Dillard University Track & Field Advances Multiple Events at NAIA Championships on Day 1

Sophomore, Laila Johnson and freshman Tatiana Clay, realizing they qualified for the women's 4x1 finals during the prelims. Photo Credit: J'Brionne Helaire
Sophomore, Laila Johnson and freshman Tatiana Clay, realizing they qualified for the women's 4x1 finals during the prelims. Photo Credit: J'Brionne Helaire
May 20, 2026

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The Dillard University Track & Field program continued its strong showing at the 2026 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships with standout performances in the women's 400-meter hurdles and both men's and women's 4x100-meter relay preliminaries.

Sophomore Laila Johnson delivered an impressive performance in the women's 400-meter hurdles preliminaries, clocking a personal best time of 1:01.91. The mark moves Johnson to No. 23 in the NAIA and No. 29 among HBCU performances for the 2026 season.

The Dillard men's 4x100-meter relay team advanced to the finals after running 40.14s in the preliminary round. The relay squad of Denim Charles, Jamaal Morris Jr., Surprise Babalola, and Mark Emilien secured the qualification with one of the top times of the heat.

On the women's side, the Lady Bleu Devils 4x100-meter relay team posted a season-best 45.82s and qualified for the finals on Friday. The quartet of T-Anna Dawkins, Tori Burton, Laila Johnson, and Tatiana Clay moved up to No. 6 in the NAIA and No. 15 among HBCU performances this season.

Seniors Mark Emilien and Jamaal Morris Jr. celebrating as they realize they qualified for finals.

 

-Bleu Devils-