Beard clocked a blazing 13.04 seconds in the final round to finish third overall, sealing his trip to Japan. This accomplishment adds to an already impressive year for the three-time MEAC Champion, who earlier defended his title at the prestigious Millrose Games, where he recorded a 7.38 in the 60-meter hurdles.

Joining Beard in Tokyo are Ja’Kobe Tharp, who took first place with a time of 13.01, and Cordell Tinch, who placed second at 13.03. The trio will represent Team USA in the 110-meter hurdles on the global stage.

Close Calls for Wright and Smith in the 400m Hurdles

In the women’s 400-meter hurdles, two accomplished athletes with HBCU ties came within reach of World Championship qualification. Jessica Wright, a two-time All-American from Durham, North Carolina, and Ariana Smith, a two-time MEAC Champion from Pennsville, New Jersey, gave strong efforts but ultimately missed the mark. Wright finished fifth in 55.81 seconds, while Smith crossed the line eighth with a time of 56.85.

British Hopes Fall Just Short in Hurdles Final

Competing overseas, fellow Howard All-Americans Marcia Sey and Samuel Bennett, both representing the United Kingdom, advanced to the final round of their respective 100-meter hurdles events. However, neither was able to secure a qualifying position for Tokyo. Sey hails from London, and Bennett from Langdon Hills.

Eyes on Tokyo: Beard Leads the Charge

With the 2025 World Championships set for September 13–21 in Tokyo, Dylan Beard will carry the HBCU banner onto the world stage. His journey from MEAC champion to global competitor is a testament to both his determination and Howard University’s growing legacy in track and field.

The post Former Howard University star makes Tokyo World Championships appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

Kayla White dominates at HBCU

For her career, White won 17 MEAC indoor and outdoor sprint and hurdle titles at HBCU track factory North Carolina A&T from 2016 to 2019.

The Miami, Florida native secured her first career win at the 2016 MEAC Indoor Championships. She claimed the 60-meter hurdles title in 8.39 seconds. That spring, she followed up with an outdoor title in the 100-meter hurdles and added a win in the 4×100 relay.

Eventually, White won the MEAC 60-meter hurdles and the 100-meter hurdles titles in each of her four years with the Aggies. In total, she added MEAC 4×100 relay titles in 2017, 2018, and 2019. She also swept the 100 and 200-meter titles during her junior and senior seasons.

At the 2019 NCAA Indoor Championships, she finished second in the 60-meter hurdles. She also placed second in the NCAA Outdoor 100-meter final.

White vs. Richardson: A Rivalry in the Making

White has faced Sha’Carri Richardson multiple times as a pro. She defeated the Olympic gold medalist in the 200 meters at the inaugural Botswana Grand Prix on April 29, 2023.

While there’s no doubt more battles are ahead, White came out on top in their latest showdown — winning the 100m on Friday. Both women advanced to the next round.

The post Sha’Carri Richardson runs SB, but HBCU star wins race appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

The performance was a strong return. While it wasn’t close to Ross’s personal best of 43.85—one of the fastest 400-meter times in history—it was enough to turn heads. His time ranked among the top 25 by an American this season and showed he still belongs on the track.

A Return With Meaning

The race marked more than just a finish line. It was a test of whether Ross still had the speed and mindset that once made him a rising star. After missing three years due to a ban for whereabouts failures and tampering, Ross is back—and still competitive.

He continued to train, though restrictions prevented him from working with USATF-affiliated coaches or athletes. One exception allowed him to continue training with his father due to their family connection. Now that he can, the 24-year-old HBCU athlete and Olympic Gold Medalist aims to rebuild his career. Ross opened his return in Marseille, and if he competes again this summer, strong results could help reopen doors to national and international competition.

HBCU Roots, Global Goals

His story continues to resonate, especially in the HBCU sports world. North Carolina A&T helped develop Ross into a world-class sprinter. His father, Olympian Duane Ross, guided him through college and still supports his training. That foundation helped Randolph become an NCAA champion, an Olympian, and one of the brightest prospects in American track.

Now, after years away, he’s working to prove that one mistake does not define a career. The early signs are encouraging. And if Marseille was any indication, Randolph Ross’s comeback may just be getting started.

The post HBCU Olympian Returns to Elite Form in First Race Back appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

A Star Born at an HBCU

Ross, now 24, was once one of the brightest young talents in American track. While competing for North Carolina A&T, he became a two-time NCAA champion and helped the United States win gold in the 4×400-meter relay at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. He trained under his father, former Olympian Duane Ross, and together they turned A&T into one of the most dominant HBCU track programs in history.

The Suspension That Changed Everything

That success came to an abrupt stop in July 2022. The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) suspended Ross just before the World Championships in Oregon. The reason: three “whereabouts failures” within a 12-month span. These failures meant that officials were unable to locate him for required drug testing.

Later that year, the AIU made the suspension official. Randolph Ross was banned for three years, and the penalty included an added charge of “tampering.” During the investigation, he admitted to altering the date on a confirmation email related to his testing location. This misstep, while not a failed drug test, was treated as a serious violation.

A Complicated Timeline

In an interview with Track & Field News, Ross accepted full responsibility. “The whole thing came down to being my fault,” he said. However, he also expressed concern about how heavily administrative errors were punished. Ross explained that the missed tests occurred during a hectic period of his life. He competed at nationals, moved from North Carolina to Tennessee, and was preparing to transfer schools.

The first missed test happened in April 2022, when Ross forgot to update his location ahead of a meet in Gainesville, Florida. The second came during the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Oregon, where he defended his 400m title. Ross argued that anti-doping officials could have located him at the meet, but noted that the rules still required formal updates through an app.

The third failure was more complex. Randolph Ross had moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, but the AIU still visited his old address in Greensboro. While USADA had updated information, the AIU did not. In an attempt to explain the mix-up, Ross submitted a screenshot of an automatically generated email, but changed the date on it. That change triggered the tampering charge.

The Impact of the Ban

The AIU treated the missed tests and altered email as a single violation. Because Ross admitted fault and cooperated fully, the original four-year penalty was reduced to three. Still, the ban had significant consequences. Ross lost his spot on the U.S. team, his college eligibility, and a likely professional contract. He also missed the chance to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

During his suspension, Ross completed his finance degree at North Carolina A&T and began studying for a real estate license. He continued to train, though restrictions prevented him from working with USATF-affiliated coaches or athletes. One exception allowed him to continue training with his father due to their family connection.

A Measured Return

Now, as of July 1, Ross is eligible to compete again. Sunday’s race in Marseille will be his first test back. The result will be closely watched—not just because of the controversy that preceded it, but because of what it represents: the return of an HBCU athlete who once ran one of the fastest 400m times in history, and appeared poised for global stardom.

The post HBCU Olympic Gold Medalist Returns After Three-Year Ban appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

It’s the latest blow in what’s becoming an all-too-familiar pattern: elite HBCU track and field talent leaving for Power Four programs. But to understand why Dawkins’ departure matters, you have to understand what he meant to FAMU.

A Star is Born in Tallahassee

Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica—where sprinting is second nature and Olympic medals are a national currency—Dawkins grew up racing through the streets on errands for his parents. He honed his craft at Kingston College before taking a leap to the U.S. to compete at the University at Albany. The cold Northeast didn’t suit him, and after one season, Dawkins transferred to Florida A&M. That’s when everything changed.

With warmth on the track and in the community, Dawkins found his stride.

In 2025, he swept the SWAC’s indoor and outdoor 800-meter titles, added gold in the mile and 1500-meter, and broke through at the NCAA East Prelims with a personal-best 1:46.62 to punch his ticket to Eugene, Oregon, for the NCAA Championships.

“Saying that you’re going to make it to Eugene is one thing, but doing it is the next,” Dawkins told the Tallahassee Democrat before the NCAA Outdoor Championships. “I have some unfinished business.”

Dawkins wasn’t just representing FAMU in Eugene—he was carrying the HBCU flag solo in the 800-meter race.

