Talent can only take you so far; it’s hard work that can take you further.
That is what sophomore sprinter Antwan Wright said after a dominant performance by Florida at its season-opening indoor meet.
Already pushing aside last weekend’s UAB Blazer Invite, the athletes know what’s ahead and have more to prove as the indoor season progresses.
“It was a really good image, a little sample of what we’re going to see for the rest of the season,” senior distance runner Cory McGee said.
“We were all really getting along and supporting each other like we always do. The energy before the 4x4 when we did our team chant was just so powerful. I mean, the entire arena is just focusing on the Gators.”
McGee ran a 2:07.47 in the women’s 800-meter race to finish in first place.
With the Gators claiming 13 events and accomplishing new personal records, the team remains motivated by coach Mike Holloway.
“[Holloway] told me that he knows that I’m fast, I just have to put in my head that I’m fast,” Wright said.
“Also, I don’t need to be so hard on myself and just go out there and execute my race.”
Wright finished with an event victory in the men’s 60-meter dash. His time of 6.63 seconds was ahead of his teammates Hugh Graham Jr. (6.66) and Marquis Dendy (6.88), who push him to be successful.
He believes the short sprinters must work on their starts during practice.
With such high standards coming from the upperclassmen and the talent the younger athletes bring to the team, the Gators find themselves around good company and recognize the program they are committed to is right for them.
“Coming into this year, I think it was important to me to just do everything I can,” McGee said.
“Being able to be a part of a program like this and have so many things provided to me each and every day, it’s the least I can do.”
McGee was placed on the Bowerman Trophy preseason watch list with nine other NCAA women athletes around the nation.
She finished the cross country season strong. In her three meets last year, she finished second twice. She also finished first at the South Region Championship on Nov. 11, 2013.
“It’s going to be a bright season for everybody,” Wright said.
Follow Lawrence Laguna on Twitter @LagunaLawrence
Cory McGee (right) runs at the Southeastern Conference Cross Country Championships at the Mark Bostick Golf Course on Nov. 23, 2013. She won the 800-meter run at the UAB Invite.
