Sports
Another HBCU Star Bolts to Power Four Program
Florida A&M’s (FAMU) Kirk Dawkins was one of the best stories in college track this season. Now, he’s taking his talents to a Power Four program. After a record-breaking run through the 2025 season, Dawkins—who proudly carried the HBCU banner into the NCAA Outdoor Championships—has entered the transfer portal and committed to Iowa State University of the Big 12.
It’s the latest blow in what’s becoming an all-too-familiar pattern: elite HBCU track and field talent leaving for Power Four programs. But to understand why Dawkins’ departure matters, you have to understand what he meant to FAMU.
A Star is Born in Tallahassee
Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica—where sprinting is second nature and Olympic medals are a national currency—Dawkins grew up racing through the streets on errands for his parents. He honed his craft at Kingston College before taking a leap to the U.S. to compete at the University at Albany. The cold Northeast didn’t suit him, and after one season, Dawkins transferred to Florida A&M. That’s when everything changed.
With warmth on the track and in the community, Dawkins found his stride.
In 2025, he swept the SWAC’s indoor and outdoor 800-meter titles, added gold in the mile and 1500-meter, and broke through at the NCAA East Prelims with a personal-best 1:46.62 to punch his ticket to Eugene, Oregon, for the NCAA Championships.
“Saying that you’re going to make it to Eugene is one thing, but doing it is the next,” Dawkins told the Tallahassee Democrat before the NCAA Outdoor Championships. “I have some unfinished business.”
Dawkins wasn’t just representing FAMU in Eugene—he was carrying the HBCU flag solo in the 800-meter race.
“To know I’m the only one representing FAMU and HBCUs at the national meet is a very nice feeling,” he said. “It’s all about executing and coming out on top.”
A Track to Greatness
Even before the NCAA Championships, Dawkins had made history, becoming the first Rattler since 2022 to qualify for the event. His coaches, Garfield Ellenwood II and Tamika Kimchen, had seen this coming.
“We set out a plan,” Dawkins told the Democrat. “If I got to a specific point, we knew this season would be the year of glory.”
But it’s not just glory Kirk Dawkins is chasing. He’s eyeing a spot on Jamaica’s national team for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. He needs a 1:44.70 to qualify—less than two seconds off his PR.
“I believe with the training I’ve been doing and the mentorship of my coaches, family, and peers, I know I have a big chance of making it,” Dawkins said.
The HBCU Exodus Continues
Dawkins’ transfer to Iowa State is the latest in a wave of high-profile HBCU track and field stars departing for Power Four schools this summer. He joins names like Jamarion Stubbs, Tyson Williams, and Amarianna Lofton.
Stubbs, a sprint king from Alabama State, announced his transfer to Arkansas after racking up six SWAC titles and a top-25 NCAA ranking in the 100 meters. Johnson C. Smith’s Tyson Williams—a freshman phenom and DII indoor 200m champ. Committed to South Carolina shortly after placing third at the NCAA DII Outdoor Championships.
Then came Central State’s Amarianna Lofton, a two-time SIAC high jump champion and elite multi-event performer, who announced her move to Purdue. She leaves CSU with four conference golds and a legacy of dominance in the jumps and hurdles.
One after another, HBCU stars are leaping from conference podiums to Power 4 lineups. And it’s not a knock on their original schools. It reflects how good HBCU programs have gotten at developing elite athletes.
Is it fair to ask a student-athlete not to chase greater exposure, better facilities, and potential Olympic pipelines? Or is it a gut-punch to programs like FAMU that have poured in the coaching, care, and culture?
Dawkins and the Dilemma
But Kirk Dawkins is different. While others left after DII championships or breakout freshman seasons, Dawkins reached the pinnacle of NCAA Division I competition—on his own terms, from an HBCU, without the hype machine of a Power Four behind him.
“All the hard work and the days of throwing up all paid off,” said Garfield Ellenwood II, Director of Track and Field at FAMU. “To see his excitement—that’s what it’s about… seeing them reach their goals.”
Still, the pattern is clear. HBCUs are producing world-class athletes, but keeping them is becoming the next big challenge.
Whether it’s improved NIL deals, better facilities, or Olympic development pipelines, Power 4 programs have plenty to offer. And while HBCU coaches remain proud of their athletes’ success, every departure leaves another “what if” behind.
The Legacy He Leaves
Dawkins was set to graduate in 2026 with a degree in Supply Chain Management, and his love for FAMU runs deep. He calls it “a place of culture,” and credits his transformation to the mentorship and support he received there.
