one dropped dead. I will say this. We usually started with about 40+ and ended up with about 20 players. We hit all the time and only on thurs. before games did we go to shorts and shoulder pad and EVEN then we hit some. We did win lots of games

Carlos,

Where did your work ethic and sense of humility come from? As a parent of 3 ages 10, 8, and 5, those are the things that I really want to imprint upon my kids at an early age.

quote:

Of course that was the beginning of Gatorade (thank you Dr. Cade!)

Mr. Carlos, I'm a young gator grad compared to most of the other posters on GSMB. (Undergrad C/O 2004..College of Pharmacy grad C/O 2008) I was wondering if you can tell us about Gatorade as a player? Did it taste bad? Did it only come in one color? And do you agree with the new Gatorade marketing promotion of "G"? Thanks for your insight.

P.S. Did you ever get a chance to interact with Donald Gaffney? (the first African American QB at UF) He is a part of my fraternity and I had the pleasure to hear him speak at one of our fraternity banquets a couple of years ago. I also went to undergrad with his nephew. (Jabar Gaffney, WR, New England Patriots).

Carlos: Regarding your book: I went to law school with a former second or third string player named Bill Lee. He told the funniest stories about Yon Hall Talent Night. Most of them are probably unprintable, but I hope you can share some of the things that happened.

I played flag football against your brothers, and still have a TMJ problem, thanks to an elbow from Arthur. Also in law school with me were Wayne McCall, Gene Peek, Mike Palahach, Bill Dorsey, Richard Trapp, and other guys from the Silver Sixties...which is another thing you could write about.

Mr. Alvarez,

I am so glad you picked up on the book idea!

It will serve as a memento and an inspiration to Gator fans, Cubans, Cuban-Americans and all Americans.

I can't wait to read about your childhood, your parents & family, etc... the things that made you who you are.

Like a previous poster, I emailed my 88-year-old Dad, who doesn't quite get this whole internet thing, and talked him through how to read your posts -- he lit up and raved about you and what you said, and a whole slew of Gator stories I had never heard came from him. So I thank you too for that.

I have longed to see a movie made from a powerful, personal Cuban-American story. I once tried but couldn't get the rights to Orestes Lorenzo's incredible story from Miramax. Maybe your book will also become a film, where it can reach an even wider audience.

God bless you for communicating honestly with us, and for caring enough to share your stories with others.

Boy, I getting a little scared that we posters are going to "burn-out" Mr. Alvarez with all the questions. I want him around for this fall 2009 season. . . can YOU imagine the objective input he will bring to THIS board. ALL THE OTHER GATOR BOARDS CAN NOW SHUT DOWN!

I'm keeping my fingers crossed, because he will bring a new, higher level to the GSMB. And for a NOLE saying this . . . it's GOOD.

I have to say that I commented early on and have tried not to reply a dozen more times. I am happy to be a part of the thread that got you over the top with your book. I didn't go to high school with you and was born in 1970 in Alachua General while my dad was attending UF so I don't have first hand memories of you. However that does not dimish the respect and admiration for what you have done to the program that is a huge part of my life. I just wanted to again thank you for coming to our little corner of Gator Nation and making it so much brighter. I will continue to read your posts on a daily basis. Thanks again!

quote:

Originally posted by G8trGr8t:
Carlos,

Where did your work ethic and sense of humility come from? As a parent of 3 ages 10, 8, and 5, those are the things that I really want to imprint upon my kids at an early age.

My parents. I saw that in them everyday. Think of losing everything you have worked for in your adult life, move to a different country that you don't know the language and have 4 kids to raise. And not a single complaint about what life has just dealt you. My dad didn't take a vacation for nearly 12 years after we came to the USA so that we could have food, a home and a potential future. Whatever I have done, many others have done in their own way and raised the bar. Also, so often part of success involves fortune smiling your way. The longer you live the more you appreciate that and are eternally thankful for the great things life has brought you.

And as how to impart that to your wonderful children my thought is simple. To paraphrase Gandhi, be the thing that you want your child to be...........

quote:

Originally posted by ca.alvarez:

quote:

Originally posted by G8trGr8t:
Carlos,

Where did your work ethic and sense of humility come from? As a parent of 3 ages 10, 8, and 5, those are the things that I really want to imprint upon my kids at an early age.

