Gator Tales Podcast

Gator Tales #218: GATOR GREATS – Baseball’s Alex Faedo & Jackson Kowar by Florida Gators

On part one of this story, host Adam Schick took you through the regular season for the 2017 team as they formed their identity, ultimately claiming the SEC regular season championship and the #3 seed in the NCAA tournament. Part two begins with the opening of regionals in Gainesville and travels through Florida’s ultimate triumph in Omaha through the memories of head coach Kevin O'Sullivan, CWS Most Outstanding Player Alex Faedo, All-SEC pitcher Jackson Kowar, freshman All-American Austin Langworthy, broadcasters Mick Hubert and Jeff Cardozo and athletic director Jeremy Foley. Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear, and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

Under the direction of Kevin O’Sullivan, Florida baseball has become a national power and perennial CWS contender, but it wasn’t always that way. Hear the inside story of how the program grew and ultimately claimed the first College World Series title in school history in 2017 through the memories of head coach Kevin O'Sullivan, CWS Most Outstanding Player Alex Faedo, All-SEC pitcher Jackson Kowar, freshman All-American Austin Langworthy and athletic director Jeremy Foley. Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear, and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

On last week’s show, we relived the historic three-peat achieved by gymnastics from 2013 to 2015, and on today’s bonus episode, host Adam Schick explores the life stories and dynamic personalities of two of the gymnasts who anchored that run in NCAA all-around champion Bridget Sloan and NCAA vault champion Marissa King. First, Bridget Sloan shares stories from her Olympic days, battling through a coaching change and life after gymnastics (1:17). Then, Marissa King discusses her unusual path to elite gymnastics, adjusting to American culture and her current role with Cirque Du Soleil (26:55). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear, and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

On this edition of GATOR GREATS, relive the journey from 2013 to 2015 that vaulted Florida’s gymnastics program from a perennial contender to a dynasty through the stories of former head coach Rhonda Faehn, NCAA All-Around Champions Bridget Sloan and Alex McMurtry, NCAA Vault Champion Marissa King, former athletic director Jeremy Foley and future head coach Jenny Rowland. Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear, and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

On last week’s show, we highlighted the journey of the back-to-back national champion softball teams from 2014 and 2015, but this week, we are taking a deeper dive by learning about the personal paths of two of the brightest stars from those teams – Lauren Haeger and Aubree Munro. First, former National Player of the Year and WCWS MOP Lauren Haeger discusses her path to Florida, the work that led her to reach her peak as an athlete, her new path as a coach and more (1:10). Then, two-time WCWS All-Tournament honoree Aubree Munro talks about backing into her role behind the plate, the pressure her class felt while seeking the three-peat, her excitement to compete in the Olympics and more (18:51). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear, and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

Gator Tales #212: GATOR GREATS – 2014-15 Softball National Champions by Florida Gators

Last week, we heard from the student-athletes themselves on the impact of the coronavirus epidemic from their perspective, but this week, in the final installment of this three-part series, we are speaking to the people who probably have the biggest effect on those athletes and their mindset – their coaches. This week, host Adam Schick catches up with softball coach Tim Walton to get his take on a budding season coming to a sudden halt (1:06). Plus, gymnastics coach Jenny Rowland shares how she has guided her national title-caliber squad navigate the choppy waters of an incomplete journey (24:35). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear, and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

Last week, we heard from athletic director Scott Stricklin on the impact of the coronavirus epidemic for Gator athletics from a macro perspective, but this week, in the second installment of this three-part series, we are narrowing our focus on the student-athletes and how they’re managing the unprecedented disruption. Host Adam Schick chats with men’s basketball’s freshman standout Scottie Lewis about the cancellation of March Madness (1:33), recent graduate and track & field star Grant Holloway on the postponement of the Olympics (15:47) and baseball’s breakout sophomore Jacob Young on the premature end to the season for his top-ranked squad (30:08). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear, and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

While this podcast focuses on Gator athletics, college sports, pro sports and nearly everything else took a backseat this week due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic. This brave new world has led to unprecedented circumstances in almost every aspect of life, and while we don’t have answers to so many key questions that will ultimately make the biggest difference in peoples’ lives, we wanted to set the record straight on what this means for the Gators and the athletes and coaches you clearly love if you tune into this podcast. On this week’s show, host Adam Schick covers all angles relevant to the Gators with athletic director Scott Stricklin, including what the athlete and coaches are able to do as of now (1:55), how this situation played out behind the scenes (8:04), the prospect of giving extra eligibility to affected athletes (14:16), the status of spring football (17:47), what this means for the UAA’s employees (20:57), his unexpected trip with Dr. Sanjay Gupta (24:20), the successful unveiling of Bi

Gator Tales #208: Coronavirus Update, MBK’s Keyontae Johnson and Gator Roundtable (MBK, BB, FB) by Florida Gators

If you’ve been feeling a bit mad this week, don’t worry – it’s just March! The calendar has officially reached the month that determines just how long teams get to keep dancing, and all signs point to the Gators in prime position to take their best shot on the floor. On today’s show, host Adam Schick welcomes FloridaGators.com senior writers Chris Harry and Scott Carter to discuss the final stretch of the regular season for hoops (1:39), baseball’s record-smashing streak (9:15), how the Gators fared at the NFL Combine (14:13), the undefeated finish for gymnastics (18:19), women’s basketball angling for a postseason berth (21:15) and the worst owners of all time in the PAT (22:55). Then, walk-on Chris Sutherland shares his remarkable journey from being a Rowdy Reptile in the stands to one on the court (30:50). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