“I’m not going to the meet like I’m from one of the smallest schools,” he said before the NCAA Championships. “It’s all about executing and coming out on top.”
Whether he runs his next race in Iowa State colors or on the world stage for Jamaica, Dawkins will always be a part of HBCU track and field’s proud lineage.
But his departure—and the growing trend it represents—raises big questions. Can HBCUs remain the launchpad for elite track talent and also the destination? Or are they now destined to be a proving ground from which Power Four programs pluck?
For now, all we know is this: Kirk Dawkins is headed to Iowa State. But the legacy he leaves at FAMU—and the fire he sparked across HBCU track—won’t fade anytime soon.
Related
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Sha’Nard Walker set an event record in the 300m to highlight the start of indoor season, Saturday at the Birmingham Indoor Icebreaker at the Birmingham Crossplex.
Walker finished first in the 300m with an event-record 33.56, followed by Jancent Wallace who placed fifth with a 34.07.
In the 400m, Jonathan Gaines finished fifth with a time of 49.52 to lead the Cats, while Dashawn Buist grabbed a top-fiver finish in the 800m with a fourth-place 1:58.05.
For the jumpes, Michael Carter’s 7.27m earned him second in the long jump – he also took home fifth in the triple jump at 14.56m.
On the women’s side Betina Jean took two top-10 finishes -eighth in the 200m with a 25.13 and seventh in the 400m at 58.23.
As for jumps, Darryn Hough finished fifth with a 1.55m in the high jump, while Ay’Keelah Green finished fourth in the long jump with a 5.84m. LaNeeya Garrison finished thrid in the triple jump with an 11.81m.
Kasie Ugeh picked up where she left off a season ago with a fourth-place finish in the shot put at 13.19m.
The full list of B-CU times and finishes is listed below:
Men’s 200m
29. Jemari Sanders 22.98
Men’s 300m
1. Sha’Nard Walker 33.56
5. Jancent Wallace 34.07
10. Ethan Sharpe 35.04
Men’s 400m
5. Jonathan Gaines 49.52
9. Donavan Walker-Collins 49.99
16. Makhii Fleming 50.65
Men’s 800m
4. Dashawn Buist 1:58.05
8. Andre Swewl 20:01.42
Men’s Mile
17. Jalen Jackson 4:43.55
Men’s 3000m
35. Gerrard Griffin 9:32.40
41. Dashon Gill 9:53.49
Men’s High Jump
9. Ashton Matthews 1.95m
Men’s Pole Vault
15. Jabari Armant 4.00m
Men’s Long Jump
2. Michael Carter 7.27m
11. Amarrion Grant 6.84m
17. Bari Willimas 6.53m
Men’s Triple Jump
5. Michael Carter 14.56m
7. Farai Mhende 14.48m
Men’s Shot Put
9. William Rothmiller 14.62m
19. Tyler Washing 12.96m
Men’s Weight Throw
10. Anton Holland 15.64m
Women’s 200m
8. Betina Jean 25.13
18. Haely Grant 25.62
19. Quiaundra Brown 25.69
23. Mariana Morillo 25.76
Women’s 300m
10. Zion Harvey 40.84
11. Amani Jones 40.92
Women’s 400m
7. Betina Jean 58.21
9. Haely Grant 59.10
18. Kavay Johnson 1:01.04
Women’s 1000m
18. Morgan Middleton 3:14.02
Women’s 3000m
14. Valencia Butler 11:20.82
23. Shelvany Goin 12:19.12
Women’s High Jump
5. Darryn Hough 1.55m
10. Selena Rutland 1.50m
21. Soukaina Davis 1.50m
Women’s Long Jump
4. Ay’Keelah Green 5.84m
10. Zion Harvey 5.55m
36. Darryn Hough 4.90m
Women’s Triple Jump
3. LaNeeya Garrison 11.81m
5. Selena Rutland 11.74m
Women’s Shot Put
4. Kasie Ugeh 13.19m
25. Raziyah Ware 10.63m
Women’s Weight Throw
29. Raziyah Ware 10.13m
Follow Bethune-Cookman Cross Country/Track & Field on Twitter and Instagram (BCUXCTF) for all of the latest news and updates. For all Bethune-Cookman Athletics news, follow us on Twitter (@BCUAthletics), Instagram (@BCU_Athletics) TikTok (@BCUAthletics) and www.bcuathletics.com.
–#HailWildcats–
Women’s Track and Field | 12/6/2025 7:16:00 PM
Springfield, Ohio – Sophomore Mira Renaldi, senior Emily Brennan and first-year Stevie Combs all showed out in the first meet of the indoor season, as three records were broken by the trio at the Tiger Opener hosted by Wittenberg University. Renaldi broke the record in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 9.16, just barely edging out the time of 9.17 set by Caliyah Bennett back in 2023. Two records were broken in the same event, as Brennan broke the record in the 300 meter dash with a time of 41.75 in heat one, beating the record of 42.01 which was held by Jill Westerfield since 1998. The record would not last long though, as in heat two Combs would break the record with a time of 41.15 seconds, making Brennan’s short-lived. Sydney Flores was first in shot put, and multiple Big Red delivered top-five performances.
Distance/Sprints
In the 60-meter hurdles, sophomore Mira Renaldi ran a career-best and Denison record 9.16 to earn first place. Her previous best was 9.20. Coming in second-place was senior Sydney Brown with a time of 9.39. The Big Red stuffed the top-10 in the 300-meter dash, as first-year Stevie Combs got second with a time of 41.15 for a school record, and Emily Brennan followed right behind with a time of 41.75 for third-place. Renaldi added on to her impressive day with a sixth-place finish with a mark of 43.65. In the 200-meter dash, Brennan showcased another top-10 finish, this time notching eighth with a time of 26.39. Lulu Visocky-O’Grady placed seventh in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:39.98.
Field Events
Sydney Flores won the shot put with a mark of 12.14, .45 more than the second-place finisher. Gabrielle Turner also competed in the event, as she placed in the top-10 with Turner grabbing 10th with a throw of 10.44m. Mariel Drost earned fifth-place in the weight throw with a mark of 13.38m. In the long jump, first-year Marisa Bianchi placed in the top-five with a jump of 4.96m to start her Big Red career. Sophomore Eno-Yaa Kissi grabbed ninth with a career-best mark of 4.85m. Julia Schena placed eighth in the high jump with a mark of 1.48.
Up Next for the Big Red
The Big Red will take a holiday break, then head out to Muskingum University for Muskie Meet #1 in New Concord, Ohio on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Sports
Pitt volleyball wins hard-fought match against Michigan to advance to NCAA regional semifinal
Pitt women’s volleyball coach Dan Fisher would love more preparation between the first and second round of the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament.
All 32 coaches who advanced to the second round felt like that to some degree about the 24-hour or so turnaround they face. The Panthers found ways to stabilize themselves after a hot start from Michigan to win 25-23, 25-23, 25-18 to advance to the regional semifinals for the sixth consecutive season.
“I’ll start by acknowledging how tough Michigan was tonight,” Fisher said. “We tried early in the week to have them look at both Xavier and Michigan and their style of play. It is certainly nice to have a date or two to feel that you’ve had a few times to train against it. But everyone has the same advantage, and they had the same deal against us.”
Pitt right-side hitter Olivia Babcock was happy with how the Panthers adjusted. Babcock finished with a match-high 24 kills.
The Panthers (24-7) will host Minnesota on Thursday.
“I feel like we were struggling to execute what we wanted to do in the beginning of each set,” Babcock said. “I feel like at the end, once we got to those last points, we told each other this is when we need to play our best. I feel like we were able to slow down Michigan and just control our side.”
Michigan didn’t give away many opportunities to the Panthers.
The Wolverines held a 17-13 lead in the first set after a service ace from Allison Jacobs.
Michigan coach Erin Virtue was happy her team wasn’t intimidated by the moment.
“The moment wasn’t too big for this team,” Virtue said. “I think there’s a lot of reasons that you could have or excuses we could have leaned back on. But they were ready. Our team was ready.”
Pitt surged back with a 6-2 run that included two kills from Babcock and one from Marina Pezelj.
The Panthers went ahead for good, 22-21, on a block by Abbey Emch and Babcock on a Jacobs kill attempt.
Pezelj finished second on the team with 12 kills. Pezelj, a freshman outside hitter, has enjoyed her first tournament experience.
“For me, it’s really the first time, so I was kind of stressed a little bit in the beginning,” Pezelj said. “I’m pretty good with this, and I’m just so grateful to be here with this team.”
During the second set, the timing of Michigan’s mistakes hurt them. The Wolverines (22-11) twice committed service errors after cutting the lead to one point, 19-18 and 20-19, respectively.
Cymarah Gordon led Michigan with 11 kills.
Brooke Mosher led Pitt with 34 passists, and Emery Dupes and Babcock tied for a team-high eight digs.
Fisher said he is hoping the Panthers can continue their march.
“We, obviously, have big goals and aspirations as a program,” Fisher said. “But I think the reality of it is that there’s more parity now than ever, and the sport of volleyball is growing and the level gets higher every year. Being one of the last 16 teams left is a good year. We would like to keep winning and make it a great year.”
