The University of Florida has honored its former football coach Steve Spurrier by naming the field at the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium after him.
The university broke the news on the Florida Gators' website on June 9, Thursday. It said its Board of Trustees voted unanimously to name the field inside the stadium after Spurrier for his dedication and service to the school's athletics.
According to Athletics Director Jeremy Foley, Spurrier was due the honor for his paramount influence on Florida sports. He said if it weren't for Spurrier, the University of Florida athletics department al would have remained stuck in its "wait until next year" culture.
After Spurrier revamped the Gators, his mindset caught on in the rest of the athletics department, Foley pointed out. Coaches from other sports regularly approached him for advice which he happily dispensed as often as he could.
Spurrier-a multi-awarded football player himself-began his football career in Florida in 1964 as the team quarterback. Aside from playing all 30 games during his three years at the school, he also bagged the coveted Heisman trophy in 1966 for leading his team to a 9-2 record en route to winning the Orange Bowl-becoming the first Gator to do so.
After a 10-year career in the NFL, Spurrier turned to the sidelines and eventually became head coach of Florida in 1991.
During his tenure, Spurrier accumulated 122-27-1 record and notched six bowl games to his name. his shining moment came when his team won the 1997 Sugar Bowl and the national title over heated rivals Florida State.
Spurrier, who was aware of the honor, thanked his alma mater. In his statement which was coursed through Gators writer Scott Carter's Twitter, Spurrier said he was "humbled, honored, thankful and very appreciative" that the University of Florida decided to name its field after him.