“To know I’m the only one representing FAMU and HBCUs at the national meet is a very nice feeling,” he said. “It’s all about executing and coming out on top.”

A Track to Greatness

Even before the NCAA Championships, Dawkins had made history, becoming the first Rattler since 2022 to qualify for the event. His coaches, Garfield Ellenwood II and Tamika Kimchen, had seen this coming.

“We set out a plan,” Dawkins told the Democrat. “If I got to a specific point, we knew this season would be the year of glory.”

But it’s not just glory Kirk Dawkins is chasing. He’s eyeing a spot on Jamaica’s national team for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. He needs a 1:44.70 to qualify—less than two seconds off his PR.

“I believe with the training I’ve been doing and the mentorship of my coaches, family, and peers, I know I have a big chance of making it,” Dawkins said.

The HBCU Exodus Continues

Dawkins’ transfer to Iowa State is the latest in a wave of high-profile HBCU track and field stars departing for Power Four schools this summer. He joins names like Jamarion Stubbs, Tyson Williams, and Amarianna Lofton.

Stubbs, a sprint king from Alabama State, announced his transfer to Arkansas after racking up six SWAC titles and a top-25 NCAA ranking in the 100 meters. Johnson C. Smith’s Tyson Williams—a freshman phenom and DII indoor 200m champ. Committed to South Carolina shortly after placing third at the NCAA DII Outdoor Championships.

Then came Central State’s Amarianna Lofton, a two-time SIAC high jump champion and elite multi-event performer, who announced her move to Purdue. She leaves CSU with four conference golds and a legacy of dominance in the jumps and hurdles.

One after another, HBCU stars are leaping from conference podiums to Power 4 lineups. And it’s not a knock on their original schools. It reflects how good HBCU programs have gotten at developing elite athletes.

Is it fair to ask a student-athlete not to chase greater exposure, better facilities, and potential Olympic pipelines? Or is it a gut-punch to programs like FAMU that have poured in the coaching, care, and culture?

Dawkins and the Dilemma

But Kirk Dawkins is different. While others left after DII championships or breakout freshman seasons, Dawkins reached the pinnacle of NCAA Division I competition—on his own terms, from an HBCU, without the hype machine of a Power Four behind him.

“All the hard work and the days of throwing up all paid off,” said Garfield Ellenwood II, Director of Track and Field at FAMU. “To see his excitement—that’s what it’s about… seeing them reach their goals.”

Still, the pattern is clear. HBCUs are producing world-class athletes, but keeping them is becoming the next big challenge.

Whether it’s improved NIL deals, better facilities, or Olympic development pipelines, Power 4 programs have plenty to offer. And while HBCU coaches remain proud of their athletes’ success, every departure leaves another “what if” behind.

The Legacy He Leaves

Dawkins was set to graduate in 2026 with a degree in Supply Chain Management, and his love for FAMU runs deep. He calls it “a place of culture,” and credits his transformation to the mentorship and support he received there.

“I’m not going to the meet like I’m from one of the smallest schools,” he said before the NCAA Championships. “It’s all about executing and coming out on top.”

Whether he runs his next race in Iowa State colors or on the world stage for Jamaica, Dawkins will always be a part of HBCU track and field’s proud lineage.

But his departure—and the growing trend it represents—raises big questions. Can HBCUs remain the launchpad for elite track talent and also the destination? Or are they now destined to be a proving ground from which Power Four programs pluck?

For now, all we know is this: Kirk Dawkins is headed to Iowa State. But the legacy he leaves at FAMU—and the fire he sparked across HBCU track—won’t fade anytime soon.

The post Another HBCU Star Bolts to Power Four Program appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

For Lofton, it’s a leap — literally and figuratively — from the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) of Division II to some of the game’s most competitive runways and pits.

But even as she prepares for her next chapter in the Big Ten, Central State made it clear: this isn’t just an athlete moving on — this is family.

“One thing’s for sure: once a Marauder, always a Marauder,” said CSU Athletic Director Kevicia Brown. ” I’ve had the privilege of watching her blossom both on and off the track — from steadily improving in her events and breaking personal records, to recently signing with Purdue University. Her dedication, drive, and athleticism are matched only by her vibrant spirit.”

It’s a send-off that speaks volumes about how HBCUs prioritize their athletes’ well-being, growth, and futures, not just what they bring to the scoreboard. In a world where transfers can sometimes feel transactional, Central State’s public celebration of Lofton’s success is a masterclass in how these institutions invest in the whole person, not just the competitor.

A Championship Résumé

Amarianna Lofton leaves behind one of the most stacked résumés in CSU track history:

• 2x SIAC High Jump Champion
• 3x HBCU Showcase High Jump Champion
• 2x Indoor High Jump Conference Champion
• Long Jump Champion
• 100m Hurdle Champion
• 60m Indoor Hurdle Champion

But ask her about her favorite memories? It wasn’t the medals. It was the moments.

“My funniest day was when Darcey Dorris and I organized a team bonding day at the park,” she recalled. “We had food, we played games, we laughed — it was just a day to reflect and appreciate each other. That meant the world to me. It’s going to be hard to leave, and the environment at CSU is so caring. Everyone here believed in me and supported me. I’m going to miss that.”

The Double-Edged Sword of the Transfer Portal

Lofton’s move mirrors a trend reshaping the HBCU sports landscape. Her departure comes on the heels of other high-profile transfers like Jamarion Stubbs and Tyson Williams. Both electric playmakers who recently left HBCU programs for bigger platforms at Power Four programs.

For HBCUs, it’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s proof that these programs are developing high-level talent that can compete anywhere. On the other, it highlights the challenge of retaining athletes who naturally attract attention from Power Four schools once they break out.

It’s the blessing and the burden of HBCU excellence.

The Flip Side: Turbo Brown Stays HBCU

But the transfer portal isn’t the whole story. Look no further than Josh “Turbo” Brown, a lightning-fast recruit who committed straight out of high school to Texas Southern University. Turbo had options but chose the HBCU route from the jump. His decision is a reminder that the pipeline works both ways. High school stars are still choosing HBCUs not just for athletics, but for culture, community, and identity.

Lofton’s story, Stubbs’ and Williams’ moves, and Turbo’s commitment all exist on the same spectrum of opportunity, challenge, and growth.

Bigger Stages, Same Legacy

As Amarianna Lofton steps onto the Big Ten stage, she does so not just as an athlete but also as an ambassador for Central State and HBCUs everywhere.

“I’m so thankful for this opportunity,” she said. “I know it’s going to be hard, but I’m excited to grow, to compete, and to represent where I came from.”

In a world obsessed with vertical leaps, maybe the most significant jump is the one she’s making now from HBCU champion to Big Ten contender. But no matter how high she climbs, her HBCU roots remain the same.

The post Another HBCU Champion Transfers to Power Four Program appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

The move hasn’t yet been made official by Arkansas’ track program. Still, Stubbs essentially broke his own news on Instagram with a not-so-subtle flex. A photo of him in Razorbacks gear standing between two NCAA Track & Field National Championship trophies, captioned:
“? ??? ???????. #wooopig?.”

That caption says everything.

Stubbs, who just wrapped up his junior season by finishing 21st in the nation in the 100 meters at the 2025 NCAA Division I Outdoor Championships, was already regarded as one of the most explosive sprinters in HBCU track. But now, he’s joining a program that’s been the standard in collegiate track and field.

Arkansas: Track Royalty

The University of Arkansas isn’t just any landing spot—it’s a powerhouse. The Razorbacks are the back-to-back USTFCCCA Program of the Year, dominating across indoor, outdoor, and cross country disciplines. With top-tier facilities, world-class coaching, and one of the deepest sprint squads in the NCAA. The University of Arkansas continues to attract elite talent from every corner of the country—and now, from the HBCU ranks.

For Jamarion Stubbs, it’s a chance to elevate his game to the next level while training alongside Olympic hopefuls and national champions on a daily basis.