Josh Rizzo is a freelance writer.
Junior Brock Harris highlighted the meet, posting a school record time of 48.88 in the 400-meter dash.
All told, Xavier had seven top-10 finishes at the meet.
Xavier returns to action on Jan. 23 at the PNC Bank Bellarmine Classic in Louisville, Ky.
RESULTS
XAVIER MEN
4. Brock Harris – 400-meter dash (48.88) #
5. Brock Harris – 200-meter dash (22.25) ^
11. Grant Coughlin – 400-meter dash (50.56)
31. Edvards Kamaruts – 200-meter dash (23.75)
XAVIER WOMEN
2. Rielyn Jackson – 200-meter dash (25.47) ^
2. Alecia Kissoon – 400-meter dash (58.73) @
4. Mimi Ross – 200-meter dash (25.84) &
4. 4×400 Relay – Rivera, Jackson, Baird, Francis (4:03.05)
10. Brittany Baird – 200-meter dash (26.57)
13. Madison Rivera – 200-meter dash (26.85)
17. Sophie Francis – 200-meter dash (27.03)
# school record
^ 6th fastest time in school history
@ 5th fastest time in school history
& 9th fastest time in school history
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Norris’ Alli Bornschlegl, part of the Omaha World-Herald 2025 All-Nebraska volleyball team, poses for a portrait at Dundee Theater in Omaha on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025.
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Norris’ Malorie Boesiger, part of the Omaha World-Herald 2025 All-Nebraska volleyball team, poses for a portrait at Dundee Theater in Omaha on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025.
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Elkhorn North’s Hayden Booth, part of the Omaha World-Herald 2025 All-Nebraska volleyball team, poses for a portrait at Dundee Theater in Omaha on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025.
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Papillion-La Vista South’s Kami Dyrstad, part of the Omaha World-Herald 2025 All-Nebraska volleyball team, poses for a portrait at Dundee Theater in Omaha on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025.
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Photos: All-Nebraska volleyball teams through the years
2024
The Omaha World-Herald 2024 All-Nebraska Volleyball Team, from left, Lincoln Lutheran’s Keri Leimbach, Norris’ Anna Jelinek, Papillion-La Vista South’s Charlee Solomon, Omaha Skutt’s Addison West, Fremont’s Mattie Dalton, Omaha Westside’s Ashlyn Paymal and Grand Island’s Tia Traudt photographed at Steelhouse Omaha on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024.
2023
2023 All-Nebraska volleyball team: From left, Papillion-La Vista’s Faith Frame, Bennington’s Olivia Mauch, Papillion-La Vista’s Mia Tvrdy, Lincoln Southwest’s Malayah Long, Omaha Westside’s Ashlyn Paymal, Papillion-La Vista South’s Lauren Medeck, and Elkhorn North’s Reese Booth.
2022
2022 All-Nebraska volleyball team: From left: Omaha Skutt’s Morgan Burke, Elkhorn North’s Reese Booth, Papillion-La Vista South’s Stella Adeyemi, Omaha Westside’s Destiny Ndam-Simpson, Papillion-La Vista South’s Lauren Medeck, Elkhorn North’s Grace Heaney and Bennington’s Olivia Mauch.
2021
2021 All-Nebraska volleyball team: Gretna’s Skylar McCune, Omaha Skutt Abby Schomers, Lincoln Southwest Shaylee Myers, Papillion-La Vista South’s Ava LeGrand, Waverly’s Bekka Allick, Elkhorn South’ Kylie Weeks and Omaha Westside’s Destiny Ndam-Simpson at the Owen Sea Lion Shores exhibit at the Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. Behind them, a sea lion named Chino is investigating a volleyball.
2020
Led by honorary captain Lindsay Krause of Omaha Skutt at the head of the table surrounded by, clockwise from left, Waverly’s Whitney Lauenstein, Wahoo’s Elle Glock, Papillion-La Vista’s Norah Sis, Elkhorn South’s Rylee Gray, Omaha Skutt’s Allie Gray and Elkhorn South’s Kylie Weeks.
2019
Led by honorary captain Marriah Buss, center, of Lincoln Lutheran, the All-Nebraska volleyball first team. From left: Ava LeGrand of Papillion-La Vista South, Norah Sis of Papillion-La Vista, Lindsay Krause of Omaha Skutt, Kalynn Meyer of Superior, Allie Gray of Omaha Skutt, Izzy Lukens of Millard North.
