Taking a Break on a Great Football Afternoon
;)
During the contest for the College Football National Championship in January, I met University of Florida coach, Urban Meyer. I was so proud of the great result he achieved when he coached my alma mater, the University of Utah. I was anxious to meet him and thank him for all his Utah victories.
He recently invited me to be his guest at the University of Florida's home opener game versus University of Tennessee in Gainesville, Florida. My son, David, and I attended the game. Steve Contos, our market vice president in Orlando, and his wife, Christina, helped us with transportation. It was a wonderful event as both teams fought hard and played very well. Florida won 23 - 13. This was the first time either David or I had attended a Southeast Conference game. It was a real thrill to see the number one ranked Florida Gators play in their opening game at home.
I was so impressed with the event. What a thrill to see over 80,000 of the 90,000 fans all dressed in Florida Gator blue. And when the Gators ran on the field the roaring of the crowd was deafening. However, I was greatly touched by the crowd standing and singing the national anthem. They sang it with great enthusiasm and it seemed in perfect harmony. As I heard this wonderful anthem and looked at this happy, festive crowd, I was so thankful for our magnificent country. As I live and work just outside the Washington Beltway, it's easy to become cynical of our government with all the antagonism and criticism which occurs in my home town. Sometimes, you just need to get out of Dodge and appreciate the greatness of America.
David and I attended Coach Meyer's press conference after the game and we were impressed with his praise for the players on both teams. When he was asked by the press why he had shaken hands after the game with the opposing players, he expressed his great admiration for those who take to the field with intense desire and commitment to win no matter what side of the ball they're on.
With all our economic and political concerns, it's great to be able to take a break away from it all on a truly great football afternoon. May God continue to bless America, the land of the free and of great college football.
I'm Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the move.
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Posted By: Bill (10/3/2009)
Comment: Mr. Marriott, I am glad to see you and your son, as well as apparently 80,000 other people, have such a good time.
Florida is very hospitable to guests.
Posted By: Major Michael Beale (10/1/2009)
Comment: Mr. Marriott,
As a retired Marine and 1983 Florida Graduate, I am very happy and proud that you and your son were able to join us for a gator game in the swamp. I have stayed in your hotels all around the world and I would like to thank you and your staff for your standard of excellence.
Semper Fi,
Major Mike Beale