My parents. I saw that in them everyday. Think of losing everything you have worked for in your adult life, move to a different country that you don't know the language and have 4 kids to raise. And not a single complaint about what life has just dealt you. My dad didn't take a vacation for nearly 12 years after we came to the USA so that we could have food, a home and a potential future. Whatever I have done, many others have done in their own way and raised the bar. Also, so often part of success involves fortune smiling your way. The longer you live the more you appreciate that and are eternally thankful for the great things life has brought you.

To paraphrase Gandhi, be the thing that you want your child to be...........

Inspirational. I'm a much younger Gator, so I obviously never was lucky enough to see you catching any Reaves passes, but I've read plenty about you and your contributions to the legend of Gator Football. I think it's flat out amazing that you're taking time out of your days to come here and share old stories with so many people who have been cheering you and other Gators on for years. It just goes to show that Gator Nation is truly the strongest and finest group of people around!

quote:

Originally posted by syzygy05:
Carlos: Regarding your book: I went to law school with a former second or third string player named Bill Lee. He told the funniest stories about Yon Hall Talent Night. Most of them are probably unprintable, but I hope you can share some of the things that happened.

I played flag football against your brothers, and still have a TMJ problem, thanks to an elbow from Arthur. Also in law school with me were Wayne McCall, Gene Peek, Mike Palahach, Bill Dorsey, Richard Trapp, and other guys from the Silver Sixties...which is another thing you could write about.

My brothers were really good athletes and I have often said that my brother Arturo was a better athlete than I was. I'll tell Arturo about your TMJ--he gave me more than a few shots as we competed with each other. He was, and still is, tenacious. I had the chance to meet and talk to Tim Tebow's dad, Bob, (what a great family)at the NC celebration at Florida field and he played against Arturo and Cesar, my other brother, in the flag football league at Florida while Bob was there. He had similar comments about Arturo. I had to laugh how vividly he remembered them and the tenacity of my brothers' play.

Talent nights at Yon Hall were incredible. Basically the players that lived in Yon Hall (all the players except for married guys)would go down to the basement at Yon Hall one night during spring and have contests (and bets) on the various "contests." The "contests" were totally bizarre (and may not be understood unless you knew the contestants and the times) and I will not go into them here but may in another post. I want to talk to some of my teammates before I post on that. Bottom line, though, it was some of the funniest moments I had at Florida.

The Silver Sixties guys are superb and I will write about them at some point in another post. All the guys you mentioned are great guys. Richard Trapp, as most older Gators know, was a superb wide receiver during the Spurrier time period in the 60's. His run and catch against Georgia is legendary and that play is one of the most exciting plays in Florida history. He and Charlie Casey, I think, were the first two outstanding receivers at the University of Florida but if we have an older blogger out there I would like to hear about any others that came before Richard and Charlie.

My first boyhood hero was Jimmy Dunn, who was more of a 50's star. The connection is that he returned to Florida as OC with Dickey, and was Carlos' OC for the last two years. I always thought his style of offense didn't fit Florida's personnel that well, but I've heard a lot of people say he was a wonderful coach.

He was dumped for Spurrier in Dickey's last year. Too late to help Dickey.

quote:

Originally posted by jrcg8tor:
Carlos, Dale Hutchinson sits next to us in the Swamp (in the section that my parents sat in for the first time at the 1969 Houston game). I do not think that people realize how different the game was in some ways then. I think he said that he played guard at about 220 lbs. 1969 was a fun season.

Dale was an outstanding offensive guard and you are right he did play at around 220 at most. Dale had tremendous speed for a lineman that probably can not be matched by the bigger players on the O-line today. There is a fabulous long run by Tommy Durrance for a touchdown in the 1969 Miami game and Dale kept up with Tommy throughout the run. Dale always practiced and played hard at Florida. Dale and his wife Donna are great people and I am glad you have had a chance to interact with them.

quote:

Originally posted by gatorspook:
Andy Chaney might have been the best hs running back I have ever seen. He made a great receiver at the next level.

Andy was a superb athlete and he could have played running back at Florida but like me chose to play wide receiver. Besides his skills in football, he was good enough in basketball to have played at the college level. Andy had some great games in 1969 and if he had not gotten hurt (MCL tear in the 1969 Miami game) he would have put huge numbers the next two years. Andy has become a very successful banker in Florida. We saw the LSU game together this year at the invitation of a mutual friend and great Gator, Carlos Alfonso.

Hey Carlos.

It is National Signing Day.

Do you have any eligibility left?

quote:

Originally posted by SaltLakeGator:
Hey Carlos.

It is National Signing Day.

Do you have any eligibility left?