Stubbs’ Rise Through the SWAC

The transfer marks the next chapter in what’s already been a stellar collegiate career. Stubbs was a six-time SWAC Champion, earning conference titles in the 100m, 200m, and multiple relay events during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. His 2024 campaign was historic:

• NCAA Division I All-American in the 200 meters
• Finalist at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials
• Ranked among the top 25 sprinters in the nation

His speed, poise under pressure, and ability to shine in championship settings made him a fan favorite at Alabama State. And a nightmare for every other lane on the track.

Now, he’ll bring that same firepower to an Arkansas team that doesn’t rebuild, it reloads.

A Growing Trend: HBCU Stars Heading to the SEC

Stubbs isn’t the first HBCU standout to chase SEC-level opportunity—and he won’t be the last.

This past May, Tyson Williams, a freshman phenom from Johnson C. Smith University, announced his move to the University of South Carolina. Williams made the move mere days after wrapping up a stellar performance at the 2025 NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships.

Williams, who dominated the CIAA and turned heads with sub-10.30s in the 100m this spring, represents another major talent leaving the HBCU pipeline for the “big” leagues. His potential at the Division I level is massive, and South Carolina is betting big on his upside.

These moves reflect a growing reality in collegiate track and field. While HBCUs continue to develop elite sprinters, the resources, exposure, and NIL opportunities available at major SEC programs are tough to match. From nutrition and training facilities to international competition and professional development, the jump to the SEC is often as much about infrastructure as it is about talent.

The Big Picture

It’s bittersweet. On one hand, these transfers signal recognition—proof that HBCUs are producing talent that belongs at the highest level of NCAA competition. On the other hand, it highlights the challenge HBCUs face in retaining elite athletes.

For Jamarion Stubbs, the move from Alabama State to Arkansas is the next logical step in a journey that may very well end on the Olympic stage. For HBCU programs, it’s another reminder that they are indeed breeding grounds for greatness—even if that greatness eventually wears different colors.

As the college track world reloads for 2026, one thing’s clear: the SEC just got a little faster. And HBCU pride will be right there with it, even if it shows up draped in Razorback red.

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Coach Wells graduated from Morehouse in 1974. He was a two-sport athlete who played football and ran track. In 1987, he returned to campus as a coach. His energy, passion, and leadership helped shape generations of Maroon Tigers.

A Championship Legacy in HBCU Athletics

Coach Wells worked closely with Head Coach Willie Hill to build one of the most dominant programs in HBCU history. Together, they led Morehouse to 38 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) championships. These titles spanned cross-country, indoor track, and outdoor track and field.

Wells’ most recent achievement came in February 2025. The Maroon Tigers won the first-ever SIAC Indoor Track & Field Championship. That victory followed the 2024 SIAC Cross Country title. Under his leadership, Morehouse produced numerous All-SIAC athletes, NCAA qualifiers, and student leaders.

A Mentor and True Morehouse Man

“T.J. Wells was more than a coach—he was a cornerstone of our program,” said Athletic Director Harold Ellis. “He shared a vision for excellence that went beyond medals and trophies.”

Coach Willie Hill added, “Anybody can live. No one can live giving like Coach Wells. He was a true giver of life.”

Wells mentored young men with discipline, love, and purpose. His impact reached beyond athletics. He built a culture rooted in integrity, teamwork, and service. That culture still defines Morehouse athletics today.

A Life Dedicated to Service

In addition to coaching, Wells served his community. From 1973 to 1998, he worked as a Center Director for the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation. He also volunteered with Scouting America, mentoring youth across Atlanta.

Coach Wells lived with humility, dedication, and a belief in the power of education and sport. His commitment to Morehouse and the HBCU tradition was unmatched.

An Enduring Legacy in the HBCU World

Wells gave 38 years to Morehouse. In that time, he touched thousands of lives. His players remember him not just for wins, but for wisdom and heart.

Morehouse College will announce memorial details in the coming days. The community extends its deepest condolences to the Wells family, former athletes, and all who knew him.

Thomas Wells was a leader, a mentor, and a proud Morehouse Man. His legacy will live on through every athlete he inspired—and through every HBCU program that strives for excellence.

The post HBCU Community Mourns the Loss of Track & Field Icon appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

A Rising Star on the Track

Brown, a native of New Orleans, graduated from Holy Cross High School with a standout track record. He currently holds Louisiana’s top times in both the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes. Nationally, he ranks fourth in the 200 meters. His 4×100-meter relay team also led the state this season.

At the 2025 LHSAA Class 5A Outdoor State Championships, Brown won gold in the 100, 200, and anchored the 4×100 relay team. He also captured the indoor 60-meter title earlier in the year. His performances rewrote the Holy Cross record books.

More Than Just Speed

Texas Southern head coach Clyde Duncan Sr. believes Brown will make an immediate impact.

“I’m very honored and pleased that we were able to sign this young man,” said Duncan. “Without a doubt, he’ll help us right away.”

Brown also shines in the classroom. He maintains straight A’s and has a strong GPA. That maturity, combined with his drive to improve, made him a top target.

“He is a very mature young man,” Duncan added. “What’s amazing is that he hasn’t been running track for very long. The sky’s the limit for him.”

Two-Sport Talent Chooses HBCU

Brown is also an accomplished football player. He earned all-state and all-district honors in high school. With a strong resume in two sports, he drew interest from numerous colleges across the country.

Texas Southern University’s family culture played a key role in his decision. Former TSU standout Eric Smith, now a successful high school coach in Louisiana, helped guide Brown during the recruiting process.

Texas Southern Builds for More Titles

Head coach Duncan is no stranger to success. He became the first men’s track & field coach in over 20 years to win the SWAC trifecta—indoor, outdoor, and cross country—in back-to-back seasons. With Brown now on board, Texas Southern is reloading for another run at history.

The addition of Josh Brown supercharges TSU’s sprint program while amplifying the growing power of HBCU athletics across the country.

The post One of the fastest two-sport athletes in the country chooses HBCU appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

Pierre’s time ranks among the fastest in the country this season. His impressive performance has placed him in the national spotlight. On Friday, June 13, he will compete for a national title live on ESPN.

His rise is no surprise to Head Coach Chris McCoy. The veteran coach has guided at least one UAPB athlete to the NCAA Championships in seven of the past ten seasons.

“Jordan’s growth this season has been incredible,” said McCoy. “He’s trusted the process, trained with purpose, and now he’s earned the chance to compete for a national title.”

Leaving a Mark

UAPB’s 4×100-meter relay team also made headlines this season. Although they didn’t qualify for the finals, they broke records and turned heads. The group — Dwight Henry, Jared Sylvester, Avindale Smith, and Ross Walrond — ran a season-best 39.27 seconds. That mark shattered a 37-year-old Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) record and the UAPB school record. They finished 14th in the nation, a rare feat for an HBCU relay team.

“This relay group left their mark,” McCoy said. “What they accomplished speaks volumes about their dedication and belief in one another. They’ve elevated the standard for our program.”

Now, the spotlight shifts back to Jordan Pierre. He will race on one of the sport’s biggest stages, the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, on Friday, June 13 at 6:02 PM PT, live on ESPN, with hopes of bringing a national title back to Pine Bluff.

His story, along with the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff relay team’s success, proves that HBCU programs can compete — and thrive — at the highest level of college track and field.

The post HBCU Track Star Reaches NCAA Finals with Record Time appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

On Day Two of the competition, the Bison quartet of Kailei Collins (Houston), Marcia Sey (London, U.K.), Tiffani-Rae Pittman (Bowie, Md.), and Aiyana Gray-Williams (Winston-Salem, N.C.) kicked things off by setting a new school record in the 4×100-meter relay. Their blazing time of 43.08 seconds, while not an automatic qualifier, was fast enough to earn them a coveted spot in Saturday’s final.

Top Competition

Howard will line up against powerhouse programs like USC and South Carolina in the relay final. The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 14, at 9:02 p.m. ET. USC posted the fastest semifinal time at 42.55. Followed closely by South Carolina (42.88), but Howard’s squad is poised to make a statement.

