Bob Pollock Invitational (Clemson, S.C.) | Jan. 30-31

CLEMSON, S.C. -- Florida A&M's men's and women's track & field teams head back to Clemson this weekend for the Bob Pollock Invitational, one of the nation's premier midseason indoor meets that consistently draws deep fields and NCAA-caliber marks. With momentum already building from early-season performances, the Rattlers will look to stack quality times, sharpen relays and continue positioning themselves for the SWAC indoor stretch run.

Men's Preview

Florida A&M's men arrive with a balanced event group—speed, hurdles, middle distance, jumps and throws—built to score at the conference level and compete for high-end marks against Power Five depth.

Sprints: speed that travels

The Rattlers have multiple entries across the 60 and 200, highlighted by Darien Lawrence (6.62 in the 60 at the Clemson Opener) and a loaded 200 group that includes Joseph DeRosier (21.55), Jayden Phillips (21.25) and Myles Copeland-Naughty (21.60). Lawrence also owns a big-time outdoor 200 credential (20.45 from the 2025 SWAC Outdoor Championships), making him one of FAMU's top upside athletes as the indoor season develops.

Quarter-milers: 400 strength + relay potential

FAMU's 400 group is anchored by William Shelton (47.40 at the Clemson Opener) and Phillips (47.65), with Copeland-Naughty (48.55) and freshman Tyon Reed (48.45) adding depth. That mix feeds directly into the Rattlers' 4x400 relay outlook, where the "A" entry has already posted 3:09.85 with a pool that includes Phillips, Copeland-Naughty, Kirk Dawkins, Shelton, Reed and Kennith Martin.

Middle distance: a true headline group

The men's 800 is one of the team's signature areas. Kirk Dawkins brings elite credentials after running 1:46.62 at the NCAA Division I East First Round last spring, while Shelton (1:50.92) and freshman Aydan Myers (1:50.45) provide strong secondary punch. If the race turns tactical or fast early, FAMU has the experience to respond.

Hurdles: trending up
In the 60 hurdles, the Rattlers feature Leonard Mustari (7.61 at the Jimmy Carnes Invite) and DeRosier (7.87 at UAB). That duo gives FAMU legitimate scoring potential and a chance to chase season-best execution in a meet that typically rewards clean, efficient hurdle rhythm.
Jumps + throws: high-end marks

• High jump is a major point of strength with Paul Rowden (2.17m, 2025 SWAC Indoor champion meet) and Randell Pompey (2.12m).
• Long jump features Josiah Gaynor (7.37m at Jimmy Carnes), a mark that plays in any invitational setting.
• In the ring, Ezekiel Salama brings big-meet ability in the weight throw (19.55m), while Bryce Webb leads the shot put (14.66m).

Men to watch: Dawkins (800), Shelton (400/relay), Mustari (60H), Rowden/Pompey (HJ), Gaynor (LJ), Salama (WT).

Women's Preview

Florida A&M's women enter the Bob Pollock Invitational with proven sprint speed, a deeper middle-distance core, and multiple field-event athletes capable of producing "statement marks" against strong competition.

Sprints: deep and dangerous

The Rattlers' 60 and 200 groups are stacked:

• Diandrenique Gaines has already clocked 7.36 (60) at UAB and is entered at 23.35 in the 200.
• Janaree Kinchen has shown immediate impact with 7.40 (60) and 23.30 (200).
• Kiersten Clark brings experience and range (7.52 in the 60 at Clemson; 24.28 in the 200 at UAB).
• Arayana Ladson (23.65) and Zekira Snow round out a group built for multiple heats of quality results.

400 + relay: the engine room

In the 400, Florida A&M's entries include Kirah Copeland (54.45) and Amani Kinon (54.90), supported by Madyson Thurmond (56.50) and freshman Kiyah Boyd (57.50). That depth carries straight into the 4x400 relay, where the Rattlers' "A" group has posted 3:38.55 (Copeland, Gaines, Clark, Kinon, Thurmond).

Middle distance + distance: scoring versatility

• Tara Bert is the headliner in the 800 (2:09.50) and also doubles in the mile, bringing strong championship-level range.
• Freshmen Leandra Ferrell (2:15.75 in the 800; 5:20.45 mile) and Jaade McBride (5:20 mile) add depth and development upside.
• In the longer events, Rose Muturi leads the way in the 3,000 (10:30 listed; PR 10:03) and is entered in the 5,000 (18:45), giving FAMU an athlete who can grind points and chase season-best progress on a big stage.

Hurdles + jumps: potential breakthroughs

The 60 hurdles group includes Ty'yanah Adams (8.37), Lauren Thomas (8.68) and Ladson (8.52), creating multiple opportunities for finals qualification and key meet reps.
In the field, Jade-Ann Smith is the featured multi-event jumper with 5.75m in the long jump and 12.34m in the triple jump, while Snow (5.60 LJ) adds another scoring option. Jah'Kyla Morton also factors in both hurdles development and the high jump (1.66m).

Women to watch: Gaines (60/200), Kinchen (60/200), Kinon (400/relay), Bert (800/mile), Muturi (3K/5K), Smith (LJ/TJ).

What success looks like this weekend

For both squads, the Bob Pollock Invitational is about stacking competitive reps against elite depth—clean exchanges in the 4x4, smoother hurdle execution, and converting strong practice fitness into season-best marks. If the Rattlers hit those checkpoints, they'll leave Clemson with momentum and measurable progress as the SWAC indoor season heats up.