Published: Sunday, May 26, 2013 at 8:42 p.m. Last Modified: Sunday, May 26, 2013 at 8:42 p.m.

Gunnar Paulson, vice chairman of the School Board of Alachua County, has been inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame at the University of Florida College of Health and Human Performance, joining such notables as Steve Spurrier, Emmitt Smith and Amanda Butler.

Paulson is being recognized for his many accomplishments and extraordinary service to the Alachua County School District.

Paulson earned bachelors and masters degrees as well as a specialist degree and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Florida. He has taught physical education and math, worked as an athletic director and coached a variety of sports, primarily football and weightlifting, at four high schools, including Buchholz and Gainesville high schools.

He established weightlifting in this area, and won four state championships in the sport at Buchholz. As defensive coordinator at Mosely High School in Panama City, he helped lead the football team to two consecutive undefeated seasons. Paulson also spent two years as a graduate assistant coach with the UF football team.

From 1998 until his retirement in 2010, Paulson served as president of the Alachua County Education Association, the union representing Alachua County public school teachers and support personnel. Paulson has also served a number of local organizations, including the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Juvenile Justice Council. Hes led the North Central Florida Labor Council and the School Board Insurance Committee.

n n n

The Williston-based Hooks will compete for a national title at Cooperstown Dream Park during the week of June 29-July 4 at Cooperstown, N.Y., the home of the American Baseball Hall of Fame and the American Youth Baseball Hall of Fame.

The team, comprised of youths from Williston, High Springs, Gainesville, Newberry, Chiefland and Lake City, will compete with teams from across the nation in a skills competition that includes three individual events and one team event called Around the Horn. Bryce King will represent the team in the Golden Arm event, Ethan Slone will represent the team in the Sultan of Swat event, and either Matt Moss or Joe Ruth will represent the team in the Road Runner event.

The Hooks recent achievements include a championship win at the Florida Elite 2K13 in Lake City, championship for the Power of Pink Tougher than Cancer tournament, championship for Slam Fest II, and runner up at the Perry Qualifier.

Original post:
UF health college inducts Paulson into Alumni Hall of Fame