Gainesville High School (Florida) - Athletics

Athletics

Gainesville High School competes under the name "The Purple Hurricanes." Coach Jim Niblack brought football fame to GHS during the 1960s, 70's, and 80's. During these three decades, Niblack led teams that were often considered to be among the best in the state and in contention for state titles. In 1980, the Canes, under Niblack, beat the Titusville Terriers to win the State Football Championship, the first ever for any Gainesville School. A popular chant during this time was: "We are the mighty, mighty (pause)...hurricanes" causing foes to tremble. Interestingly, all home football games for the 'Canes in the 1970s were played at nearby Florida Field, home of the Florida Gators. Currently, the Hurricanes play their home games at Citizen's Field, which is also used for home games by other Gainesville schools Eastside High School and Buchholz High School.

The basketball program has enjoyed a good amount of success, especially near the turn of the 21st century. Gainesville won its first state championship in 1969, and added two more in 1999 and 2000. In 1999, the 'Canes, backed by future NBA guard Orien Greene, dominated in-state rival Wolfson for their first state title in 30 years, winning by double digits. In 2000, Gainesville compiled a 33-2 record to repeat as state champions, as the team included two-sport athlete Vernell Brown, who later went (along with center Ian Scott) to play for the University of Florida football program, along with the returning star Orien Greene, whose Number 5 was retired following his performance which earned him the title of Florida's Mr. Basketball in 2000 and earned him a scholarship to play basketball at the University of Florida, although he later transferred to Louisiana-Lafayette before leaving college for the NBA due to lack of playing time. In addition, GHS won the 2005 title for its district. GHS Won the State Championship game against Clearwater in 2009. They are the current Class 5A State Champs.

They also excel in a variety of other sports, such as Volleyball, Tennis, Soccer, Baseball, Swimming, and Wrestling. Their track and field programs are extensive as well, with the top three male pole vaulters in alachua county.