Hurdler clocking impressive finishes for FAMU

High jumper Darien Lawrence had a jump of 6 feet, 7 inches that left him one spot from making the podium in fourth place.

Special to the Outlook

(Source Capital Outlook):

     COLUMBIA, S.C. – If there is an athlete on the FAMU track and field team that it can be said owns the 60-meter hurdles so far during the indoor season it’s safe to call the name Joseph DeRosier.

He has two victories this season, both coming in the 60-meter hurdles. The freshman swept the field last weekend in the preliminaries and added the clincher by taking the final at the South Carolina Invite.

While in Columbia, the Rattlers captured three additional medalist performances  – Michael Crimbley II placed second in the triple jump with a leap of 47 feet, 10.75 inches, Tionna Brown placed third in the 200-meters  race (23.81), and Dajon Clark also finished third in the long jump (23 feet, 7.25 inches).

Several FAMU athletes narrowly missed the cut for a spot on the podium. They included Kimeone McLeod (60-meter hurdles, 8.35), Mia Heard (long jump, 18 feet,  6.50 inches), DJ Lawrence (high jump, 6 feet, 7 inches), and Jordyn Ash (triple jump, 37 feet,  11.50 inches). The performances by Lawrence and McLeod were personal records.

In their final preparation for the Southwestern Athletic Conference Track & Field Championships, which comes up Feb. 17-18, the Rattlers compete this weekend in the Windy City Invite.

Here are the complete results of the top performers for the FAMU team with their marks or times and finishes:

60 Meters (Finals) — Nya Blocker, 7.39, fifth.

60 Meter Hurdles (Finals) — Joseph DeRosier, 7.87, first;

Kimeone McLeod, 8.35, fourth.

200 Meters — Tionna Brown, 23.81, third; Rori Lowe, 24.27,  sixth; Norman Mukwada, 22.03, 13th; Dakya Cunningham, 25.18, 14th; Shaniya Berry, 25.24, 15th; Kwame Smith, 22.16, 16th.

400 Meters —  Kendrick Winfield, 47.90, 6th; Tatianna Martinez, 55.49, seventh; Alesia Douglas, 56.78, 10th; William Shelton, 48.65; 16th; Katelynn Smith, 59.26, 17th;

Kwame Smith, 48.91, 19th; Norman Mukwada, 49.29, 25th;

Kirk Dawkins, 49.52, 26th; Tyler-Symone Brown, 1:00.20, 27th.

800 Meters — Lacie Deboskie, 2:11.17, sixth; Alesia Douglas,  2:18.48, 10th.

Mile — Kirk Dawkins, 4:21.46, seventh; Niya Coleman, 5:30.38, 18th.

High Jump –DJ Lawrence, 6 feet, 7 inches, fourth; Javante Stephens, 6 feet,  5 inches, fifth.

Long Jump — Dajon Clark, 23 feet, 7.25 inches, third;  Mia Heard, 18 feet, 6.50 inches, fourth; Peter Sailsman, 22 feet, ‘ 1.75 inches; 11th; Jordyn Ash, 17 feet, 4.75 inches, 12th.

Shot Put –Denae Hill, 38 feet, 11 inches, 13th; Preston Loggins, 43 feet, 1.75 inches, 15th.

Triple Jump — Michael Crimbley II, 47 feet, 10.75 inches, second; Jordyn Ash, 37 feet, 11.50, fourth; Forrest Booker, 45 feet, 6.50 inches, eighth.

Weight Throw –Denae Hill, 45 feet, 3.75 inches, 19thy.