Florida A&M University’s men’s and women’s track and field teams are set to compete at the UAB Green and Gold Invite in Birmingham. The team brings a mix of experienced athletes, promising freshmen, and proven performers from the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) as they continue their indoor season.
The men’s team features a strong group of sprinters. Evan Brown leads the 60 meters with a time of 6.76 seconds, joined by Darien Lawrence (6.62) and Frankleen Newah-Jarfoi (6.89). In the 200 meters, Myles Copeland-Brown (21.40) and Jayden Phillips (21.42) are expected to be key competitors, with Justice Crawford providing additional depth.
In the 400 meters, William Shelton (47.40), Kennith Martin (47.27), and Dawson Baker (48.39) make up a trio considered capable of controlling this event for Florida A&M.
For hurdles and field events, Leonard Mustari (7.67) and Joseph DeRosier (7.88) will compete in the 60-meter hurdles with high scoring potential. Paul Rowden (2.17m) and Randell Pompey (2.12m) are entered in the high jump, while Josiah Gaynor’s long jump mark of 7.36 meters ranks among the top at the meet.
In throwing events, Bryce Webb competes in shot put with a mark of 14.66 meters, while Ezekiel Salama enters the weight throw at 19.55 meters.
Veteran distance runner Kirk Dawkins will anchor the men’s mile as Florida A&M works to build further depth in middle-distance races.
On the women’s side, Janaree Kinchen (7.40), Diandrenique Gaines (7.41), and Arayana Ladson (7.54) form a competitive sprint group for the 60 meters event; Amani Kinon (24.20) and freshman Leneah Green (24.95) lead in the 200 meters; Kinah Copeland holds a strong presence in the 400 meters with her time of 54.17 seconds.
Ty’yana Adams (8.37) and Arayana Ladson (8.52) will represent FAMU in the women’s hurdles events, while Jade-Ann Smith brings championship experience to long jump with her mark of 5.75 meters alongside emerging talent Jah’Kyla Morton.
Senior Tara Bert anchors Florida A&M’s effort in distance running for women with a mile time of 4:55:95c as development continues across other middle-distance events like the 800 meters.
Head Coach Garfield Ellenwood II said that both teams bring “momentum, speed, and championship-level experience” into this weekend’s competition.
The Rattlers will focus on strong performances from their core groups in both sprints and field events as they look to improve lineups ahead of postseason meets.
