Rankings are calculated by a computer before any competition for a season begins.
However, the reality is that preseason rankings mean nothing if a team can’t back them up.
The Gators enter as the No. 1 men’s team and the No. 6 women’s team, but coach Mike Holloway said those rankings are little more than flattering.
"There better not be," Holloway said of his team letting the rankings get to their heads.
"We have to deal with reality, and the reality is we have a lot of work to do."
So, instead of focusing on rankings, the Gators will have to focus on improving in practice if they want a chance to prove those computers right.
At the Rod McCravy Invitational this past weekend, some athletes shined, whereas some athletes’ nerves may have gotten in the way of their success.
"It is always good to get the first one out of the way," Holloway said.
"It gives me and my staff a chance to see what the athletes look like when the lights come on. We have kind of a baseline now of what we need to do and what we need to improve on."
Now the teams will turn their focus and preparation to the Razorback Invitational in Fayetteville, Arkansas, this weekend. There, the team will face 14 other teams, eight of which are ranked in the top 25.
The men’s team will be facing four Southeastern Conference teams in No. 3 Texas A&M, No. 6 LSU, No. 7 Georgia and No. 11 Arkansas.
They will also face two other top-five opponents in No. 2 Texas and No. 5 Oregon.
When the Ducks and the Gators last met, Oregon defeated UF in the 2015 NCAA Outdoor Championships.
But that high level of competition doesn’t scare either of UF’s teams or coaches.
"We pride ourselves in being at our absolute best in the big meets where it counts," Holloway said.
"Anyone that puts a Gator uniform on is expected to compete at a high level."
Contact Lauren Staff lstaff@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter @Lstaff27.
UF track and field coach Mike Holloway talks with mid-distance runner Andres Arroyo on the final day of the 2015 Florida Relays on Saturday at the Percy Beard Track.