In individual competition, Sey advanced to the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships final round in the 100-meter hurdles with a strong non-automatic qualifying time of 12.88 seconds. She’ll compete Saturday at 9:42 p.m. ET against a stacked field led by UCLA’s Yanla Ndjip-Nyemeck (12.71) and Oregon’s Aaliyah McCormick (12.76).

Although junior Aniya Woodruff (Harrisburg, N.C.) narrowly missed advancing in the 400-meter hurdles by just 0.005 seconds. The NC native’s efforts were not overlooked. She earned Second Team All-American honors. She became only the second woman in Howard history to achieve All-American status in the long hurdles.

Collins also competed individually in the 100-meter dash and, despite not advancing to the final, earned an honorable mention from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA), adding to Howard’s growing list of accolades.

With two entries headed to Championship Saturday in Eugene, Oregon, and multiple national honors secured. Howard University continues to elevate its profile in NCAA Division I competition. The historic performance highlights the growing strength of HBCU athletic programs and the Bison’s unrelenting drive toward national prominence.

The post HBCU Sends Relay and Hurdler to NCAA Championship Finals appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

Howard 4×100 Relay Team Advances with Season Best

Graduates Kailei Collins (Houston) and Marcia Sey (London, U.K.), senior Tiffani-Rae Pittman (Bowie, Md.), and sophomore Aiyana Gray-Williams (Winston-Salem, N.C.) qualified in the 4×100-meter relay. The team clocked a season-best 43.86 to automatically secure their spot in Eugene, Oregon.

Sey and Collins Punch Individual Tickets

Marcia Sey qualified individually in the 100-meter hurdles with an impressive 12.99-second finish, earning an automatic bid.

Kailei Collins also secured an individual spot. She clocked 11.21 seconds in the 100-meter dash, qualifying with a non-AQ time. Collins competed in the 200-meter dash but missed advancing.

Woodruff Sets Personal Best in 400-Meter Hurdles

Third-year standout Aniya Woodruff (Harrisburg, N.C.) earned her place in the 400-meter hurdles. She ran a personal best of 56.12 seconds to qualify.

Graduate Ariana Smith (Pennsville, N.J.) and freshman Cenaiya Billups (Denver) also competed but did not advance.

Other Howard Relay and Field Efforts Fall Short

The 4×400-meter relay team of Smith, Woodruff, junior Kiya Lawson (Montclair, N.J.), and freshman Lindsay Johnson (Detroit) came up short in qualifying.

In the triple jump, juniors Kelis Armstrong (Plano, Texas) and Jazmyn Wajd (Tampa, Fla.) also competed but missed qualification.

Next Stop: Eugene

The 2025 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships take place June 11–14 in Eugene, Oregon. Howard’s qualified athletes will look to represent Bison Nation on the national stage.

How to Watch

You can watch the 2025 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships live on the ESPN family of networks from June 11 to June 14, 2025. The event will be held at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.

Broadcast Schedule (All times Eastern)

• Men’s Day 1: Wednesday, June 11 at 7:00 PM on ESPN
• Women’s Day 1: Thursday, June 12 at 7:00 PM on ESPN
• Men’s Day 2: Friday, June 13 at 8:30 PM on ESPN2
• Women’s Day 2: Saturday, June 14 at 6:00 PM on ESPNU

All sessions will also stream live on ESPN+ and WatchESPN, including field events and combined events like the decathlon and heptathlon.

The post Howard women the leading HBCU at NCAA Track Championship appeared first on HBCU Gameday.

At the NCAA Division II Outdoor Championships in Pueblo, Colorado, WSSU athletes Charnessa Reid and Brianna Benloss delivered standout performances. Benloss ran a personal-best 11.39 in the 100m prelims to qualify for the finals, finishing ninth overall and earning Second Team All-American honors. Reid, meanwhile, placed fourth nationally in the 100m hurdles with a time of 13.35, securing First Team All-American status.

Reid’s dominance this season—undefeated in collegiate hurdles competition and victorious at the CIAA Championships—also earned her the title of USTFCCCA Division II Atlantic Region Athlete of the Year. WSSU assistant coach Paula Salmon, in her first season, was named Atlantic Region Assistant Coach of the Year after leading WSSU’s sprinters and hurdlers to five CIAA titles, ten school records, and 23 NCAA provisional marks.

Adding to the momentum, HBCU standout Candace Morris is transferring to WSSU from West Virginia State. Morris, a First Team All-American in the 60m dash during the indoor season, also swept the 100m and 200m titles at the Mountain East Conference Outdoor Championships. Her arrival gives WSSU even more firepower heading into 2025.

WSSU continues to showcase the strength and depth of HBCU athletics on the national stage, with its women’s track program earning accolades and attracting elite talent. With All-Americans, championship hardware, and elite transfers, WSSU is setting the standard for HBCU excellence in track and field.

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From HBCU to Oregon

The presence of HBCU athletes at the championships is more than symbolic. It’s historical. Long overlooked in mainstream track coverage, HBCU programs have been developing elite talent for decades. The recent success of names like Cambrea Sturgis and Randolph Ross, both North Carolina A&T alumni, proves what happens when HBCU athletes get the spotlight they deserve. Sturgis dominated at the 2021 NCAA Championships, claiming national titles in the 100m and 200m before going pro. Ross, a two-time NCAA champion in the 400m, represented Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics.

Their success mirrors that of an athlete like Sha’Carri Richardson, a household name now but once a rising star in the NCAA ranks. Her 2019 collegiate championship in the 100m was a launchpad to global stardom, culminating in her victory at the 2023 World Championships. Like many before her, she used the NCAA stage in Eugene, Oregon, to announce her presence to the world. That same opportunity now lies ahead for this year’s HBCU athletes.

NC A&T and Howard Lead the Charge

When it comes to depth and dominance, North Carolina A&T continues to set the bar for HBCU Track & Field programs. Isaiah Taylor, the Aggies’ Swiss Army knife, is making noise in both the 110m and 400m hurdles, with season-best times of 13.46 and 50.25, respectively. He’s not alone — Xzaviah Taylor leads the 400m hurdles field with a blistering 49.18, while Xavier Partee (triple jump) and Olivia Dowd (women’s triple jump) are each ranked top 10 in their events. Their men’s and women’s relay squads are also in the hunt, with the 4x100m clocking 38.96 — an Olympic-caliber mark.

But don’t sleep on Howard University. The Bison are roaring into Eugene with serious momentum. Noah Langford has stormed into contention in the 400m hurdles, dropping a personal best of 49.50. On the women’s side, hurdler Marcia Sey is peaking at the perfect time, running 12.99 in the quarters and owning a season-best 12.76 — a time that puts her firmly in the World Games conversation. Sprinter Kailei Collins and 400m hurdler Aniya Woodruff round out a stacked women’s squad, bolstered by a 4×100 relay team that ran a sizzling 43.36, good for sixth entering nationals.

Star Power Across the Board

HBCUs are making their mark across multiple events, not just on the track. Alabama State’s Anthony Wood (16.04m) and Jackson State’s Ledamian Rowell (15.99m) are flying under the radar in the triple jump but could make serious noise. Southern’s Roman Smith cleared 2.18m in the high jump — tied for third among qualifiers. And keep an eye on Jamarion Stubbs of Alabama State, who’s posted a 10.11 in the 100m and 20.11 in the 200m — numbers that make him a dark horse in both sprints.

From Kirk Dawkins (Florida A&M, 1:46.62 in the 800m) to Jordan Pierre (Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 45.54 in the 400m), HBCU athletes are delivering performances worthy of national attention. UAPB’s 4×100 relay team enters Eugene with a 38.98 — not just fast, but dangerously close to professional-level pacing.

The Bigger Picture: From Eugene to Paris

What’s happening in Eugene isn’t just about medals or bragging rights — it’s about visibility and legacy. The NCAA Championships are a launching pad to the professional circuit and global competition, with the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo fast approaching. For many athletes, this meet is more than a collegiate finale — it’s a springboard to earn a spot on Team USA and compete against the world’s best.

