gatorcast from paul smith

Tonight Cameron and I went the the oDome to watch the Gator Basketball team take on the Dolphins of Jacksonville U.  Cameron is really enjoying the games.  He loves to wear his gator gear.  After some un-neccessary resistance from me he really wanted to wear his plastic orange dreadlock hair.  And boy was it a hit.  Within seconds of sitting down the camera man pointed the camera at Cameron for the “Fan of the Game” contest. 

After several closeups and cheering, Cameron WON the contest.  So not only did he get his face (and hair) on the 4 large 25 foot video screens for all the fans to see, he won!  He was so thrilled he beat the college kids “in their own house” as he put it.    What he won was a large goodie bag for everyone in our row.  It was really cool for him to get thank-you’s throughout the game. 

The real fun began when we left our seats at halftime to get ice cream.  Every single person that walked by smiled and made a comment about his orange hair and the fact that he was the “Fan of the Game”.  Even Mr. Trombone-Man (Cameron’s Idol) pointed him out. 

Even Albert congraduated Cameron

Cameron & Dad, oDome – University of Florida campus

 65    75

Tonight Lisa, Cameron, Evan and I went to the Odome to see the new Gator team start the season against the Bison of North Dakota.  It was pretty exciting. They stayed within about 10 points most of the second half  and even got within 7.  But we pulled it out and with a late slam by Marreese Speights , we pushed it back to 10.   It was kinda scary though…

In the last 5 years I’ve never seen so many people waiting in th exits until the last few seconds to leave.  Usually they just leave cause were up 25.    It is definately a young team and it seemed to me that Billy was in control and not blowing a gasket.

Before the game we went to Carrabba’s Italian Grill.  A favorite.  We only waited 20 minutes, despite being told it would be 40 min.   We had great food and sat at this really cool corner table by the bar.  The boys made pizza and we all ate appetizers.  We left as the game started and parked right up front.  A great parking job by Lisa.

We smuggled in Halloween candy and drank diet Pepsi and had a ball.  We noticed that the band had several girls playing a horn instrument that we couldn’t figure out what it was.   It was like a trumpet but larger.  I think it was a Flugel Horn.  [full  image]

It was great to be at the first game and get a win but better to be with my family.

Today Cameron, Evan, Ernie, Mark, Josh, Kevin and I tailgated before the UF v. UT game at the swamp.  The game was at 3:30, but we got there early to watch the 2006/2007  basketball team get their championship rings.  So we left the tailgate at 3pm and got into the swamp just in time to see the ceremony.     

The football team then took the field and on their 1st posession, ran the ball back for a touchdown!   

The fifth-ranked Gator football team improved to 3-0 after defeating conference rival Tennessee 59-20 in front of 90,707 at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in the conference opener for both teams. 

Here is Tebow about to throw one of several +40 yard passes.

Then it was Miller Time

Florida made history in the NBA Draft on Thursday, becoming the first college team to have three players taken in the top 10.

Al Horford, Cory Brewer, Joakim Noah

Chris Richards then gets drafted in the second round..

The day after… Cory & Chris in Minnesota.  This is a really good picture of Cory Brewer.

UPDATE:

Taurean Green was taken 52nd overall by the Portland Trail Blazers

Cameron made me very proud tonight when they called his name, “Cameron Smith” as one of 4 Camper of the Day Awards.  They handed out 4 after day 1 of the camp.  He told me before the announcement that it might be him and to be ready…wow!

Cameron helped clean up a huge mess during dinner and, apparently, he was also recognized during a final game for the day in the basketball practice center. 

Here is Cameron walking up to get the award. A GatorAide nylon backpack and a signed Billy Donovan (and championship players) plaque that he can hang up.   He was very excited and met 2 boys, Tashawn from Paynes Prairie, and a kid Eddie from Ocala.

Cameron started the camp today.  He was very excited and really ready to play some b ball. He had on his ’signature’ orange shirt.