While fans of the “Orange and Blue” routinely pledge to stick together through all kinds of weather, after the results of this past week, it’s a particularly great time be a Florida Gator! Between new trophies headed to the Lemerand Center and head-turning performances in multiple sports, it was a banner week to be sure. On today’s show, host Adam Schick welcomes FloridaGators.com senior writers Chris Harry and Scott Carter to discuss baseball’s sweep over Miami (1:42), the surge for men’s hoops (7:13), gymnastics capturing an early SEC title (13:14), softball’s west coast swing (16:10), a surprising senior day for women’s basketball (19:07), eight straight SEC crowns for men’s swimming (21:44) and the relevance of the NFL Combine in the PAT (23:28). Then, McDonald’s All-American Tre Mann stops by to talk about growing up in Gainesville, meeting high expectations and much more (30:43). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales

The Florida athletic season shifted into overdrive this past weekend, as the already crowded spring calendar added baseball to the jam-packed slate of games taking place in Gainesville, including hoops. But it wasn’t just any basketball game taking place at Exactech Arena, with the court naming for Billy Donovan making it a night the sold-out crowd won’t soon forget. On today’s show, host Adam Schick welcomes FloridaGators.com senior writers Chris Harry and Scott Carter to discuss a star-studded celebration of Billy D (1:58), how he’s successfully made the jump from coaching in college to the NBA (12:11), the season-best three-game SEC winning streak (14:25), a bold beginning for baseball (20:45), a head-turning achievement for lacrosse (24:28), a splashy new assistant for football (26:28) and the latest fallout from the Astros cheating scandal in the PAT (28:37). Then, Gator baseball broadcaster Jeff Cardozo chats with head coach Kevin O’Sullivan about their hot start at the plate, the growth he expects to

The word legend often gets bandied around more than it should, but it’s certainly apropos when it comes to discussing Billy Donovan. On today’s show, we’ll start by hearing from Billy himself, as he recounts his time in Gainesville and what the naming of the court in his honor means during a candid conversation with FloridaGators.com senior writer Chris Harry (1:40). Then, host Adam Schick is joined by Chris and fellow senior writer Scott Carter to discuss the magnitude of Billy D’s enshrinement (16:42), another must-win game for hoops (25:08), what to expect from opening weekend for baseball (28:20), another major football scheduling announcement (31:43) and possible changes to the MLB playoff format in the PAT (35:07). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

Renewals can come in many forms, whether it be an infusion of new talent, the start of a campaign, or the potential saving of a season. The Gators experienced all of those across the program this week, with football, softball and men’s basketball playing those respective roles. On this week’s show, host Adam Schick welcomes FloridaGators.com senior writers Scott Carter and Chris Harry to discuss the final pieces of Dan Mullen’s signing class (1:11), another epic comeback by men’s basketball (7:32), a signature win for women’s hoops (14:00) and the Big 10’s potential game-changing stance on transfers in the PAT (16:42). Then, softball coach Tim Walton stops by to chat about their new digs, losing two generational talents and the first pitch of the 2020 season (22:48). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear, and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

Exactech Arena saw a ton of action over the past week, with some very high highs for gymnastics, but also some low lows for basketball. And while it’s easy to get caught up in the ebbs and flows of any athletic season, there are often stark reminders of what really matters when you put everything in perspective. On today’s show, host Adam Schick is joined by FloridaGators.com senior writers Chris Harry and Scott Carter to discuss the shocking death of Kobe Bryant (1:44), a humbling week for hoops (7:46), perfection for gymnastics (15:05), more preseason buzz for baseball (17:23), the Gators shining in both the Senior Bowl and the Super Bowl (20:27) and celebrity deaths that hit closest to home in the PAT (23:34). Then, sophomore Andrew Nembhard stops by to share his Canadian roots, his development in year two and much more (28:59). Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear, and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

As the calendar barrels toward the end of January, more and more eyes are focusing on hoops, and the Gators are in the midst of run of high-profile matchups that might trick you into thinking it’s March.  On today’s show, host Adam Schick welcomes FloridaGators.com senior writers Chris Harry and Scott Carter to discuss the noteworthy battles against multiple Tigers (1:40), a chance to take out #1 this weekend (7:11), Toney’s return for one last ride (9:36), Felipe Franks’ departure to Arkansas (14:53), preseason hype for baseball (18:26) and Baseball Hall of Fame controversy in the PAT (20:02).  Then, McDonald’s All-American and all-around Renaissance man Scottie Lewis dishes on his elite dunking skills, his unique hobbies and his growth halfway through his freshman season (26:29).  Please subscribe and leave a review if you like what you hear, and for more information, visit FloridaGators.com/GatorTales.

Gator Tales #200: Gator Great Ahmad Black and Gator Roundtable (MBK, FB, Gym) by Florida Gators

As we welcome in a new decade, signs are pointing up all around for Florida, with football sending out 2019 in style in a splashy Orange Bowl victory over Virginia, and basketball ringing in 2020 with an unblemished conference mark thanks to a record-breaking comeback against Alabama. On today’s show, host Adam Schick chats with head coach Mike White about their hot start in the SEC, how they’ve grown while trying to manage sky high expectations, the development of the newcomers and more (1:23). Then, Adam welcomes FloridaGators.com senior writers Scott Carter and Chris Harry for our first roundtable of the year to discuss the victory lap in Miami (20:58), season superlatives for Dan Mullen’s squad (25:01), players coming and going in 2020 (30:31), basketball’s resurgence (34:50), Andrew Nembhard’s ascension (38:23), the possible end of the Patriots’ dynasty and national championship predictions in the PAT (41:55). Please leave a review if you like what you hear, and for more information, visit FloridaGato