Final Lap

In this year’s NCAA Division I Track & Field Championships, HBCU athletes are not just participating; they’re leading the pack, setting personal bests, and eyeing international glory. And all eyes will be on Eugene, Oregon, as the next potential track superstar could be lining up at the starting blocks.

The 2025 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships will take place from June 11 to June 14 at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. Fans can catch the action live on the ESPN family of networks, with coverage scheduled as follows:

• Wednesday, June 11 – Men’s Day 1 at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN
• Thursday, June 12 – Women’s Day 1 at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN
• Friday, June 13 – Men’s Day 2 at 8:30 PM ET on ESPN2
• Saturday, June 14 – Women’s Day 2 at 9:00 PM ET on ESPN2

For a detailed schedule and more information, visit the NCAA’s official broadcast schedule.

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The news came via the official GamecockTrackXC Instagram account, where it posted a picture of Williams with the caption, “Starting the regionals week with a big transfer announcement…welcome to the squad Tyson.”

From Mallard Creek to JCSU

Williams’ journey began at Mallard Creek High School in Charlotte, North Carolina. There, he recorded personal bests of 10.39 seconds in the 100m and 20.88 in the 200m. He earned All-State honors and helped his school win a 4A state title in the 4x200m relay with a time of 1:24.81.

Choosing to stay close to home, he committed to JCSU, one of the top HBCU programs in the country. Under legendary head coach Carol Lawrence, Williams thrived.

Making His Mark in College

In his freshman indoor season, Williams claimed the NCAA DII national title in the 200m, running 20.58 seconds, the fourth-fastest time in DII history. During the outdoor season, he placed 3rd in the 200m and 5th in the 100m at the national championships. Earlier in the year, he set school records of 10.21 (100m) and 20.17 (200m) at the VertKlasse Invitational.

His breakout season earned him CIAA Track Athlete of the Year honors.

The Leap to the SEC

Transferring to South Carolina is a massive step up. The Gamecocks have a rich track and field history, boasting multiple NCAA appearances and Olympic alumni. Head coach Tim Hall continues to build one of the fastest sprint programs in the SEC.

For Williams, this move means more exposure, elite training, and the chance to compete against the best of the best.

While Williams’ future looks bright, his departure is a loss for HBCU athletics. Programs like JCSU, led by Coach Lawrence, have long developed top-tier talent despite limited resources. Lawrence herself is a respected figure, known for mentoring champions and Olympians.

Williams’ transfer highlights a growing challenge: retaining rising stars within HBCU programs. His success story began at an HBCU, and that should not be forgotten as his star rises.

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Lincoln University (MO), an HBCU known for its strong track and field tradition, claimed the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field National Championship in the women’s 4×400-meter relay on May 24, 2025, in Pueblo, Colorado. The Blue Tigers crossed the line in a season-best 3:32.62, edging out Northwest Missouri by just 0.29 seconds.

Why it matters

This victory puts a spotlight on the continued excellence of HBCU athletics on the national stage. It’s Lincoln’s first 4×400 relay title since 2014 and shows the program’s strength during its first year in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC). The Blue Tigers are proving they can win anywhere, against anyone.

Fast Facts

• The squad featured Shaneal Clarke-Giddings, Britney Brown, Shevanae Thomas, and Shantae George.
• Clarke-Giddings also finished sixth in the 800 meters (2:06.98).
• George clocked eighth in the 200 meters (23.34) and helped the 4×100 relay team earn second-team All-American honors.
• Thomas placed eighth in the 400 meters (53.35), showing the team’s depth across sprints.
• Lincoln’s track legacy includes five straight NCAA DII titles from 2003 to 2007, plus wins in 2009 and 2014.

HBCU Legacy in Full Force

Lincoln University (MO) continues to set the standard in NCAA Division II track and field. This championship win is more than a trophy—it’s a statement about the strength, pride, and resilience of HBCU athletic programs. Competing in a new conference this year, the Blue Tigers showcased their ability to adapt and excel against tough competition.

This win resonates with alumni, students, and fans alike. It’s a celebration of Lincoln’s track and field legacy and a testament to the power of HBCU athletics on the national stage.

For more on HBCU success stories, visit HBCU Gameday for coverage and updates.

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Howard Women Run Away with MEAC Track Title

Howard’s women’s track and field team delivered a dominant performance, continuing their reign with a fourth consecutive MEAC Outdoor Track & Field Championship. The Bison finished with 292 points—over 100 more than their closest rival.

The HBCU program’s success was comprehensive. Howard dominated across all disciplines, collecting 14 gold medals and making 28 podium appearances, including three complete podium sweeps. From sprints to distance, every event reflected the team’s preparation and depth.

Star sprinter Kailei Collins claimed victory in the 100m dash (11.28), while teammate Kiya Lawson secured gold in the 200m (22.87) and 400m (53.75). In hurdles, Marcia Sey captured the 100m hurdles title in 12.84 seconds.

Middle-distance runner Camille Egbula earned back-to-back wins in the 800m and 1500m. Joslyn Crosby added a win in the 5,000m. Howard’s 4x100m relay squad—Collins, Sey, Tiffani-Rae Pittman, and Aiyana Gray-Williams—sealed their dominance with a 44.15-second win.

Norfolk State Track Team Secures Men’s Championship

Norfolk State’s men’s track team continued its MEAC dynasty, earning its fourth straight outdoor championship. The Spartans totalled 227 points, separating themselves from the competition.

This HBCU program excelled in both sprints and distance events. In the 10,000m, Gidion Sigei led a podium sweep with a time of 30:36.11. Norfolk State repeated the sweep in the 5,000m behind Sigei, Victor Jumo, and Lewis Too.

On the sprint side, Premier Wynn won the 400m (46.53), while Kendrick Winfield claimed the 200m (20.70) after finishing second in the 400. The Spartans capped their performance with a dominant 4x400m relay win in 3:09.34.

Howard Men Share Second in Competitive Finish

Howard University’s men’s team tied for second place with Coppin State, each scoring 111.5 points. The Bison were led by standout hurdler Noah Langford, who won the 110m hurdles (13.64) and the 400m hurdles (50.65). He later anchored the 4x400m relay team to a second-place finish in 3:09.66.

Other key contributors to the HBCU program’s performance included Goba Dan-Princewill, who finished third in the 100m dash, and Chase Drewery, who earned silver in the triple jump with a mark of 15.44 meters.

MEAC Track & Field Shows HBCU Growth and Depth

The 2025 MEAC Track & Field Championships reflected not only the success of Howard and Norfolk State, but also the rising strength of HBCU programs across the board. Teams like Coppin State, Morgan State, and Delaware State made their presence felt through individual standout performances.

Although the championship trophies went to two familiar programs, the overall depth and competitiveness suggest a bright future for MEAC track and field. With several HBCU athletes advancing to the NCAA Preliminary rounds, the conference is poised to make an impact at the national level.

As the outdoor track season progresses, HBCU programs in the MEAC continue to prove they belong on the national stage—with speed, strength, and strategy that match any conference in the country.

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Why it matters: More high-ranking qualifiers from HBCUs signals increasing parity and investment in Black college track and field programs.

Top HBCU Sprinters Are Among the Nation’s Best

Freshman Tyson Williams from Johnson C. Smith headlines the men’s sprints, seeded 2nd nationally in the 200m (20.17) and tied for 12th in the 100m (10.21). At Lincoln University (Mo.), veteran Reuben Nichols brings strength in the 200m (22nd, 20.80) and 400m (13th, 46.46).

On the women’s side, Shantae George of Lincoln (Mo.) ranks 6th in the 200m (23.27) and 16th in the 100m (11.43), anchoring both of the school’s nationally ranked relays.

Why it matters: Top seedings from Williams and George could translate into national titles and team points.

HBCU Relay Squads Carry Podium Potential

Lincoln (Mo.) brings depth and speed in relays. The men’s 4x400m team is ranked 2nd (3:06.23), and the women’s 4x400m squad shares the same ranking (3:37.88). The 4x100m relay team is ranked 3rd (45.12), reinforcing Lincoln’s strength in team events.

