Springing back

<p>Eric Purick was sweaty on a chilly Sunday evening but he was happy - he had returned to Gainesville from the holiday break in time to resume the weekly game of ultimate Frisbee at Flavet Field on the University of Florida campus.</p><p>Purick was among the thousands of UF and Santa Fe Community College students who found their way back to town for the start of classes this week.</p><p>"I got back just in time. I left this morning planning on being here," said Purick, who is from Jupiter. "I'm glad to be back. I got home and my parents had a list of chores for me to do."</p><p>Around UF Sunday, dorm parking lots were filled with students toting pillows, luggage, guitars and - in the case of freshman roommates Allison Kirkpatrick and Megan Hinman - fencing gear.</p><p>Neither worked out at the sport while they were on break. Both said they were pleased to return to Gainesville.</p><p>"It's warm here. I was in Atlanta and it was cold," Kirkpatrick said.</p><p>"I'm glad to be back because there was really nothing to do at home," Hinman added.</p><p>Several students said the spring semester is the toughest because it has few holidays.</p><p>Cindy Swirko can be reached at 374-5024 or swirkoc@ gvillesun.com.</p><p></p>