Jamaican Olympian and U.S. Collegiate Hall of Fame coach Inez Turner continued her winning legacy on Monday, guiding the Fayetteville State University (FSU) women’s team to another CIAA Indoor Track & Field Championship title at the JDL Fast Track. The Broncos secured their fifth title in six seasons, amassing 150 points to top Winston-Salem State (130 points) and Claflin University (90 points).
On the men’s side, Claflin University successfully defended their title, scoring 138.5 points, with Virginia Union (114 points) and Virginia State (98 points) rounding out the top three.
Turner, a former NCAA champion and Olympian has built a dominant program at Fayetteville State, and Monday’s victory further solidified her reputation as one of the top coaching minds in collegiate track and field. For her efforts, she was once again named CIAA Women’s Coach of the Year.
Her assistant coach Salcia Slack, a Jamaican Division II Hall of Fame athlete, was equally elated about the team’s triumph, describing the victory as a testament to the program’s culture of excellence.
Fayetteville State’s Janya Moore was one of the standout performers, winning the 200m in 24.87 seconds and finishing second in the 400m with 56.63. Her efforts earned her Women’s Track and Field Athlete of the Year honours.
Meanwhile, Domanique Knowles secured 10 critical points for the Broncos by winning the high jump with a season-best 1.58m.
FSU Assistant Coach Salcia Slack
FSU also dominated the distance medley relay, crossing the finish line in 13:02.15, further securing their grip on the overall standings.
Claflin University asserted its dominance in the men’s competition, thanks in part to Track Athlete of the Year Jonathan Flemister, who won the 60m in 6.84 seconds and placed second in the 200m.
Jaevon Riley delivered a 48.70-second victory in the 400m, while Zion Murry added to Claflin’s points haul with a 1:55.90 win in the 800m.
The Panthers also claimed the men’s distance medley relay, clocking 10:29.20 to further cement their championship status.
Turner, a former middle-distance runner for Jamaica, continues to elevate Fayetteville State’s program to new heights, proving that her success as an athlete has seamlessly transitioned into coaching dominance.
Her assistant, Slack, who made her mark as a multi-event specialist at New Mexico Highlands University, has played a pivotal role in shaping FSU’s recent success.
As the Broncos and Panthers celebrate another title, their performances in Winston-Salem reinforce the strength of track and field programs in the CIAA, with Turner and Slack continuing to blaze a trail for future generations of Jamaican and Caribbean athletes.