2018
From left, Emily Bressman of Omaha Marian, Kalynn Meyer of Superior, Jaiden Centeno of Millard West, Lindsay Krause of Omaha Skutt, McKenna Ruch of Millard North and Marriah Buss of Lincoln Lutheran. Not pictured: Millard North’s Izzy Lukens.
2017
From left: Johnson-Brock’s Fallon Stutheit, Omaha Marian’s Lily Heim (honorary captain), Superior’s Kalynn Meyer, Omaha Skutt’s Lindsay Krause, Marian’s Emily Bressman and Papio South’s Taliyah Flores. Not pictured: Malcolm’s Jaela Zimmerman.
2016
Back row from left: Jaela Zimmerman, Malcolm; Taliyah Flores, Papillion-La Vista; Elise Baumann, Millard North; Fallon Stutheit, Johnson-Brock. Front row from left: Sarah Swanson, Elkhorn South; Alli Schomers, Omaha Skutt; Brooke Heyne, Omaha Skutt.
2015
From left: Olivia Nicholson, North Platte; Raegan LeGrand, Papillion-La Vista South; Allison Schomers, Omaha Skutt; Brittany Witt, Omaha Marian; Elizabeth Loschen, Omaha Marian; Hali McArdle, Gretna; Sarah Swanson, Elkhorn South.
2014
From left: Priscilla O’Dowd, Papillion-La Vista; Jessica Peters, Papillion-La Vista; Raegan LeGrand, Papillion-La Vista South; Megan Wickey, Omaha Concordia; Carley Remmers, Freeman; Tiani Reeves, Gothenburg; Brittany Witt, Omaha Marian.
2013
The All-Nebraska football and volleyball teams came together for a photo shoot, and the cover was designed to look like a Facebook page with the teams taking one big selfie.
2012
From left: Lexi Elman, Omaha Marian; Kelly Hunter, Papillion-La Vista South; Amber Rolfzen, Papillion-La Vista South; Sydney Townsend, Lincoln Pius X; Alyssa Frauendorfer, Humphrey; Michaela Mestl, Kearney Catholic; Kadie Rolfzen, Papillion-La Vista South.
2011
From left: Kelly Hunter, Papillion-La Vista South; Kadie Rolfzen, Papillion-La Vista South; Amber Rolfzen, Papillion-La Vista South; Lauren Sieckmann, Elkorn South; Katie Brand, Grand Island Central Catholic; Cassie Effken, Lincoln Pius X; Kate Elman, Omaha Marian.
2010
From left: Emily Wilson, Omaha Gross; Kadie Rolfzen, Papillion-La Vista South; Amber Rolfzen, Papillion-La Vista South; Sara McClinton, Millard North; Chelsea Albers, Papillion-La Vista; Kelly Hunter, Papillion-La Vista South; Lauren Sieckmann, Omaha Marian.
2009
Standing from left: Emily Wilson, Omaha Gross; Kadie Rolfzen, Papillion-La Vista South; Sarah Kemp, Bellevue East; Amber Rolfzen, Papillion-La Vista South; Tenisha Matlock, North Platte. Front row from left: Lauren Sieckmann, Omaha Marian; Julianne Mandolfo, Omaha Marian.
2008
From left: Natalie Braun, Lincoln Pius X; Chelsey Feekin, Papillion-La Vista; Hayley Thramer, Ewing; Jamie Straube, Johnson County; Gina Mancuso, Papillion-La Vista; Lauren Cook, Lincoln Pius X.
2007
From left: Tali Fredrickson, Grand Island Central Catholic; Caitlin Mahoney, Omaha Marian; Chelsey Feekin, Papillion-La Vista; Keelin Bourne, Millard North; Gina Mancuso, Papillion-La Vista; Lauren Cook, Lincoln Pius X.
2006
Top from left: Catie Wilson, Omaha Gross; Brooke Delano, Bellevue West; Lauren Cook, Lincoln Pius X. Bottom from left: Gabi Ailes, Bellevue West; Ann Armes, Grand Island; Gina Mancuso, Papillion-La Vista.
2005
From left: Katie Swenson, Omaha Gross; Angela Hlavaty, Lincoln Lutheran; Brooke Delano, Bellevue West; Gabi Ailes, Bellevue West; Brooke Bartek, Lincoln Northeast; Erica Burson, Omaha Gross.
2004
Front row from left: Amanda Gates, Columbus; Jordan Larson, Logan View; Alison Jacobs, Elkhorn; Rachel Schwartz, Lincoln East. Back row from left: Kyla Roehrig, Papillion-La Vista; Korie Lebeda, Omaha Marian.
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