pregame reception in the O'Dome for the 96 National Champions and there were probably 5,000 or more folks in the seats...the team was introduced and filed up on stage...I could see SOS come through the doors but was still hidden off to the side behind the curtains....I think he was giving some interviews but from what I could tell he was very reticent to come on stage...I think he really was concerned about the reception he might receive...after the whole team was onstage and the video tribute was being played I saw him climb up on the side of the platform where he basically stayed in the back hidden from view...team captains spoke like Danny and Jeff Mitchell (who said coach had told them earlier he's learned since how difficult it is for a team to score 50 on a regular basis!) and as the program was winding down the players cajoled him up to the front...they parted and SOS seemed reluctant but came to the front to speak...the crowd roared...and they kept cheering...SOS seemed moved. I was proud...the man deserves the ovation he got...made me think that message boards provide all this room for folks to try out behavior that they have no intention of backing up...good! He was vintage/clasic SOS talking about the "Media Boys" and absolutley honoring the 1990 team right off the bat...said the secret of success was being able to duplicate your successes over and over again...mentioned that the 95 team was in a similar position but had the misfortune of perhaps playing the best team in college football history (NE)...singled out the trio of Reidel, Ike and Quezzie as perhaps the best WR group in college history...and ended it all with "I'll Always Love the Gators Forever!!" To a huge ovation... The field was no different as hr and Jeri seemed again, welled up with emotion...I really don't think that the crowd reaction is what's the most important for the ole HBC...it's about the reunion with the players, families, coaches...that fellowship has always been important from the Silver Sixties reunions etc...but I definitely think there was a good amount of relief that his beloved Gators received him like they did...well done Gators!! I always knew we were first class!