Gators track and field coach Mike Holloway at Sunday's book signing. (Photo: MJ Holloway/UAA Communications)
Holloway Shares Life Story of a Peaceful and Determined Man
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 | Track and Field, Scott Carter
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By: Scott Carter, Senior Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — They gathered for a special occasion in Fellowship Hall at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church on Super Bowl Sunday.
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.
Gators coach Mike Holloway signs a copy of his autobiography on Sunday. (Photo: MJ Holloway/UAA Communications)
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 tall tales from the past.
He was thrilled at the turnout.
"I had no idea what to expect. It was more than I expected,'' Holloway said. "It was great to see a lot of people I have not seen in a long time. It was very touching."
Visitors streamed into Mt. Moriah Baptist Church for more than two hours on Sunday to have Gators track coach Mike Holloway sign a copy of his new book. (Photo: MJ Holloway/UAA Communications)
Holloway's life story is one of overcoming the odds. For much of his formative years, he grew up in a tempestuous neighborhood and a single-parent home. He moved to Florida to run track and made Gainesville his home.
He spent time as a volunteer coach at local high schools, a prep head coach and in various roles with the UF track program until he took over the men's team in 2003 and both programs in 2007. Holloway made ends meet on the long climb to the top by working odd jobs to supplement his coaching income.
A positive outlook on life is what made the difference.
"I refused to be part of any pity parties,'' Holloway writes in the book's introduction. "My life became centered around peace and determination."
Holloway dedicates the book to his mother, Nelvina Holloway, who died in November 2022 at 87. "Without you, I would have never become the man that I am. Thank you for always pushing me to be better,'' Holloway writes.
Holloway laced the heartfelt book with lessons he has used in his coaching career related to events in his life. He started the book a few years ago and, following his mother's death, called on his determined spirit to make it a reality.
"I promised her I was going to get it done,'' he said. "I think the biggest thing is just to be able to share memories with people. It's been amazing. When I was writing the book, there was this rush of emotions. I would get to certain things, and wow, I felt that. It's been awesome."
A special guest stood nearby as Holloway finished signing for the final visitors on Sunday. Ed Stone, Holloway's high school coach in Columbus, traveled from his home in Vermont. He made the trip from Columbus to Gainesville 48 years ago when Holloway first arrived in town, all their belongings in the back of Stone's van.
Stone eventually married and left coaching, but he has remained a steady influence in Holloway's life and Hall of Fame career.
"I really wanted to be here for this,'' Stone said. "All of his hard work has paid off. I'm just honored to be able to call him part of our family. Every place that he has been, I've been. I live kind of vicariously by getting to hang out with him, getting to know all the people that he works with, getting to know all the Olympic champions and world-record holders through him. It's been fun."
Those who know him best said the man they call Mouse is as steady as Florida's spot at the top of the NCAA Championships.
"Not changed a bit,'' Larone Thomas said. "Focused. That is the best word I can come up with for Mouse."
"It's easy to root for him because he is such a good guy,'' added Dalba. "I'm glad we're friends. You don't meet many people like him."
When Holloway finished, his right hand tired from the 150-minute workout, he shared a few final goodbyes with those who came out to pay their respects.
His expression and body language were that of a peaceful and determined man.
"It means a lot to me because a big part of what I do is that I want to touch people's lives,'' he said. "I want it to be beyond the track, beyond the athletic arena. When I hear people who just want to be around and talk, that means we have a relationship.
A special guest stood nearby as Holloway finished signing for the final visitors on Sunday. Ed Stone, Holloway's high school coach in Columbus, traveled from his home in Vermont. He made the trip from Columbus to Gainesville 48 years ago when Holloway first arrived in town, all their belongings in the back of Stone's van.