Why it matters: These relays are built not just for qualifying—but for winning.

SIAC schools have built sprinting powerhouses

Kibren Moore of Albany State is competing in the 100m (15th, 10.25), 200m (7th, 20.51), and the 4x100m relay. Darrian Clarke of Benedict College is seeded 20th in the 200m (20.77), and his team’s 4x100m relay is ranked 6th nationally at 40.18.

Albany State’s Cadence Cray will also race in the 200m (17th, 23.43), while teammate Nathalia Rowe holds the 6th seed in the women’s 400m hurdles (58.83).

Why it matters: These programs are turning conference dominance into national relevance.

Hurdlers Prove HBCUs Can Coach the Details

In technical events like the hurdles, HBCUs have strong representation:

• Mohamed Adoini (Johnson C. Smith): 110m hurdles (9th), 400m hurdles (10th)
• Jaevon Riley (Claflin): 400m hurdles (10th)
• Sharim Hamilton (Lincoln – Mo.): 400m hurdles (13th)
• Clinton Laguerre (Lincoln – Mo.): 400m hurdles (17th)
• Jermiah Alibey (Morehouse): 400m hurdles (18th)
• Shawn Jarrett II (Tuskegee): Also among the top qualifiers
• Odeshia Nanton (Lincoln – Mo.): Women’s 400m hurdles (11th)

Why it matters: Success in hurdles reflects disciplined coaching and well-rounded athletic development.

Middle-Distance Runners Bring Versatility

In the men’s 400m, Samuel Vessat (Edward Waters) is seeded 8th (46.18), with Michael Simmons Jr. (Morehouse) at 13th (46.42). Zion Murry (Claflin) will compete in the 800m (18th, 1:49.25).

On the women’s side, Shevanae Thomas (Lincoln – Mo.) is 12th in the 400m (53.41), and Kamani Johns (Lincoln – Pa.) is 19th (53.89). Shaneal Clarke-Giddings (Lincoln – Mo.) holds the 13th seed in the 800m (2:07.52).

Why it matters: These athletes add balance to sprint-heavy squads, expanding HBCUs’ scoring potential.

Final Takeaway: HBCUs Are Poised to Make Noise

This year’s championship marks a turning point. HBCUs are sending more top-ranked athletes than ever before. With strong relay teams and individual medal contenders, these programs are no longer underdogs—they’re contenders.

Why it matters: Success at the national level opens doors to funding, recognition, and future recruiting advantages, helping HBCU programs continue to thrive.

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The Rams delivered a strong showing at the Southside Power & Fitness Invitational hosted by Lenoir-Rhyne, finishing second overall with 106 points—just behind the host’s 195. Multiple student-athletes posted standout performances that helped secure Winston-Salem State’s regional recognition.

Leading the charge is Charnessa Reid, who was recently named CIAA Track Athlete of the Week for the fourth consecutive time. Reid clocked a nation’s top-five time of 13.54 seconds in the 100m hurdles and also contributed to a first-place finish in the 4x100m relay (47.02), alongside Lydia Chapple, Zaniah Field, and Trinity Brooks. Reid also recorded a personal record in the high jump at 1.60m, earning second place.

Other top finishes included a win in the 4x400m relay (3:45.13) by Simone Kelly, Asheika Smith, Daijion Lee, and Olivia Cosby. Smith also claimed second in the 400m dash (55.48), while Rainn Sheppard and Simone Kelly added podium finishes in the 800m run.

Brooks impressed with third in the triple jump (11.05m), and the Rams showed depth in throwing events with consistent efforts across the discus, javelin, and shot put.

With momentum building, WSSU looks ahead to the 2025 Aggie Invitational on April 18-19 in Greensboro, N.C., hosted by North Carolina A&T. As the only HBCU program in the Atlantic Region Top 5, the Rams are proudly carrying the banner for Black college track and field on the national stage.

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BALTIMORE, Md. – The Penn Relays Carnival is gearing up to celebrate a new class of legends. It is announcing the inductees for its prestigious 2025 Wall of Fame. This year’s honorees comprise four exceptional individuals and two remarkable relay teams, including a record-breaking HBCU relay team from Morgan State. Their contributions to the Carnival have left an indelible mark on the event’s rich history. 

The formal induction ceremony is set to be a highlight of the 2025 Penn Relays. It will take place on the final day, Saturday, April 26th, at the iconic Franklin Field. Providing a fitting stage to recognize and celebrate these athletes’ outstanding achievements.

Morgan State’s fabled 1950 record-breaking 4×440 yard Championship of America relay team will be inducted into the Penn Relays Wall of Fame. The HBCU foursome consisted of Samuel LaBeach, Robert Tyler, William Brown, and George Rhoden.

Record Breakers

In 1950, Morgan’s sensational quartet ran off with the prize race at the Penn Relay Carnival in the record-breaking time of 3:13.6, breaking the previous Penn Relays record of 3:14.8 that had stood since 1939. The team featured LaBeach (49.9), Tyler (48.7), Brown (47.5), and Rhoden (47.5), giving Morgan its first victory at the Penn Relays and vindicated themselves for a disqualification that had deprived them of the same honor in 1949.

In 1949, the Morgan foursome’s track prowess was undeniable, having decisively outpaced a formidable field, including Cornell, NYU, Georgetown, Army, Manhattan, and Villanova. However, a controversial ruling snatched victory from their grasp. Despite finishing behind the Morgan team. NYU was awarded the win based on a claim that LaBeach, a member of the Morgan quartet, had illegally used his hands on the initial turn. Allegedly jeopardizing his team’s qualification. The sting of the decision was amplified by the significant margin of victory. NYU, timed at 3:15.6, trailed the Bears by approximately 20 yards. Giving rise to the presumption Morgan must have done close to a 3.14 for their triumph.

After Morgan’s 1950 breakthrough victory, the Bears established a dynasty, claiming four more 4×440 titles over the next 32 years.  This period solidified Morgan’s reputation as a sprinting relay national powerhouse in collegiate track throughout the 1950s.

Nationwide Attention

The HBCU team continued to win at the prestigious Melrose Games in New York City and other meets throughout the country. The historic four ran a 3:09.4 at the Los Angeles Coliseum Relays, two seconds off the World Record. Morgan State College gained widespread recognition. Sports Illustrated, Time Magazine, Ebony Magazine, and the Afro-American Newspaper featured the team in their publications. The foursome became goodwill ambassadors for Morgan, both nationally and internationally.

The Penn Relays Wall of Fame was created in 1994 to celebrate the Carnival’s 100th running. The class of 2025 brings the number of inductees to 130 individuals and 117 relay teams. This year’s individuals and relay squads were selected by a panel of Penn Relays experts. Inductees are honored solely for their accomplishments at the Penn Relays; achievements in any other meets are not considered. The Penn Relays office will accept nominations of relay teams and individuals at any time and from any interested party. 

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COLUMBIA, SC – Senior North Carolina A&T (NCAT) indoor track and field women’s hurdler/sprinter Lucheyona Weaver headlined the day at the University of South Carolina’s Gamecock Challenge on Saturday by beating Olympian Gabbi Cunningham in the 60-meter hurdle final at the Carolina Indoor Track and Field Complex. In addition to Weaver’s outstanding showing, the A&T men’s and women’s HBCU indoor track and field teams found a sea of success with numerous top-three finishes.

Weaver went toe-to-toe with Cunningham, who appeared in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games for the 100H. Weaver fell behind Cunnigham in the preliminaries as she crossed in 8.36 to qualify second, but in the finals, she overtook the Nike-sponsored athlete by posting an 8.16 to Cunninham’s 8.31.

The two-time Coastal Athletic Association 60H champion has six career 60H wins, including two this season. Weaver is ranked No. 12 nationally in the women’s 60H.  

On the men’s side, junior Thomas Smith IV (7.95), sophomore Isaiah Taylor (7.97), and junior Jason Holmes (8.20), respectively, qualified first, second, and fifth in the 60H. Later in the day, Holmes and Smith IV battled it out in the finals, finishing milliseconds apart.

