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DECEMBER 2008

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All For Mr. Two Bits... Stand Up and Holler

For 60 years, George Edmondson, Jr. – a.k.a. Mr. Two Bits – has cheered on the Gators with these words. But on November 22 the 86-year-old insurance salesman ended his run as Florida’s most famous cheerleader and walked from Florida field into the Gator history books. Honored along with the 2008 seniors for his last Gator game performance, Mr. Two Bits was greeted with one of the loudest ovations of the afternoon as he took midfield for his famous cheer.

 

On September 24, 1949 Edmondson attended his first Gator game, a matchup against his alma mater The Citadel. Florida was not the storied program it is today, and the crowd booed when the Gators took the field. Edmondson was disheartened. “I said, ‘You know, I’ve never booed in my life on anything, and they’re just kids out there trying. Let’s cheer for ‘em,’” he says.

Edmondson got several people around him to do the Two Bits cheer with him, and he returned game after game to keep cheering the Gators when nobody else would. After a few years, the ten people had become hundreds, which then became thousands and, ultimately, a whole stadium. He used to use a bugle to get the crowd’s attention, but that became cumbersome so he switched to his now-famous whistle.

After about 30 years of cheering in the stands, the athletic director asked if Edmondson would do the cheer on the field during pregame, and the rest is history. In six decades he has missed just three games – two for business trips and one due to illness. During that contest, the announcer informed the crowd that Edmondson was sick and wouldn’t make the game that day. This prompted an outpouring of phone calls, cards and letters from fans, all wishing him a speedy recovery. It was clear that Mr. Two Bits wasn’t just a cheerleader; he had become a beloved icon, and an integral part of the Gator game day experience.

Edmondson was never paid for his efforts. He bought his own tickets and did the cheer just for the love he felt for his favorite team. He never actually went to the University of Florida, but in 2005 he was made an honorary alumnus of the school. And as he joined pregame for the last time – once again at a game against The Citadel – Florida fans witnessed the end of an era like no other in college football. Edmondson still plans on going to every Gator home game, but as a spectator instead of a participant. Since his retirement he has received a tidal wave of wellwishes through every medium, including his MySpace page. It’s a testament to the joy he has brought Gator players, coaches and fans for six decades.

Mr. Two Bits… from all of us at Gainesville Today, thanks for the memories - and GOOOOOOOOOOO GATORS!!