Head Coach Mike Holloway Recaps the UAB Invitational With Media Monday, Previews Next Two Weeks

Video via Gatorzone.com

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida track and field head coach Mike Holloway met with the media Monday following Florida’s season-opener at the UAB Blazer Invitational Jan. 9-10, recapped the UF action in Birmingham and previewed what’s to come early in the season for the No. 1 Gators.

FIRST WEEK OUT

The No. 1 Gators kicked off the 2015 campaign with a successful showing at the UAB Blazer Invitational in Birmingham, where five Florida runners notched PRs. The Orange and Blue sent a contingent of 12 sprinters and hurdlers to the Birmingham CrossPlex over the weekend to compete in both the 60m and 60mH and the Gators returned back to the Sunshine State with two event victories, one meet and school record. Senior hurdler Bridgette Owens shined for Florida by taking down an 11-year-old school record in the 60-meter hurdles (8.10) in prelims, and advanced to take first in finals with an 8.11, under the meet record. Owens’ mark is the fastest in the world and NCAA on the young season so far. Women’s junior Shayla Sanders claimed the 60-meter dash Saturday in 7.45 after a 7.44 prelims race, while men’s athletes Antwan Wright (60m dash) and Yanick Hart (60mH) secured runner-up finishes in their respective races. Two freshmen made their Gator debuts -- Damien Daniels, who advanced to finals and finished fourth in the 60m, and Jabari Hill, who narrowly missed finals in the 60mH with an 8.25 preliminary mark.

IN THE POLLS

Women: No. 1

Men: No. 1

UP NEXT

The Gators will have a two-week training period before heading to Lexington for the Rod McCravy Memorial Invitational Jan. 23-24, where UF will additionally duel with host Kentucky and Miami at Nutter Field House.