TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Dec.31) – FAMU head track coach Wayne Angel is reloading to continue the success of his record-setting cross country team, with the intention to push the success of the overall track and field program.  Today, Angel announced the signing of Deion Clifford, an accomplished runner who has transferred in from Benedict College. 

Clifford, originally from White Rock, British Columbia (Canada), racked up awards in the SIAC, before transferring to FAMU.  He was the SIAC Eastern Division athlete of the year (2013), winning both the steeple chase and the 1500m run in the SIAC championships.  For his contributions, he was awarded Benedict College's MVP and athlete of the year awards for 2013.

Prior to coming to Benedict College, he accumulated several impressive accomplishments.  He took eighth place at the World Youth Championships in Lille Metropole, France, in the Steeple Chase (2011).  He placed second place at the Canadian Junior Championships in the Steeple Chase (2011).  Currently, he is ranked No.2 in the country of Canada

He participated in the Pan American championships in Medellin, Columbia, where he took fourth place in the Steeple chase earlier this year.  He runs a sub-four minute 1500m, with a personal best of 3:54.  He is also a middle distance runner, finishing 800m in 1:53.09.

Angel is very proud of this acquisition and feels it will bolster the FAMU lineup.  “I am very excited for the future of track and field at FAMU. Deion adds a dimension to our program that we have not had in quite some time. His international experience coupled with his winning ways and strong academics make for a great fit for this program.  I believe that Deion will take our distance program to a new level.  I see him being our first distance runner to qualify for the NCAA championships in the 3k Steeple chase. He will also be a strong contender in  the MEAC in Cross Country along the side of  USTFCCCA two-time National athlete of the week, Elias Chesire,” Angel said.