Albert and Alberta, the mascots for Florida, do the gator chomp earlier than recreation towards Vanderbilt in Gainesville, Fla., in 2020. John Raoux, Related Press
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers carry out on the Del Mar Racetrack and Fairgrounds, in San Diego, Calif., in 2017. The late rock and curler grew up in Gainesville and labored as a groundskeeper for the varsity. As we speak, Florida followers pay homage to Petty by singing in unison his hit “I Gained’t Again Down” throughout Gators video games. Amy Harris/Invision/AP
GAINESVILLE, Florida — It’s thought-about one of the well-known sports-related hand actions within the nation, just like the Tomahawk Chop and The Wave.
It’s known as the “Gator Chomp,” and chances are high Utah will develop into fairly accustomed to it when it visits Florida Saturday (5 p.m. MDT, ESPN) at The Swamp.
The Gator Chomp originated 4 a long time in the past, in 1981, and has been a well-liked custom ever since.
It started when the Gators have been enjoying Mississippi State in Jackson, Mississippi, throughout that 1981 season. Two members of the College of Florida pep band, Monty Musgrave and Rob Hyatt, seen that when Mississippi State’s tuba part performed the theme from the film “Jaws,” the Bulldog cheerleaders would make a rhythmic movement with their palms.
So the Florida band members determined to adapt that movement, simulating two jaws clamping down. It was first generally known as “Gator Jaws.” However after some authorized wrangling with legendary “Jaws” composer John Williams, it grew to become the “Gator Chomp.”
The Gator Chomp was launched at The Swamp on Oct. 10, 1981, throughout Florida’s 15-10 victory over Maryland.
It’s now an iconic cheer and a staple of recreation day at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Extra lately, a brand new custom has sprung up at The Swamp.
Rock and roll celebrity Tom Petty by no means attended the College of Florida, however he's a Gainesville native. Petty labored as a groundskeeper for the varsity earlier than he grew to become well-known because the lead singer for The Heartbreakers.
On Oct. 2, 2017, Petty died on the age of 66. Since his passing, Florida followers have been singing one in every of his hits, “I Gained’t Again Down,” in unison throughout video games at The Swamp.
And that’s how the Gators hold Petty’s legacy alive.
The Gator Chomp and “I Gained’t Again Down” have develop into a part of the material of Florida‘s soccer custom.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers carry out on the Del Mar Racetrack and Fairgrounds, in San Diego, Calif., in 2017. The late rock and curler grew up in Gainesville and labored as a groundskeeper for the varsity. As we speak, Florida followers pay homage to Petty by singing in unison his hit “I Gained’t Again Down” throughout Gators video games.
Amy Harris/Invision/AP