JACKSONVILLE, FL-Gator Bowl Officials unveiled the new game trophy last night at the Coaches Reception being hosted for the University of Louisville and Virginia Tech at the Jacksonville Omni Hotel at 5:30 p.m.

In celebration of its 60^th Anniversary, the Gator Bowl Association commissioned Tiffany & Company to design the Gator Bowl Champions Trophy. Knowing the success of this organization was achieved through strong community leadership, the Association named the new trophy in honor of one of its Past Chairmen, Ash Verlander.

Ash Verlander's strong commitment to the city he calls home and the organizations he values are extraordinary.  As a co-founder of the American Heritage Life Insurance Company, he went on to serve as a pillar of the Jacksonville community for more than 50 years.  Early on, he quickly established himself as one who would invest a great deal of time in the community which was evidenced through the years as he served as president of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Life Companies, and the chairman of the board of Trustees of Jacksonville University. 

Ash always had a passion for sports as well as business, and became the chairman of the Gator Bowl in 1965.  He helped guide the Association through some of the best years in its history, and helped prepare for the future. 

Contributions were provided from friends and colleagues of Ash Verlander that enabled the establishment of a fund in perpetuity for the Verlander Champions Trophy.

Mission Statement: The Gator Bowl Association is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, specifically designed to bring economic impact to Northeast Florida.