Both marked a 7.8 on the official’s sheet, but Holmes (7.772) placed first and Smith IV (7.777) took second while claiming a new personal record. Taylor finished sixth in 8.37.

Senior Spirit Morgan made her second appearance and took her second win as an Aggie, conquering the women’s high jump in 5 feet, 8 inches.

Another HBCU track and field newcomer, sophomore Dyimond Walker, made his Aggie debut Aggie in the men’s 600 meters. Walker is a transfer from New Mexico Junior College, and in his first Division I race, he managed to finish second in 1:19.76.

The other top runs of the day came from senior Fajr Kelly (2:07.76), who placed second in the women’s 800m, and sophomore Serenity Brazell (56.62) who placed second in the women’s 400m.

Taking some more top spots in the women’s field events included graduate student My’Khiyah Williams (5 feet, 6 inches) claiming second in the high jump; junior Olivia Dowd (38 feet, 5 ½ inches) finding third in the triple jump; and graduate student Julieth Nwosu (48 feet, 4 ¾ inches) and junior Taylor Reagor (44 feet, 6 ¾ inches) took second and third in the shot put.

Freshman TyHeak Buie placed second in the men’s triple jump at 51 feet, 2 ¼ inches. Buies previous personal record was 49 feet, 3 ¾ inches from the Corky Classic at Texas Tech University last month.

Next week, the HBCU track teams at North Carolina A&T will be headed north to Lynchburg, Va., for Liberty University’s Liberty Opener. The teams will compete February 7-8 at the Liberty Indoor Track Complex.

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LUBBOCK, Texas – The HBCU men’s and women’s indoor track and field teams from North Carolina A&T saw a school record fall on Day One of the 2025 Corky Classic at Texas Tech University’s Sports Performance Center.

Junior Jason Holmes has officially won all three of his 60-meter hurdles finals this season and now holds the North Carolina A&T 60H program record. Nine months earlier, Holmes broke the record at the HBCU in the 110H at Penn Relays by running a 13.43.

Championing the final at the Corky Classic, Holmes marked a personal best of 7.54 to topple the old Aggies record of 7.55, held by Leonard Mustari from the Tiger Paw Invite at Clemson University on Feb. 12, 2022.

On Tuesday, Holmes was honored as the Coastal Athletic Conference (CAA) men’s track athlete of the week – making it the second time he received the award this season after competing in only two previous meets. His recent run currently ranks him as the No. 2 runner in the country, behind Johnny Brackins (7.49) from the University of California (rankings are updated after weekend competitions are completed).

Joining Holmes in the hurdles, sophomore Isaiah Taylor crossed second in Heat 1 of the semifinals and finished with a personal record of 7.74. He placed fifth overall after posting a 7.75 in the finals.

On the women’s side, senior Lucheyona Weaver also saw a good day in the 60H. In the semis, she placed first in the second heat while running a personal-record 8.11. In the finals, she finished fifth in 8.14. After moving to No. 9 on the NCAA Div I list this past week, her new PR could bump her back up to No. 5.

Senior Fajr Kelly took home a second-place title for the women in the 800m, coming in just behind Texas Christian University’s Tabitha Ngao, with a time of 2:09.8. And sophomore Serenity Brazell placed sixth in 2:15.16.

While competing in the 800m for the men, junior Dawson Grogan ran a personal-record 1:53.23 to shave one second off his indoor record of 1:54.3, and freshman Elijah Thomas followed up with a run of 1:54.35.

On Day Two of the Corky Classic, the Aggies will compete in 200m and several field events at the Texas Tech Sports Performance Center.

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INSTITUTE, W.Va. – HBCU West Virginia State University (WVSU) has been awarded  $250,000 by the Kanawha County Commission to help build a new track and field complex at the university. The funding comes from American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds and was approved by the commission at its Wednesday meeting. 

“We are grateful to the Kanawha County Commission for their support to build a track and field complex at West Virginia State University,” said WVSU President Ericke S. Cage. “This new facility will not only be a tremendous asset for our university and our student-athletes, but for the entire Kanawha County community giving local middle school and high school students an opportunity to also practice and train here. Since relaunching our track and field programs we have been actively working to raise the funds necessary to build a facility on our campus and this commitment from the Kanawha County Commission is a tremendous boost to that work.”

WVSU brought back its men’s and women’s track and field teams last year. Since their return, the teams have been practicing at off-campus facilities in the Kanawha Valley. 

“This is another remarkable display of the commission’s dedication to not only supporting our student-athletes at West Virginia State University but all the youth in Kanawha County,” said WVSU Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Nate Burton. “This new facility will provide championship caliber resources for our track and field student-athletes, while also supplying an additional track that the community can use. Similar to the way all of our athletic facilities are used, we envision high schools, middle schools, and area youth organizations using the facility to train and host meets.”

In addition to being the future home of Yellow Jackets track and field, once completed the facility could also help to recruit larger track and field events to the region, Burton said, similar to the large events that the nearby Shawnee Sports Complex has been able to attract.

The HBCU track will also be open to area residents to come and walk and run when not in use.

Fundraising for the construction of the new track and field complex is ongoing. For those interested in giving, donations may be made online at https://connect.wvstateu.edu/foundation/athletics.

About West Virginia State University

West Virginia State University is a public, land-grant, historically black university (HBCU) that has evolved into a fully accessible, racially integrated, and multi-generational institution located in Institute, W.Va. As a “living laboratory of human relations,” the university is a community of students, staff, and faculty committed to academic growth, service, and preservation of the racial and cultural diversity of the institution. Its mission is to meet the state and region’s higher education and economic development needs through innovative teaching and applied research.

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (October 7, 2024) – Jacksonville, FL HBCU Edward Waters University is pleased to announce its selection as the host for two prestigious NCAA Division II Championships. The university will hold the 2027 NCAA Division II Women’s Volleyball Championship, as well as the 2028 NCAA Division II Men’s & Women’s Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Additionally, the University of North Florida will host the 2027 NCAA Division I Men’s & Women’s Outdoor Track & Field First Round Championships.

This marks a historic milestone for Jacksonville and its only HBCU, which will host these Division II collegiate tournaments for the first time. The city has never previously hosted three distinct championships within a two-year period. Edward Waters University’s recent transition to Division II status has enabled Jacksonville to bid for these national championships, in collaboration with the University of North Florida.

“We are thrilled that Jacksonville has been awarded these tournaments and eagerly anticipate welcoming fans, friends, and family to the events,” stated Michael Corrigan, President and CEO of Visit Jacksonville and President of the Jacksonville Sports Foundation. “The successful collaboration among Visit Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Sports Foundation, the Jacksonville City Council, the City of Jacksonville Office of Sports and Entertainment, Edward Waters University, Jacksonville University, and the University of North Florida has made this achievement possible. We look forward to further partnerships with the NCAA to bring additional events to Florida’s Championship City.”

Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr., President and CEO of Edward Waters University, expressed his enthusiasm regarding this opportunity:

“This is a monumental moment for Edward Waters University and the city of Jacksonville. Being selected to host these NCAA Division II Championships reflects our institution’s growth and commitment to athletic excellence. As the first HBCU in Florida to transition to NCAA Division II, we are proud to showcase our capabilities on a national platform. These events will not only provide thrilling competition on our campus but will also significantly benefit our local community. We are excited to welcome student-athletes from across the nation and highlight the warm hospitality of Edward Waters University and Jacksonville.”

The collaborative efforts among these organizations have significantly influenced Jacksonville’s sports bidding strategies. These strong partnerships have shifted the city’s focus toward future sports events, leading to bids for 16 NCAA Division I and II championships for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 academic years across men’s and women’s basketball, outdoor track, soccer, and women’s volleyball.