Hey Carlos,

My early memories of Gator football was Reaves and Alvarez. I heard of Spurrier when in Jr. High but listened to the games on the radio in Jax when in high school (graduated in 1971), so I have great memories of you & Reaves as Florida greats.

I live in Maryland (past 23 years)and am a pastor. You mentioned Reaves, I know of his problems in the past but how is he doing now? I remember in the 80's reading of his spiritual turnaround and trying to make a change, but since then have not heard anything about him. How is he doing now and what is he doing now? Are you in touch with him very often?

I have thought of the great combo of Reaves and Alvarez through the years that started my great memories and interest in Florida football. And I'm glad to see that you are doing well. I agree, it would be great to have a book written by you of your experience as a Florida Gator! Thank you for your time in answering my post. Lord Bless!

quote:

Originally posted by gatorspook:
My first boyhood hero was Jimmy Dunn, who was more of a 50's star. The connection is that he returned to Florida as OC with Dickey, and was Carlos' OC for the last two years. I always thought his style of offense didn't fit Florida's personnel that well, but I've heard a lot of people say he was a wonderful coach.

He was dumped for Spurrier in Dickey's last year. Too late to help Dickey.

Jimmy Dunn is my Dad's cousin. My first memories of the Gators was of my Dad talking about him and the Gator Bowl. I have not seen him since I was a little boy, tho.

quote:

Originally posted by ChiefGator:

quote:

Originally posted by gatorspook:
My first boyhood hero was Jimmy Dunn, who was more of a 50's star. The connection is that he returned to Florida as OC with Dickey, and was Carlos' OC for the last two years. I always thought his style of offense didn't fit Florida's personnel that well, but I've heard a lot of people say he was a wonderful coach.

He was dumped for Spurrier in Dickey's last year. Too late to help Dickey.

Jimmy Dunn is my Dad's cousin. My first memories of the Gators was of my Dad talking about him and the Gator Bowl. I have not seen him since I was a little boy, tho.

When I was like 7 or 8, I dressed up as Jimmy Dunn for halloween. Seriously.

quote:

Originally posted by SLG:
Pls let us know when this memoir is available. I'd like to be one of this first owners and thanks again for providing us with a great experience twice in our lives; as a player and as a poster providing your insights on this forum.

Let me second this and I am really looking forward to both the story of your family coming to Miami, your time at Fl and then ultimately living in Tally.

Carlos, what are your thoughts about the speed of the players today and especially the guys at the University of Florida right now? Also, you don't have to answer this, (a little like asking a woman her age), but I'd love to hear what your best 40 time was, and how that compared to others nationally when you were playing.

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Originally posted by PastyStoole:
Carlos, what are your thoughts about the speed of the players today and especially the guys at the University of Florida right now? Also, you don't have to answer this, (a little like asking a woman her age), but I'd love to hear what your best 40 time was, and how that compared to others nationally when you were playing.

Back then the 100yd dash was a standard. I wonder what you ran in that.

Like some of the previous posters stated I was too young to have witnessed any of these things since they were ahead of my time.

So when I read your posts it's like stepping into a time machine. I get chills while I read and envision your stories reliving some of the glory days of Gator Football. Maybe it's because I'm younger but it amazes me that even though it was earlier times and the game and program may not have been what it is today the passion was still there.

It makes someone like me that was never able to live those moments feel like I'm a part of something great.

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Originally posted by GatorFrank:
Like some of the previous posters stated I was too young to have witnessed any of these things since they were ahead of my time.

So when I read your posts it's like stepping into a time machine. I get chills while I read and envision your stories reliving some of the glory days of Gator Football. Maybe it's because I'm younger but it amazes me that even though it was earlier times and the game and program may not have been what it is today the passion was still there.

It makes someone like me that was never able to live those moments feel like I'm a part of something great.

Carlos was a brief bright spot in a frustrating gator past. Sadly his career was altered by the coaching change after his stellar sophomore year.

[/QUOTE]Carlos was a brief bright spot in a frustrating gator past. Sadly his career was altered by the coaching change after his stellar sophomore year.[/QUOTE]

Yeah, why did graves leave then or choose to leave then; especially when he knew he had those super sophs with potentially great years ahead?!

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Originally posted by dgstrother:

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Carlos was a brief bright spot in a frustrating gator past. Sadly his career was altered by the coaching change after his stellar sophomore year.

Yeah, why did graves leave then or choose to leave then; especially when he knew he had those super sophs with potentially great years ahead?!

He retired and was bumped upstairs. He was a fair coach, nice man. Florida wanted to take the next step. Sadly, Doug Dickey was the wrong man.