The women’s track and field team at Florida A&M University has returned triumphantly to Tallahassee, showcasing their outstanding championship achievement. On May 13, 2025, the Rattlers emerged victorious at the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Outdoor Championships held at A.W. Mumford Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. They tallied an impressive 127.5 points, narrowly edging out Alabama State, which finished with 124.5 points.
As they entered the decisive day of the three-day event, the Rattlers found themselves in a challenging position, having slipped out of the top five among the twelve competing teams. Displaying remarkable resilience, they surged forward with exemplary performances in multiple events, ultimately clinching the conference title.
Freshman standout Arayana Ladson made a significant impact, excelling in both the 100-meter hurdles and the long jump. Her extraordinary efforts earned her the accolade of SWAC’s Most Outstanding Track Performer, playing a vital role in the team’s success.
In addition to Ladson’s recognition, Garfield Ellenwood II, the director of FAMU’s track and field and cross-country programs, received the SWAC Coach of the Year honor for his exemplary leadership. This victory marks the women’s program’s third championship, adding to their previous titles from the 2023 cross country and the 2024 outdoor seasons.
With their sights set on further achievements, the FAMU women’s track and field squad is gearing up to compete at the NCAA East Regionals from May 28 to May 31 in Jacksonville, promising to showcase their skills on a larger platform.
The contributions of the Rattlers at the SWAC Outdoor Championships underscored their diverse talent across events. In the 100-Meter Dash, Nya Blocker captured first place with a swift time of 11.24 seconds, just ahead of Ladson, who finished second with a time of 11.51 seconds. Oarabile Tshosa also added valuable points with her fourth-place finish at 11.64 seconds.
Ladson continued to shine in the 100-Meter Hurdles, where she secured first place in 13.47 seconds. Blocker showcased her talent once again in the 200-Meter Dash, winning with a time of 23.07 seconds, while Ladson followed closely in second place at 23.65 seconds. Tshosa and Tatianna Martinez contributed with fifth and seventh place finishes, clocking in at 24.06 seconds and 24.23 seconds, respectively.
In the 400-Meter Dash, Tatianna Martinez took third with a time of 53.42 seconds, supported by Kirah Copeland’s fifth place at 54.17 seconds. Katelynn Smith distinguished herself in the 400-Meter Hurdles, finishing strong in first place with an impressive time of 58.95 seconds.
The 800-Meter Run featured Alesia Douglas, who finished fourth at 2:10.11, followed by Tara Bert in sixth at 2:11.19, Lacie Deboskie in seventh at 2:14.03, and Chereice Cope eighth at 2:16.64. In the longer 5000-Meter Run, Bert delivered a commendable fourth-place showing, finishing in 19:04.33.
In the Long Jump event, Ladson again showcased her skills by claiming first place with a remarkable leap of 5.85 meters, while Jade-Ann Smith secured fifth with a jump of 5.75 meters. The Rattlers capped off their impressive showing by winning the 4×100-Meter Relay, with a team consisting of Oarabile Tshosa, Nya Blocker, Tatianna Martinez, and Arayana Ladson, who displayed excellent coordination and teamwork.
As FAMU basks in the glory of this significant achievement, excitement builds for the upcoming NCAA East Regionals, where the Rattlers aim to carry their momentum forward.
Gerald Thomas, III is an award-winning journalist known for his coverage of the Florida A&M Rattlers at the Tallahassee Democrat. For more insights on Rattler sports, follow his work at RattlerNews.com or connect via email at GDThomas@Tallahassee.com or on Twitter @3peatgee.
