The honors keep coming in for the University of West Florida football team.

The Argos will be grand marshals in Pensacola's Grand Mardi Gras Parade on Feb. 10. Danny Zimmern, president of Pensacola Mardi Gras, announced the honor on Monday, just two days after UWF completed its historical run to the NCAA Division II Championship Game.

"We were all so excited to see the Argos make it all the way to the national championship game, and we can't wait to celebrate them at the Pensacola Grand Mardi Gras Parade," Zimmern said in a press release. "We are thrilled to honor the team, and invite all of the Gulf Coast to join us and show their Argos pride."

It will be yet another first for UWF football and the entire athletic program, which became national runners-up in just its second season of collegiate football after a 37-27 loss to Texas A&M-Commerce on Saturday in Kansas City, Kansas.

The entire team and coaching staff will now get the chance to lead the event atop a float and be able to an estimated 100,000 people in downtown Pensacola.

The team's captivating rise to the national championship game made for an easy decision on grand marshal.

More:DREAM DENIED: UWF falls to Texas A&M Commerce in NCAA Division II title game

The Argos have made an immediate connection in downtown by playing their home games at Blue Wahoos Stadium. The home games have included tailgate parties and other activities outside the stadium.

That connection added to the decision to invite the team to be grand marshal of the parade.

The Pensacola Mardi Gras season begins Jan. 5 with a kickoff celebration on Palafox and Government Streets where 2018 floats will be blessed, King Cake provided and a jazz band providing entertainment.

The Feb. 10 parade will be part of a three-event Mardi Gras weekend in Pensacola. The illuminated parade will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday, followed by the Grand Parade at 2 p.m. Saturday and the Krewe of Wrecks Parade on Pensacola Beach on Feb. 11.

The immediate priority for UWF football, however, is rest. With UWF classes out for semester break, the players left for their homes and the three-week break before spring semester resumes.

The Mardi Gras season will following UWF's recruiting celebration on Feb. 7, which is national signing day. This kind of season is expected to provide a huge boost to UWF's signing class.

Reach Bill Vilona at bvilona@pnj.com or 850-435-8532



