Florida A&M Sweeps SWAC Indoor Track Championships

Florida A&M's track and field program just proved that excellence runs deep, sweeping both titles at the 2026 SWAC Indoor Championships in Birmingham.

The Rattlers women's team defended their championship crown with 131 points, edging Alabama State by just seven points in a thrilling finish. Coach Garfield Ellenwood II's squad dominated by scoring consistently across every event group, from the shortest sprints to the longest distance races.

Diandrenique Gaines led the charge, winning both the 60 meters and 200 meters while teammates Kiersten Clark and Arayana Ladson added crucial points in multiple events. Ladson capped her day with a long jump victory at 19 feet, 8 inches, showcasing the versatility that made the difference in a tight championship race.

The secret weapon turned out to be distance runner Tara Bert, who scored in an incredible four different races. She placed third in both the 800 and mile, second in the 3,000, and fifth in the 5,000, earning Most Outstanding Track Performer honors for her historic effort.

The men's team matched the momentum with their own dominant showing. Darien Lawerence won the 60 meters, while Leonard Mustari and Joseph DeRosier went one-two in the 60-meter hurdles.

Kirk Dawkins stole the show with a double victory, claiming gold in both the 800 meters and the mile. His stellar performance earned him Most Outstanding Track Performer recognition, joining Bert in bringing individual honors back to Tallahassee.

Ezekiel Salama added a weight throw championship, and Josiah Gaynor placed second in the long jump, demonstrating the same kind of depth that powered the women's victory.

The Ripple Effect

Florida A&M's sweep represents something bigger than medals and trophies. The program, competing at a historically Black university, continues building a culture where student-athletes push each other to new heights while representing their community on a championship stage.

Freshman contributions from Jah'kyla Morton in high jump and Ayden Myers in the 800 meters signal that this success isn't a flash in the pan. The Rattlers are developing talent that will keep them competitive for years to come, creating opportunities for the next generation of champions.

Both teams now carry championship confidence into the outdoor season, where they'll aim to prove this wasn't just an indoor phenomenon.