I attended the Gator Gathering on Saturday, and was one of the lucky first 250 to get into the autograph line; after he spoke, I finally had my copy of "Urban's Way" autographed. (Yes gang, that book is now a keepsake.)
After hearing speeches by Gator Club officers and seeing highlight videos of the 2008 season, the president of Gator Boosters, "Stumpy" Harris, introduced Coach Meyer, who then spoke to the crowd.
From what I heard he was quite impressed with the venue this year (Cheyenne Saloon in downtown Orlando's Church Street Station). After a couple of humorous anecdotes and mention of his favorite musical performers in spite of his kids not preferring his choice of music (Jimmy Buffett and Sister Hazel, a Gainesville band, are the two he listens to), he got down to business. He defended Percy Harvin, assailed all the negative press in the media about his players, especially those who are highly critical of Tim Tebow, and basically said that they have no idea of what they're talking about. One poignant remark he made pertained to a sense of loyalty he expects from those in and around the Florida football program; those who criticize the program aren't welcome (IMHO, this comment could have been a subtle hint that what Shane Matthews had said last year that was a bit scathing and not amusing to Meyer at all.) - he said "You're either a Gator or you're not a Gator".
He gave shout-outs to Jack Youngblood and Brandon Siler as former Gators from the Orlando area who could not be in attendance on Saturday, and paid a very warm tribute to Darryl Perry, who was there with his family and continues to fight after suffering a debilitating stroke.
Coach Meyer then talked about the current team as far as the roster, some players who impressed him this spring, and the fact that the off-season will be tough for our players - he learned a lesson after 2007 and commented that the team that year lacked chemistry and leadership, for one thing. Based on what he was saying, there could be some competition for starting spots in the fall. He also mentioned that recruiting and talent can get your far, but LEADERSHIP is the final element in the equation that wins championships.
In the end, Meyer auctioned off two highlight DVD's to the highest bidder in order to raise funds for a scholarship fund he's spearheading this year.
Overall, I get the impression that Urban Meyer is proud to be a Gator and is very happy in Gainesville; he is seeing his concept of Gator football come to fruition and sees a bright future ahead.
Side note: I couldn't help reading Mike Bianchi's and Andrea Adelson's (who I absolutely can't STAND) drivel in the Sentinel knocking Meyer for having made the comments he did - oh well, every party has a pooper and that's why we invited them. Anyway, Meyer was right in saying what he did - he doesn't want anybody trying to sabotage his efforts or spreading a negative attitude around the Gator locker room. Meyer has put all his heart into building the Gator football program up to the level where it's at now - lest these two media blowhards forget. If Shane Matthews or others who are so critical of Meyer think they can do a better job out there, let them get their butts out onto the field and prove it. What took SOS six years to accomplish only took Meyer two (don't throw that Zook-apologist crap about 2006 back at me, anybody), and Urban went a step further last year in winning two National titles in only four years at UF. The bottom line is that he's winning games, and has the program headed in the right direction - when all is said and done, that's what really counts.
I admire Meyer for being honest and candid - I sure as hell would rather hear the truth instead of "it is correctable, and we're getting better and better!"
To hell with the media and others if they don't like what Meyer is saying or doing; in the end, Urban gets the last laugh. The proof is in the pudding, and two crystal footballs on display in the football complex from 2006 and 2008 are testament to that.
