Last year, the men’s track and field team won its first Southeastern Conference Indoor Championship since 2004. The women and men combined to win 10 SEC individual event titles and set four school records.
But for coach Mike Holloway, past success doesn’t matter anymore.
“That was last year. We don’t really talk about last year, and we don’t really talk about defending things,” Holloway said. “We talk about being the champion this year and what’s going on right now.”
As the Gators travel to Lexington, Ky., for this year’s SEC Indoor Championship, they will be returning with seven SEC individual champions, including Gray Horn (heptathlon), Jeff Demps (60m), Eddie Lovett (60m hurdles), Tony McQuay (200m), Cory McGee (mile), Fidela James (weight throw) and Kemal Mesic (shot put).
“I know that those athletes have been there before and done it again,” Holloway said. “They understand the process of what it takes to be an SEC champion and that’s not an easy task.”
But instead of thinking about last year’s performance, Florida focused on getting ready for this weekend. According to Holloway, he’s excited about the improvement he has seen from the women’s program and is looking forward to watching them compete.
Two weeks ago in New Mexico, the women’s team automatically qualified for the NCAA Indoor Championship in the 4x400-meter relay.
Ebony Eutsey, Bria Goodson, Lanie Whittaker and Alishea Usery ran a 3:33.22, allowing them to win first place and become the only team to automatically qualify.
“We strive and have a lot of pride in being prepared for what we call the championship season and that begins this weekend with the SEC Championship,” Holloway said. “When I took over this program, it was important for me that the men and women both stayed at a high level.”
Holloway has high expectations for the team at the championship. He believes that the Gators have a chance to score in every event they’re entered in this weekend.
“There isn’t one group that’s going to carry the team,” Holloway said. “It’s a broad-based team, and we’re really excited about seeing everyone help us win a championship.”
