Gator Country

abc1234 · 01-03-2013, 09:14 PM

A Florida player stays to sing his final alma mater of the season all by himself
By Graham Watson |
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-...34--ncaaf.html

At the end of Florida victories, the team usually sticks around to sing the alma mater with the band.

But after Wednesday’s embarrassing 33-23 loss to Louisville in the Sugar Bowl, most Florida players couldn’t get off the field fast enough while others went to find their friends and family in the stands.

But one player stayed to sing his last fight song of the season.

Junior linebacker Darrin Kitchens ran over to the band section, held his helmet high and proudly sang the fight song. It didn’t matter that he was the only one standing alone while his other teammates ignored his gesture.

According to the participation report, Kitchens never played in the game. Yet he seemed to savor this final moment and I'm sure the band appreciated his participation.

g8rfan22 · 01-03-2013, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lenny2

Was anyone there who can attest to the context of this photo? One has to wonder what circumstances led to this beyond poor sportsmanship...I can't fathom that there was't at leats ONE other player, coach, Walk-on senior, etc there by his side. While its romantic to think of him standing alone, yada yada, IMO it probably isnt the whole story.

It is a true story...

abc1234 · 01-03-2013, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phatGator

With his helmet held high! Brought tears to my eyes.

I'm standing in line at a viewing of a man who died way too young. I'm reminded how short life is and how we need to appreciate every minute and the good things we have. Looks like DK appreciates the great school he attends and the opportunity to represent that school.

Says the guy browsing a football forum from his phone while in line at a wake....sorry, had to. lmao

umcpgator · 01-03-2013, 09:31 PM

I think this should be brought up with Muschamp during his radio show or one of the Gator Gatherings in the Spring. This should be a tradition, not an exception. Urban tried to implement the tradition, and I think it should continue, win or lose.

Nicho · 01-03-2013, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by g8tr96

I hear ya.....but when I say "sad and pathetic", I am only referring to the rest of the team that decided not to sing it with him. In fact, all of the coaches should have been there singing it with him too. Just my $0.02

I don't blame you for your reaction. Indeed, it is sad in a sense. But the solitary nature of it also makes it more compelling and poignant.

The more I look at that photo, the more powerfully I find myself reacting to it. As you and others have noted, not even Muschamp was out there. I think DK might have taught his own coaches something with this display of unconditional pride and dignity. It's an unexpected bit of salve for the demolition we witnessed last night.

GatorStang · 01-03-2013, 09:50 PM

First, big time props to Kitchens for showing his loyalty to our Florida Gators. When I first saw the picture, it definitely hit me hard and made my eyes welt up a bit, it was very powerful for me

Next, we need to cut the coaches and players a break for not being there. That hasn't been the "tradition", but I think it should become that way. I don't even think our lord and savior Tim Tebow EVER went and sang the alma mater with the band after a defeat. I definitely don't remember it happening after the heart breaking Ole Miss loss. So, give the team and coaches a break this time.

Nicho · 01-03-2013, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GatorStang

First, big time props to Kitchens for showing his loyalty to our Florida Gators. When I first saw the picture, it definitely hit me hard and made my eyes welt up a bit, it was very powerful for me

Next, we need to cut the coaches and players a break for not being there. That hasn't been the "tradition", but I think it should become that way. I don't even think our lord and savior Tim Tebow EVER went and sang the alma mater with the band after a defeat. I definitely don't remember it happening after the heart breaking Ole Miss loss. So, give the team and coaches a break this time.

