FAMU had plenty of bright spots in a rough 2015

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M’s 2015 was had plenty of lows, but the uplifting moments were there for sure.

All signs point to a bright 2016.

The year began with a tragedy. Nelson Townsend, an HBCU icon, died of a heart attack at the age of 73 three weeks after taking over as FAMU’s interim athletic director. Coaches and administrators were left in mourning after Townsend’s death, as many thought he’d be the one to bring stability to the athletic department after years of turmoil.

Still, the Rattlers carried on. The baseball team won a conference title and went to its first-ever NCAA tournament. Darlene Moore, head coach of the entire track program, picked up two more conference titles (women’s outdoor track and field and cross country). The softball program won a conference title and went to the NCAA tournament.

Not all sports shared the success. FAMU’s football and men’s basketball teams both had dismal seasons.

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