A Journalist's Opinion

I interviewed Franz Beard who is a journalist for GatorCountry.com and Gator Country magazine. We had our interview over the phone. Having spent many years surrounded by topics purely Gator in nature, he was very helpful. Mr. Beard evaluated on one topic that I didn’t spend much time on in my research, the winning tradition of Urban Meyer’s Florida Gators. Two previous seasons before the showdown for the national title in 2008, the Gators had acquired the championship title in 2006. In 2007, their quarterback received the heisman. The young men on his team had high expectations said Franz Beard. Not only that, the fans had come to have high expectations and the fans help to build a team. He’s seen fans at their worst and best. He claims, of course, for Florida fans to be the best of the best. Anyways, with success, comes pressure. Coaches, fans, team mates all expect no less than the best. The Gators gave it there all in last quarter of the championship game. Mr. Beard had to recap it for me since it’s been so long. Regardless of the struggle, the Gators pulled through to show they’re here to please. Mr. Beard said that even if they hadn’t won, their followers and supporters would have been proud. He also mentioned that they had the top in all aspects. Quarterback, head coach, offense, speedy players- the Gators had it all under their belt.

First off, I felt so incredibly lucky to be talking to someone whose work I had read and enjoyed many times before. He seemed to know the answers to everything I asked. Once we got into the interview, he took the reins. He had lived and experienced the championship road of the Gators and covered many stories on the topic. He really helped me feel what it was like to be in the Gator Nation. I hear all about Bama Pride, and I finally felt like I was at home and part of my team whenever Mr. Beard spoke. The interview, honestly, could have gone on for days if we had the time. He knew so much and had many different angles to my question. I learned a ton from this! However, I learned by him supporting my previous research for the most part.