Their shared interests stretched far and wide, but the man in the black-striped polo shirt was the unifying thread. For over two hours, the line consistently stretched 30-40 deep, most clutching a copy of “#THEHOLLOWAY,” the autobiography penned by 14-time national champion Gators track and field coach Mike Holloway.
Those who stopped by for Holloway’s book signing ranged from his bowling buddies to his church friends, fraternity brothers, and University Athletic Association colleagues.
“I can’t miss this,” said Paul Dalba, a local real estate agent and friend from Holloway’s bowling league. “I could have him sign it at the bowling alley. But this is better.”
The patient visitors waited as Holloway, seated at a table at the front of the room next to his wife, Angela, signed personal messages in their books and then posed for photos with each person. Holloway’s son, MJ, who ran track for the Gators, served as the official photographer.
Some who turned out have known Holloway since he was a kid in Columbus, Ohio. Others met him when he arrived in Gainesville in 1977 to run track. Larone Thomas got to know Holloway through his son, former Buchholz High football, basketball and track standout Lamar Thomas. Holloway encouraged Thomas, who later won two national championships with the University of Miami football team, to give the high jump a chance in his final year of high school in 1988.
Lamar Thomas went from a novice to a state championship contender in months under Holloway’s tutelage.
The elder Thomas has remained appreciative of Holloway’s impact ever since and refused to miss Sunday’s book signing.
“To show him how proud we are of his accomplishments,” Thomas said. “I just wanted to come out and show my support for him. We are just proud to have him in our memory bank.”
It didn’t matter where you turned or whom you asked. Those who came to pay homage to Holloway did it more for the person than the legendary coach.
“He’s a good man,” said an elderly lady who attends church with Holloway. “He is a friend we care about.”
In his 23rd season as the UF men’s track coach and 18th season as leader of the men’s and women’s programs, Holloway needed no introduction. Guests greeted Holloway with hugs and smiles and…
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