There isn’t much Florida A&M University’s track team does not plan to accomplish this year.
After a strong finish for their indoor season, in which FAMU placed 6 out of 12 other schools in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), they are ready to keep building and improving together to take on the outdoor season.
Lauryn Hall, a sprinter for the FAMU track team, has poured in many hours to prepare for outdoor season as she sets personal marks she intends to break.
“I have been running for years since I was young,” Hall said. “I know what it takes to prepare for the season, and we [the track team] have met the necessary requirements to go out there and get what’s ours. I feel like the only way we fail is if we don’t give it our all.”
This past weekend Hall and her fellow teammates took home 2nd place in the 4x400m relay at FSU and clocked the fastest time for the FAMU women’s team in the past three outdoor seasons at 3:45.14.
The women’s team beat a mark set, and the men’s team did as well in high fashion. The FAMU men’s team took home 2nd place in the 4x100m race, clocking a team-best in the last three outdoor seasons with a time of 41:21.
Robert Hampton, a member of the 4x100m team, was ecstatic when asked how he felt about the race.
“You know you put in the blood, sweat, and tears for what you love and pray for the best outcome,” said Hampton. “I love the direction this team has been going in. Every day I see our team going hard in practice, and that translates to times improving for each and every one of us.”
The head coach of the team, Garfield Ellenwood, has the trust and support he needs from the team to put them in the best possible position to dominate.
Sedric Norris, a hurdler on the team, loves coach Ellenwood and his vision for the team.
“He preaches hard work and dedication to us, but most importantly, he also makes sure we’re having fun while doing so,” Norris said. “Coaches usually pride themselves on winning, but that isn’t the case here. He takes the time to learn everyone’s strengths and weaknesses, making sure they are satisfied with their progression rather than rankings.”
This team is driven and motivated to be the best they can be.
To keep track of the track team, make sure to keep up with their schedule:
https://famuathletics.com/sports/womens-track-and-field/schedule