CLEMSON, S.C. (Dec. 6) | The Florida A&M track and field program kicked off its 2024 season with an impressive showing at the Clemson Opener, securing seven podium finishes and an event victory. Tara Bert, fresh off a strong cross country season, claimed the win in the women's mile with a time of 5:12.97.
 
Kirk Dawkins also placed second in the men's mile, recording the fastest time of any collegiate athlete in the field. 
 
Additionally, all six of Florida A&M's "Top 10" finishers in the 600 meters left the Clemson Indoor Complex with personal records. Alesia Douglas finished third overall out of 21 competitors, crossing the line in 1:32.99, while Lacie Deboskie placed eighth in 1:36.92. Norman Mukwada led the men's contingent with a seventh-place finish (out of 29 runners) at 1:20.82.
 
Both Nya Blocker and Dajon Clark quailed for the 60-meter final, placing second in 7.42 and 6.72, respectively. As one of the last to compete on the day, FAMU's A relay, comprised of Blocker, Madison Gordon, Deboskie, and Douglas, picked up a third-place time in 3:49.02. 
 
The Rattlers will have a month-long pause in their schedule before officially returning to the Jan. 10-11 for the UAB Blazer Invite. 
 
Top 10 Results (Athlete | Mark/Time | Finish) 
 
60 Meters (Q)
Dajon Clark | 6.71q | 2/19
Nya Blocker | 7.44q | 4/39
Arayana Ladson | 7.60 | 9/39
 
60 Meters (F)
Nya Blocker | 7.42 | 2/6
Dajon Clark | 6.72 | 2/5
 
600 Meters
Alesia Douglas | 1:32.99 | 3/21
Norman Mukwada | 1:20.82 | 7/29
Lacie Deboskie | 1:36.92 | 8/21
 
Mile 
Tara Bert | 5:12.97 | 1/4
Kirk Dawkins | 4:26.10 | 2/4  
 
400 Meters
Justice Crawford | 48.77 | 4/18
Kwame Smith | 48.96 | 5/18
Kirk Dawkins | 49.04 | 6/18
 
200 Meters
Arayana Ladson | 24.40 | 5/30
 
4x400 
Nya Blocker, Madison Gordon, Lacie Deboskie, Alesia Douglas | 3:49.02 | 3/18
 
Long Jump 
Dajon Clark | 7.16m (23' 6") | 5/19
Jade-Ann Smith | 5.54m (18' 2.25") | 7/29
DJ Lawrence | 6.76m (22' 2.25") | 7/19
 
Shot Put
Kennedy Hill | 11.09m (36' 4.75") | 9/14
 
Triple Jump
Jade-Ann Smith | 11.98m (39' 3.75") | 4/14
 
Weight 
Kalayah Clark | 13.64m (44' 9") | 10/15

Personal Record

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