BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Florida A&M's women's track and field team won the 2026 SWAC Indoor track and field championship behind a meet-long surge of points in the sprints, hurdles, jumps, distance events, and relays. The Rattlers totaled 131 points to edge Alabama State who finished with 124 points.

The Rattlers' title push was fueled by a dominant showing in the short sprints. Diandrenique Gaines captured the 60 meters (7.41) and the 200 (23.45) after advancing out of prelims in both events, while Kiersten Clark added a runner-up finish in the 60 (7.45) and more points in the 200 (fifth, 24.05). Arayana Ladson also delivered on the track with a seventh-place finish in the 60 (7.65) and additional scoring in the 200 (seventh, 24.50), giving Florida A&M consistent production across the sprint group.

Florida A&M's hurdle crew added another layer of scoring. Ty'yana Adams placed third in the 60-meter hurdles (8.32) after qualifying with a personal-best time, and Ladson finished fifth (8.45) to keep the Rattlers among the meet's most productive teams in technical events.

In the field, the Rattlers landed a major blow with Ladson's win in the long jump, topping the competition at 5.99 meters (19 feet, 8 inches). Zekira Snow followed with a strong fourth place showing (5.79m/19-0), while freshman Jah'kyla Morton added valuable points in the high jump with a second-place finish (1.62m/5-3.75).

Distance events helped separate Florida A&M as the meet unfolded. Tara Bert compiled a standout championship performance, scoring in multiple races: third in the 800 (2:11.72), third in the mile (4:59.92), second in the 3,000 (10:04.18) and fifth in the 5,000 (18:23.34). Rose Muturi and Jaade McBride contributed key finishes as well, keeping the Rattlers' point total climbing in the longer races.

Florida A&M's relays delivered in high-leverage moments. The Rattlers placed second in the 4x400-meter relay with a season-best 3:43.31, running Kirah Copeland, Gaines, Clark, Amani Kinon and Katelynn Smith. Florida A&M also took second in the distance medley relay (12:05.39) behind Muturi, Kinon, Leandra Ferrell and Bert, continuing the theme of depth from sprints through distance.

On the men's side, Florida A&M also turned in a strong championship showing, highlighted by multiple event wins and big scoring across the track and in the throws. Darien Lawerence set the tone in the sprints, winning the 60 meters (6.70) after leading prelims at 6.63, with Frankleen Newah-Jarfoi adding a fourth-place finish (6.89). In the hurdles, the Rattlers went 1-2 as Leonard Mustari claimed the 60 hurdles (7.69) and Joseph DeRosier followed in second (7.80) after both advanced out of prelims.

Florida A&M's middle-distance group delivered another major point haul behind Kirk Dawkins, who won the 800 (1:51.44) and the mile (4:16.28), and freshman Ayden Myers, who scored with a personal-best eighth-place run in the 800 (1:54.43). The Rattlers added more in the relays, placing second in the men's distance medley in 10:26.06 with Myers, Dawson Baker, William Shelton and Dawkins.

In the field events, Ezekiel Salama secured a championship win in the weight throw (18.41m/60-4.75), and Josiah Gaynor added key points with a second-place finish in the long jump (7.30m/23-11.50), helping Florida A&M stack points across multiple event groups throughout the meet.

Women's Most Outstanding Track Performer
Tara Bert, Florida A&M
 
Women's Coach of the Year
Garfield Ellenwood II, Florida A&M

Men's Most Outstanding Track Performer
Kirk Dawkins, Florida A&M