Gators chomp again: Men’s track wins back-to-back national crowns
The Florida Gators were once underdogs on the national men’s outdoor track and field stage.
On this date in 2013, UF proved it should not be overlooked.
The Gators rallied to tie Texas A&M to clinch backto-back men’s outdoor championships on June 8, 2013. They were the first two outdoor men’s track titles in school history and the start of a golden era for the program.
Mike Holloway, who was named the 2013 USTFCCCA National Outdoor Coach of the Year, praised the Gators’ resilience.
Trailing Texas A&M by nine points entering the final event, Gators Najee Glass, Hugh Graham Jr., Dedric Dukes and Arman Hall claimed the 4x400-meter relay title (3:01.34) and the event’s 10 points. The Aggies dropped the baton once but rebounded to finish eighth, giving them one point and forcing the tie for the national title.
“I’m just so proud … proud of our guys, my coaching and support staff, and everyone associated with the program,” Holloway told FloridaGators.com after the win. “The big thing is that we recruit these guys and expect them to go out there and compete for national championships. I’m extremely proud of them. No one gave us a chance. I watched the replays of ESPN this weekend and they didn’t even mention the Gators. I told the guys to just keep fighting, be who we are and do what we do.”
With sports suspended during the coronavirus pandemic, the Orlando Sentinel staff will highlight great moments in local sports history each day until our teams resume play. If you want to suggest a milestone worth celebrating at the high school, college or pro level, email ilimon@orlandosentinel.com.