Science & Football: How Gatorade Fueled the Dawn of Sports Medicine

Sixty years ago, in Gainesville, Florida, a new drink called Gatorade was created. The idea for Gatorade was sparked by an unlikely conversation between a University of Florida nephrologist named James Robert Cade and an assistant coach for the Florida Gators, Dewayne Douglas.

Dehydrated and occasionally hospitalized, players were losing their games. According to Cade’s research, they were also losing an average of 18 pounds of water and critical amounts of sodium and chloride per 3½ hour game. Cade developed a mix of replacement fluids, containing glucose, sodium, potassium, phosphate and water. It tasted awful. Liberally doctored with lemon juice to make it palatable, courtesy of Cade’s wife, Mary Strasburger, the innovative drink led to winning games. When the Gators swept the January 1967 Orange Bowl and defeated the hitherto unstoppable Georgia Tech, Gatorade’s reputation was firmly established.

Cade’s daughter, Phoebe Cade Miles, will speak about the scientific research and invention that propelled the Gators to victory, and the unlikely launch of a drink that changed the world of sports. The hybrid presentation will be followed by Q&A and an informal reception.