Stang, I for one am not critical of the coaches. I don't fault them for not being there. But I do think Kitchens' act should make them reconsider how they respond to losses.

geauxgator1 · 01-03-2013, 10:02 PM

This is a little embarrassing for the team in general, but what a statement from Darrin. My new favorite Gator too.

pjwuf · 01-03-2013, 10:16 PM

That is a stand up guy where the hell is everybody else if you are a captain on that team you should be ashamed. Tim, Danny and Lawrence (who were all there would never have allowed that) every memeber of that team should have been right there. If they want to get were those guys have been they need to act like a team. Guys like Jeff and Trey B. need to pull the guys over and show some pride. God knows they showed enough um style crap during the game, you do not celibrate like you are up by 20 points when you are down by 20 like our D constantly did last night. If I were a coach on that team when they got to the bench I would tell them none of that crap. You get us back on top on this game you can celibrate until then keep your head down and in the game think team not about looking good on tv.

BonaFideGator · 01-03-2013, 10:22 PM

How do we know he didn't just stop and salute the band and surrounding Gators and just walk away? It was a picture, not a video. Everyone just assumes he was the lone Gator standing there for the duration of the band's Alma Mater/Fight Song, whatever it was they were playing. This picture is being posted all over the internet with no context.

**gator1986** · 01-03-2013, 10:22 PM

More I look at this post more I get mad. What a class act kid this is. Where the hell is the rest of the team, this is absolutely absurd and uncalled for. Where the hell is the rest of the team or the captains?!?!!?! You win and lose as a team, D has been an inspiring story so far this whole year, this makes it even better... Good man.... Good F'in man......

wildg8er · 01-03-2013, 10:28 PM

ABSOLUTE CLASS, COURAGE, CONFIDENCE, PRIDE, LEADERSHIP, ETC. This guy is a true role model for children on many levels. Kudos to you sir, kudos.

Nicho · 01-03-2013, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BonaFideGator

How do we know he didn't just stop and salute the band and surrounding Gators and just walk away? It was a picture, not a video. Everyone just assumes he was the lone Gator standing there for the duration of the band's Alma Mater/Fight Song, whatever it was they were playing. This picture is being posted all over the internet with no context.

No it's not. People all over twitter who apparently attended the game are thanking him for coming over and it's clear he was the only one who did.

northgagator · 01-03-2013, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicho

No it's not. People all over twitter who apparently attended the game are thanking him for coming over and it's clear he was the only one who did.

Wow!
His parents must be bursting with pride!
Would love to meet the family that produce such a good young man.

g8rfan22 · 01-03-2013, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by northgagator

Wow!
His parents must be bursting with pride!
Would love to meet the family that produce such a good young man.

He's recently married, a stand up guy & an example of what a Gator should be.

MtownGator · 01-03-2013, 10:35 PM

Wow lots of heart there- Need more guys that can win and lose and still find some humility

gatorteacher · 01-03-2013, 10:36 PM

DK my new favorite Gator PERIOD!

g8rfan22 · 01-03-2013, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abc1234

A Florida player stays to sing his final alma mater of the season all by himself
By Graham Watson |
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-...34--ncaaf.html

According to the participation report, Kitchens never played in the game. Yet he seemed to savor this final moment and I'm sure the band appreciated his participation.

Darrin plays in every game..

Gatormom11 · 01-03-2013, 10:48 PM

Very proud of this young man! What a class act for all of gator nation to applaud and emulate. The Sec Rant (Tiger Droppings) already has 3 pages of kudos from sec fans of every school about what a great example of what a college player should be for his school.

He single handedly through his actions helped take away the stench of some bully play and attitudes (some players celebrating their play when the team did not excell at all).

It is truly great to be a Florida Gator with this young man representing us. Hope this is called attention to with the right people in the athletic department.

secgator · 01-03-2013, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BonaFideGator

How do we know he didn't just stop and salute the band and surrounding Gators and just walk away? It was a picture, not a video. Everyone just assumes he was the lone Gator standing there for the duration of the band's Alma Mater/Fight Song, whatever it was they were playing. This picture is being posted all over the internet with no context.

Read this thread--there are posts here from folks who WERE THERE! They saw it....start to finish....and have posted that what we see in the pic is EXACTLY what is being said about him. He didn't just "stop and salute the band".

Read the thread. Geez.