Tonja Brown (2011) - Florida State Athletics Hall of Fame

Tonja Brown

Induction:
2011

Tonja Brown was a standout athlete at Southwest High School in Bradenton, Florida and never slowed down over here four-year career with the FSU Track and Field program.

Brown was a four-time All-American for the Seminoles competing from 1979-82. She won the NCAA Outdoor 400-meters with a time of 56.46 in 1982 which broke the Florida State record and was the third fastest time ever recorded by an American in the event. She finished fourth at the same NCAA meet in the 100-meter hurdles (13.73). She was All-American in the indoor 60-yard hurdles at the 1982 AIAW national championships with a 7.99 clocking.

At the time of her graduation in 1982, Brown held school records in the indoor 50-meter hurdles and 600-meter run, the 100 and 400-meter outdoor hurdles and was a member of the record setting 1982 Mile Relay team (3:48.89). She ran the five fastest times in school history in both the 100 and 400-meter hurdles.

Brown was instrumental in FSU's rise to national prominence in women's track. The Seminoles finished third in consecutive outdoor National Championships in 1981 (AIAW) and 1982 (inaugural NCAA). FSU was also second nationally at the 1981 AIAW indoor championships and fourth the next season.