Florida Gators show off Outback Bowl rings

The Florida Gators kicked off spring practice before the University of Florida broke for spring break. When the players returned to campus on Sunday Jim McElwain and the coaching staff had a surprise waiting for the players. During the team meal on Sunday McElwain surprised the players with championship rings.

“Well-deserved,” McElwain said. “Back-to-back SEC champs in the East. That’s something that is no small feat.”

Although the face of the ring clearly states “SEC East Championships” a UAA spokesperson clarified that the rings were for winning the Outback Bowl. McElwain said Tuesday that he was proud of the way the Gators prepared for and showed up to the bowl game this year after a major flop in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl the year prior.

“For me the way they approached the bowl game, it was more of a bowl game-type deal that they approached it with the right mind-set to go win the game,” McElwain said. “That’s – I think – one of those things that shows the sense of accomplishment, and they’re always excited to get some bling.”

Nick de la Torre
A South Florida native, Nick developed a passion for all things sports at a very young age. His love for baseball was solidified when he saw Al Leiter’s no-hitter for the Marlins live in May of 1996. He was able to play baseball in college but quickly realized there isn’t much of a market for short, slow outfielders that hit around the Mendoza line. Wanting to continue with sports in some capacity he studied journalism at the University of Central Florida. Nick got his first start in the business as an intern for a website covering all things related to the NFL draft before spending two seasons covering the Florida football team at Bleacher Report. That job led him to GatorCountry. When he isn’t covering Gator sports, Nick enjoys hitting way too many shots on the golf course, attempting to keep up with his favorite t.v. shows and watching the Heat, Dolphins and Marlins. Follow him on twitter @NickdelatorreGC