On Wednesday, the University of Florida F Club and Gator Boosters, Inc., announced its 8-member UF Athletic Hall of Fame class of 2014. Harrison “Harry” Wilder, a former Gator swimmer, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame as a “Distinguished Letterwinner,” defined as former Gator athlete who has made “major contributions to the University’s athletic program through personal time, effort, interest, and many years of continued service.” The rest of the inductees are “Gator Greats,” former letterwinners being recognized for extraordinary athletic achievements as undergraduates.
During his career at Florida from 1961-1963, Wilder earned 5 All-SEC honors as a member of 5 SEC championship relay teams and was a member of the 1961, 1962, and 1963 SEC Championship-winning teams. He has further distinguished himself in his post-swimming career as the owner and operator of eight successful McDonald’s franchises and as a major supporter of Gator sports. Wilder joins an elite group of 20 Distinguished Letterwinners, which includes former University Presidents, congressmen, senators, decorated war veterans, and athletic directors.
The remaining seven inductees this year include Gator Greats Aury Cruz (Volleyball), Jenny Gladding (Softball), Justin O’Neal (Tennis), Keiwan Ratliff (Football), Colleen Rosensteel (Track and Field), Mike Stanley (Baseball), and Sarah Yohe (Soccer). The class of 8 will be formally inducted at the Hall of Fame Banquet to be held March 7, 2014, at 6 p.m. at the Holloway Touchdown Terrace at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
