One of the premier Southeastern Conference sporting events is returning to Gainesville.

The 2009 SEC Outdoor Track & Field championships will be hosted by UF on May 14-17 at the Percy Beard Track. It is the first time since 1998 the Gators have hosted the event. Coach Mike Holloway is proud to have the event return to Gainesvillle, especially at a time when he feels his team will be able to compete for a championship.

"I'm very excited about hosting the SEC Championships," Holloway said. "We have a very competitive team this year and one that I think could challenge for some titles. Being home and sleeping in our own beds with our own fans here is a big deal. There's nothing like the SEC Championships. Anybody who wants to see the best in track and field in all aspects should come."

It is somewhat of a rare event. Florida has hosted the SEC Outdoors in 1960, 1970, 1974, 1989 and 1998.