The FAMU women’s track and field team captured the 2026 SWAC Indoor Championship in dramatic fashion on Saturday, scoring 131 points to outlast a fierce challenge from Alabama State (124) in a meet defined by depth, clutch performances, and dominance across nearly every event group. The championship was their second since 2024.
Head Coach Garfield Ellenwood II, named Women’s Coach of the Year, watched his squad deliver a complete team performance, racking up critical points in sprints, hurdles, jumps, and relays to secure the conference crown.
The Rattlers’ title push was anchored by a spectacular showing in the short sprints. Diandrenique Gaines emerged as a dual champion, blazing to victory in both the 60 meters (7.41) and the 200 meters (23.45). She was backed by Kiersten Clark, who finished second in the 60 (7.45) and fifth in the 200, while Arayana Ladson provided crucial depth with seventh-place finishes in both events.
“This was a total team win,” said Ellenwood. “From our champions to our scorers in the eighth place, every point mattered. We talked all season about competing for each other, and today you saw that heart on full display.”
The victory was buoyed by standout performances across the board. Tara Bert was named the Women’s Most Outstanding Track Performer for her contributions, which included key points in middle-distance events.
The men’s team also turned heads with a powerful third-place finish of their own, showcasing the program’s rising strength. Darien Lawrence dominated the 60 meters, winning the final in 6.70 after posting a blazing 6.63 in prelims. The hurdles duo of Leonard Mustari and Joseph DeRosier delivered a commanding 1-2 finish, with Mustari taking gold in 7.69 and DeRosier close behind in 7.80.
Kirk Dawkins earned Men’s Most Outstanding Track Performer honors, cementing a banner day for the Rattlers in what felt like a program-defining weekend.
“This is just the beginning,” said Gaines, still catching her breath after her double gold performance. “We built something special here. We’re not just winning for us—we’re winning for everyone who believed in FAMU track.”
With the indoor season now culminating in a championship, the Rattlers will set their sights on the outdoor season—and the rest of the SWAC now knows FAMU is built to compete for titles.