UF track coach Mike Holloway’s old school approach delivers same ol’ championship results for Gators

Florida track and field coach Mike Holloway still relies on a handheld stopwatch and winning formula decades in the making.

While discussing the Gators latest national title and 13th overall, Holloway referenced fellow coaching icon John Wooden’s championship culture as he now sits three titles clear of the late UCLA basketball legend and architect of the most famous pyramid this side of Egypt.

Holloway’s Way might one day become the coaching blueprint in his sport. It is already the gold standard.

When late spring arrives, Holloway’s old school approach often produces the same ol’ results.

“I’ve been doing this since I was at Buchholz High School,” he said. “It’s the same taper, the same plan, the same thing we’ve been doing. The plan is the plan.”

Times also have changed since Holloway arrived at UF in 1995 as an assistant coach.

He is quick to acknowledge he has superior athletes, seasoned assistants and a cutting-edge strength coach, along with nutritionists, support staff and a top-shelf director of operations.

The 64-year-old Gainesville native also cannot avoid the passing of time. On Nov. 9, his mother, biggest fan and inspiration, Nelvina, died.

“She was an incredible part of my life and always there for me through the good and the bad,” he said. “So in the times that I was struggling with some stuff and couldn’t call her that was hard.”

Holloway, a former hurdler, one-time recreational basketball player and bowler with a 200-plus average, spoke while wearing a protective boot on his left foot from years of wear and tear.

Yet despite the obstacles and loss, Holloway did not lose a step during his 21st season as UF’s coach.

Along the way, Holloway remains the anchor and the catalyst. His stoicism and quiet confidence instill belief while his firm hand and competitive fire inspire his athletes’ best effort.

Florida’s sixth outdoor men’s championship last weekend in Austin, Texas, came down to a NCAA record-setting 2:57.74 in the 4 X 400 relay, the meet’s final event, and four weeks removed from a disappointing sixth-place showing during the SEC Championships.

“Nobody walked out of that meeting going, ‘Oh my god, we’re done,'” Holloway said. “Everybody was confident we were going to be very good at the national level — and that’s the key to our mindset. That’s the culture of our program.

“You come here expecting to be the best team in the country.”

The Gators’ winning ways have a Pied Piper Effect.

The winning 4 X 400 relay team featured three transfers, Emmanuel Bamidele (Texas A&M), Jacory Patterson (Virginia Tech) and Jevaughn Powell (UTEP), and Ryan Willie. Bamidele also won the individual 400, edging Willie by .01.

Sprinters Pjai Austin (Arizona) and Robert Gregory (TCU), along with jumper Sean Dixon-Bodie (LSU), contributed key points to the Gators’ winning total of 57 — 4 clear of Arkansas.

Holloway’s use of the transfer portal is a sign of the times.

Yet, technological advances in the sport remain a blip on his radar. The Freelap automated timing system every track and field program relies on serves as Holloway’s backup.

“I still use my stopwatch just in case it misses,” he said.

Holloway’s methods are tried and true and also quite familiar to anyone who he’s coached.

“I’m a big John Wooden guy,” he said. “One of my favorite John Wooden things is that if you talk to a guy, they played 20 years apart, they could warm up together because they all knew what it was. It’s the same thing here. If you were here 10 years ago and you come back now, we’re doing the same thing.

“Everybody understands from me down to the student equipment managers, how we do things here.”

Things are not going to change anytime soon, even as Holloway’s surroundings get a much-needed facelift.

A $4.1 million renovation set to be completed in February will modernize James G. Pressly Stadium/Percy Beard Track. At a time where facilities are a measuring stick in college sports, Holloway addressed the upgrades with a bit of a shoulder shrug.

“I’m more excited for the fans,” he said. “Facilities don’t win championships. They don’t. Athletes, coaches do. My job is to make sure that I give people a reason to come sit in those those facilities and watch us compete.”

Holloway is certain to give Florida reason to cheer. He is under contract through the 2032 season and already was burning the midnight oil following his program’s latest championship.

“I had my yellow pad out on airplane before I fell asleep trying to figure out how to get it done next year,” he said.

Holloway’s 2024 Gators are sure to be in the mix in 12 months following the familiar and well-worn path he sets forth.

“Anytime I’ve tried to adjust my system, it doesn’t go well,” he said. “One thing I know how to do is do me, so I just do me every year. It’s worked out pretty good so far.”

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com