FAMU Sends Six Student-Athletes to NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships
Florida A&M University's track and field program will be well represented on the national stage as six student-athletes have advanced to the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, scheduled for June 10-14 at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.
Leading the charge is the women's 4x100-meter relay team of Janaree Kinchen, Diandrenique Gaines, Kiersten Clark and Arayana Ladson, who delivered a historic performance to qualify for the national championship meet. The quartet shattered the Florida A&M school record and recorded the fastest 4x100-meter relay time ever by a Southwestern Athletic Conference program.
Also advancing to the NCAA Championships is standout hurdler Leonard Mustari, who earned a spot among the nation's elite in the men's 110-meter hurdles.
The relay team will be joined by alternate Ty'yana Adams, while assistant coaches Tamika Kinchen and Brandon Love and athletic trainer Markya Richardson have played instrumental roles in preparing the student-athletes for postseason competition.
"This is a tremendous accomplishment for our track and field program and a testament to the culture of excellence our coaches and student-athletes continue to build at Florida A&M University," said Vice President and Director of Athletics John Davis. "To have six student-athletes competing for national championships, including a relay team that has rewritten both the FAMU and SWAC record books, speaks to the talent, dedication and competitive spirit that define Rattler Athletics."
The NCAA Outdoor Championships represent the culmination of a season marked by perseverance, growth and elite-level performances. FAMU's qualifiers will compete against the nation's top collegiate athletes for individual and team honors.
"Our student-athletes have worked relentlessly all season for this opportunity," said Director of Cross Country and Track & Field Garfield Ellenwood II. "What this group has accomplished is special. The women's relay team has made history, and Leonard has continued to prove he belongs among the nation's best hurdlers. We are excited for the opportunity to compete in Eugene and showcase the strength of Florida A&M track and field."
The NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships will be hosted by the University of Oregon at the iconic Hayward Field, widely regarded as one of the premier venues in the sport.
FAMU NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championship Qualifiers
Men's 110-Meter Hurdles
• Leonard Mustari
Women's 4x100-Meter Relay
• Janaree Kinchen
• Diandrenique Gaines
• Kiersten Clark
• Arayana Ladson
Relay Alternate
• Ty'yana Adams
Support Staff
• Garfield Ellenwood II, Director of Cross Country & Track & Field
• Tamika Kinchen, Assistant Coach
• Brandon Love, Assistant Coach
• Markya Richardson, Athletic Trainer
Leading the charge is the women's 4x100-meter relay team of Janaree Kinchen, Diandrenique Gaines, Kiersten Clark and Arayana Ladson, who delivered a historic performance to qualify for the national championship meet. The quartet shattered the Florida A&M school record and recorded the fastest 4x100-meter relay time ever by a Southwestern Athletic Conference program.
Also advancing to the NCAA Championships is standout hurdler Leonard Mustari, who earned a spot among the nation's elite in the men's 110-meter hurdles.
The relay team will be joined by alternate Ty'yana Adams, while assistant coaches Tamika Kinchen and Brandon Love and athletic trainer Markya Richardson have played instrumental roles in preparing the student-athletes for postseason competition.
"This is a tremendous accomplishment for our track and field program and a testament to the culture of excellence our coaches and student-athletes continue to build at Florida A&M University," said Vice President and Director of Athletics John Davis. "To have six student-athletes competing for national championships, including a relay team that has rewritten both the FAMU and SWAC record books, speaks to the talent, dedication and competitive spirit that define Rattler Athletics."
The NCAA Outdoor Championships represent the culmination of a season marked by perseverance, growth and elite-level performances. FAMU's qualifiers will compete against the nation's top collegiate athletes for individual and team honors.
"Our student-athletes have worked relentlessly all season for this opportunity," said Director of Cross Country and Track & Field Garfield Ellenwood II. "What this group has accomplished is special. The women's relay team has made history, and Leonard has continued to prove he belongs among the nation's best hurdlers. We are excited for the opportunity to compete in Eugene and showcase the strength of Florida A&M track and field."
The NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships will be hosted by the University of Oregon at the iconic Hayward Field, widely regarded as one of the premier venues in the sport.
FAMU NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championship Qualifiers
Men's 110-Meter Hurdles
• Leonard Mustari
Women's 4x100-Meter Relay
• Janaree Kinchen
• Diandrenique Gaines
• Kiersten Clark
• Arayana Ladson
Relay Alternate
• Ty'yana Adams
Support Staff
• Garfield Ellenwood II, Director of Cross Country & Track & Field
• Tamika Kinchen, Assistant Coach
• Brandon Love, Assistant Coach
• Markya Richardson, Athletic Trainer