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The University of Florida’s track and field teams finished up their indoor season, and will now turn to the second event of the outdoor season, the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays, in Austin on Wednesday. Both the men’s and women’s teams finished third in the NCAA Indoor Championship, and set records along the way. Junior Brittany Harrell set a new school record in pentathlon, and finished third in the event overall. Gator head coach Mike Holloway says his team has to get over the frustration of losing at the indoor championships.
“There was some disappointment after the championship, but we’re a tough group and I think that starts with me,” Holloway said. “I told them when we walk out of this building, tap the doorway, tap the door, leave whatever disappointments and frustrations, leave them in this building because we’re not going to bring them to the outdoor season.”
The Gators first event of the outdoor season was at Florida State University, for the FSU Relays. Florida sent hurdlers and middle distance runners for the meet and will now focus on the meet in Austin. Holloway adds that the team is excited to head to Austin to compete.
“They got a new coaching staff there, they’ve made some changes to the competition schedule, but things that will just enhance the meet and make it even better,” Holloway said. “We’re excited to get down to Austin, and stick our nose in there with some of the better teams in the country, and get the outdoor season off to a good start.”
Transitioning from the indoor season to the outdoor season can be a challenge, but Holloway says that the team is used to practicing outdoors while competing in the indoor season.
“We train outdoors every day, so there won’t be a big transition, it’s not like we’ve been training indoors, and now that we get outdoors you have to get used to elements because we’re out there every day,” Holloway said. “I think it will be a nice transition for us, because we’re always outside.”
The Texas Relays will be a four day running until Saturday.
For audio from coach Holloway, click below:
