Lady Rattlers Outperform Challengers in Most Events

Head coach Darlene Moore was impressed with the women’s track and field team during Webster Surgical Center 62nd Annual Florida A&M Relays, as it dominated in nearly every event.

Moore said she was pleased to see the team continue on the Robert Griffin Track the momentum it set during the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Indoor Championship.

“After placing fourth in the indoor Championship, I presented the ladies a charge for 2012, and from their performance today they have definitely answered that charge,” Moore said after the meet. “We had 15 MEAC qualifiers in several events and several young ladies to set personal records.”

Among the women who earned personal records was Sasha Libert in the discus, Shamona Haughton in the shot put, and Kinnesha Jones in the triple jump.

The Lady Rattlers said the hard work they put forth during practices presented itself through their competition results. As a team, the women won the 4 x 100 meter relay, the 4×400 meter relay and the sprint medley relay.

On the day, the FAMU earned several first-place and top-three finishes.

Nakia Linson led the Rattlers with a first-place finish in the 100m dash in a time of 12.01, while Jasmine Pleasant followed closely behind in third place (12.14).

In the 1,500m run, Distance runner Chandelic Jackson garnered first place in a time of 4:55.41. Jackson said she enjoyed the event and that her performance was a result of her growth during the year.

“It was fun. It was a great indicator of how we will begin the season,” Jackson said. “We have progressed.”

Jackson said the relays mark the beginning of a season filled with successful performances, including a top-three finish during the MEAC outdoor championship.

“I see a lot of progress with the team as well,” Jackson said. “People are back in shape and getting healthy. We are ready for what’s to come. My hopes are to get top three in MEAC this year.”

The Lady Rattlers now turn their attention toward the Morehouse Relays in Atlanta on Saturday. Moore said the team has to build on this performance in order to be successful.

For more information on the FAMU Relays, visit www.halfmiletiming.com