At the 2024 CIAA Indoor Track & Field Championships held at the JDL Fast Track, Fayetteville State University’s Inez Turner and Claflin University’s Melvin Watts emerged as the CIAA Women’s Coach of the Year and Men’s Coach of the Year, respectively, after guiding their teams to repeat victories.
Turner, a Jamaican Olympian and head coach of Fayetteville State University’s Women’s Track and Field team, expressed her gratitude for winning yet another championship, marking their 14th since her assignment at the university in 2017. She shared her appreciation on Facebook, stating, “It is so very awesome to know that one’s labor is not in vain. I am happy that through it all, the victory is won.”
The Fayetteville State University Women’s team, known as the Lady Broncos, secured their fourth championship in five seasons, amassing 138 points. Outstanding performances by athletes like M’Smyra Seward, Irene Jeptoo, and Nia Gibson contributed significantly to their success. Winston-Salem State’s Hayleigh Bryant earned recognition as the Women’s Track Athlete of the Year.
Terrell Robinson was named Men’s Track Athlete of the Year
On the men’s side, Claflin University clinched their second consecutive championship with 131 points. Athletes like Jonathan Flemister and Chander Anderson played crucial roles in securing victories. Saint Augustine’s Terrell Robinson was named Men’s Track Athlete of the Year.
The championship victories solidify Turner and Watts’ reputations as exceptional coaches, guiding their teams to sustained success. The achievements of the athletes and coaches reflect the dedication, perseverance, and championship mindset that define the spirit of these track and field programs.
