FAMU’s Remarkable Weekend: Triple Crown of Victories Showcase Rattler Excellence
In a stunning display of athletic prowess, Florida A&M University (FAMU) has achieved what can only be described as a perfect storm of victories, marking one of the most memorable weekends in the institution’s sports history.
The Rattlers commenced their winning streak at the Florida Blue Classic, where they clinched a nail-biting 41-38 victory over their longtime rivals, the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats.
The electric atmosphere at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, with 56,453 fans bearing witness, set the stage for an unforgettable performance. Thad Franklin Jr., the senior running back, emerged as the day’s hero, powering through the field with an impressive 195 yards and scoring three touchdowns. His teammate Kelvin Dean complemented this performance with 103 yards and a touchdown.
The football triumph, however, was just the beginning. The FAMU volleyball team added another jewel to the university’s crown by reclaiming the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Tournament championship.
The team’s victory over Jackson State, with a convincing 3-1 score, marked their third SWAC title in four years. The dynamic duo of Brooke Lynn Watts and Jada Rhodes led the charge with a combined 25 kills, showcasing the depth of talent in the Rattler lineup.
What makes this volleyball victory particularly sweet is the automatic bid it secures for FAMU in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Under the leadership of head coach Gokhan Yilmaz, the team has achieved their best season yet, boasting an impressive 27-6 record.
The Rattlers’ performance throughout the tournament was nothing short of dominant. They systematically dismantled their opponents, including a straight-sets victory over Bethune-Cookman in the semifinals.
Both teams face exciting prospects. The football team will wrap up their 2024 season with a home game against Alabama A&M University at Bragg Memorial Stadium on November 29.
Meanwhile, the volleyball team eagerly awaits the NCAA Tournament selection show on December 1, where they’ll learn their first-round opponent for the national championship pursuit beginning December 5.
These victories represent more than just numbers on a scoreboard. They symbolize FAMU’s growing influence in collegiate athletics and the result of dedicated training, strategic coaching, and unwavering team spirit. The success across multiple sports programs demonstrates the university’s commitment to athletic excellence and student-athlete development.
Several players have emerged as standouts as a testament to individual excellence. In football, quarterback Daniel Richardson showed impressive accuracy, completing 14 of 20 passes for 180 yards.
Isis Williams put up a season-high ten blocks on the volleyball court, while Makenzie Taylor orchestrated the offense with 16 assists, and Tinons Galmés anchored the defense with 19 digs.
The weekend’s achievements have energized the FAMU community and set new standards for future generations of Rattler athletes. With both teams poised for further success in their upcoming challenges, the spirit of excellence continues to flourish at Florida A&M University.