These esteemed NCAA Division II Championships represent a pivotal milestone in Edward Waters University’s journey toward enhanced prominence. Dr. Ivana Rich, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics at EWU, elaborated on the importance of these events:

“We are thrilled to serve as hosts for the 2027 NCAA Division II Women’s Volleyball Championship and the 2028 NCAA Division II Men’s & Women’s Outdoor Track & Field Championships in collaboration with our partners at UNF,” Dr. Rich said.” This underscores our dedication to athletic excellence and positions Jacksonville as a dynamic sports hub. We look forward to welcoming athletes and fans nationwide to enjoy our outstanding facilities and warm hospitality. We truly value the collaboration with UNF and Visit Jacksonville to make this dream a reality. I take immense pride in representing the NCAA Division II membership on this stage and look forward to providing these student-athletes with a world-class experience.”

The championships are anticipated to yield numerous benefits for Edward Waters University, including:

• Increased national visibility for the institution
• Enhanced recruitment opportunities for both athletes and non-athletes
• Improved campus facilities to meet NCAA standards
• Strengthened partnerships with local businesses and organizations
• Economic benefits for the surrounding community

“These events will serve as a catalyst for our ongoing growth and development,” Dr. Faison added. “They exemplify our commitment to excellence in all aspects of university life and will inspire our students, faculty, and staff to achieve new heights. As we prepare to welcome the nation’s top Division II athletes, we are also ready to present Edward Waters University as a rising star in higher education.”

By successfully hosting these championships, Edward Waters University aims to solidify its position as a leader among HBCU and Division II institutions, further advancing its mission of emerging prominence in both academic and athletic spheres.

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Anna Cockrell is the daughter of Kieth Cockrell, the vice chair of the board of trustees for Johnson C. Smith University, and had a hall of fame high school track career in Charlotte at Providence Day under current Johnson C Smith University track coach Carol Lawrence.

Johnson C. Smith University’s social media accounts were ablaze with images and video of the Olympian’s visit taken by JCSU biology major Jay Smarr. Cockrell met with the team at the school’s track and football field, the Irwin Belk Complex. Wearing an official Team USA jacket and sporting her Olympic silver medal, the 2021 NCAA champion in the 100m hurdles and 400m hurdles spoke to the team about the sacrifices she made during her collegiate career that ultimately led to her Olympic success.

“Nothing was going to stop me from what I had to do like that’s really how I felt,” Cockrell says in the video. “I mean Coach Lawerence knows this, I’ve sacrificed a lot,” she tells the HBCU track squad. ” I was in LA for college, then I left LA to move to Texas when I went pro, my coach took a job at Arkansas, and the last thing I wanted to do was move to Arkansas.”

Those sacrifices helped her go from NCAA National Champion to the women’s 400m hurdle final at the Tokyo Olympics and eventually become an Olympic Silver Medalist in Paris in the summer of 2024.

The Irwin Belk Complex at Johnson C Smith University features an Olympic-sized track and has been the site of several major track and field events including the US Paralympic Track and Field trials and the AAU Summer Games. Positioned just beneath the skyline of the city of Charlotte it had to imagine Cockrell didn’t run a race or two on the HBCU track during her 6-time All-American high school career.

Cockrell ranks No. 1 all-time in North Carolina history in three events: 100m hurdles (13.17), 300m hurdles (40.42), and the 400m hurdles (55.20).  She was a 16-time NCISAA state champion in the 100m (2013-16), 200m (2016), 100m hurdles (2013-16), 300m hurdles (2013-16), 4x100m (2013) and 4x400m (2014-15) and was a 2-time World Junior Champion in the 400m hurdles and 4x400m relay as a high school senior and the Pan Am Champion in the 400m hurdles as a junior.  

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BALTIMORE, Md. – Morgan State University is deeply saddened by the loss of George Rhoden, an HBCU Olympian and former track and field legend who passed away on August 24, 2024, at the age of 97. Rhoden, a native of Jamaica, attended Morgan State (1950-52) where he excelled in track and field. He was hailed by many as the best quarter-miler to have ever represented Jamaica.

In 1952, Rhoden represented Jamaica at the Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland, where he won a gold medal in the 400-meter race and was a member of the Golden Quartet that won the 4x400m. a silver medal in the 800-meter race. He became the first Jamaican to win an Olympic gold medal in track and field and was hailed as a national hero.

Born on December 13, 1926, in Kingston, Jamaica, Rhoden’s journey to Olympic greatness began in the late 1940s, when he emerged as one of the leading long sprinters of his era. Alongside his compatriots Arthur Wint and Herb McKenley, Rhoden helped establish Jamaica as a dominant force in athletics during the post-war period.

Rhoden first competed in the 1948 London Olympics, where he participated in the 100m and 400m events. Although he did not secure a medal in London, it was a precursor to the greatness that would follow. Rhoden and his teammates were expected to perform strongly in the 4x400m relay, but a muscle injury to Wint during the final dashed their hopes of a medal.

Rhoden continued to emerge in the world of track & field. On August 22, 1950, he shattered the world record in the 400m, setting an astonishing time of 45.8 seconds in Eskilstuna, Sweden. His dominance in the 400m was further cemented by his victories in the AAU championships from 1949 to 1951 and the NCAA championships while at HBCU Morgan State University, where he claimed titles in the 220-yard (200m) and 440-yard (400m) events.

At the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Rhoden’s athletic prowess soared to new heights. As a pre-race favorite in the 400m, Rhoden’s every stride was fueled by anticipation. In a race that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, Rhoden emerged victorious, narrowly edging out his close friend and fellow Jamaican, Herb McKenley, to claim the gold medal. But Rhoden’s Olympic glory did not end there. As the anchor leg of Jamaica’s 4x400m relay team, he led his team to victory, securing a second gold medal and setting a new world record of 3:03.9. This victory was especially sweet, as it came against the United States, the country where Rhoden had made his home after moving to San Francisco.

Rhoden’s legacy is one of perseverance, excellence, and national pride. His achievements paved the way for future generations of HBCU and Jamaican athletes, setting a standard of excellence that continues to inspire.

As the last surviving member of that legendary 1952 relay team–comprising George Rhoden, Herb McKenley, Arthur Wint, and Les Laing–his passing marks the end of an era for Jamaican athletics. Rhoden’s contributions to the sport, both on and off the track, will be remembered as a cornerstone of Jamaica’s rich sporting heritage.

George Rhoden is survived by his family, friends, and a grateful nation that will forever honor his contributions to Jamaica’s sporting legacy.

In addition to his athletic achievements, Rhoden was a dedicated HBCU educator and mentor. He taught physical education and coached track and field at Howard University and the University of the District of Columbia. He also served as the president of the Jamaican Amateur Athletic Association and was a member of the International Olympic Committee.

Rhoden’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of student-athletes and track and field enthusiasts. He will be remembered as a true pioneer and a champion who represented Morgan State University with pride and distinction.

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HAMPTON, Va. — Hampton University graduates and former HBCU roommates Edose Ibadin and Chidi Okezie wrapped up competition for Nigeria in the Paris Olympic Games in early August.

“Our two former Pirates, Edose Ibadin and Chidi Okezie represented themselves, their family, their country, and the university well at the Paris Olympic Games,” said Hampton head coach Maurice Pierce. “Competing in the Olympic Games is our sport’s highest honor and we are very proud of them”. 

Pierce coached both HBCU athletes during their time at Hampton. Ibadin competed in the men’s 800m race.

“What it meant to be able to compete at the Olympics is that my hard work has not only paid off but the people who have invested in me over the years got a huge return,” said Ibadin. “I may have been competing on the track individually but I was not alone. There have been so many people who have been a part of my journey and I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Ibadin continued, “This has been a dream come true and I know I’ll be able to carry this experience with me for the rest of my life. Who I have become on this journey to the Olympics will for sure help me in many other areas of my life.”

Okezie also ran for Nigeria in the mixed 4x400m, the men’s 400m, and the men’s 4x400m.

“It’s definitely a great experience,” said Okezie. “Being able to run on the track in multiple events, the 400m and the 4x400m relay. I didn’t get the results that I wanted, but the experience to get on the track and seeing my daughter watching me run was amazing. Watching her face light up after the race, couldn’t have asked for more.”

Okezie also explained that running on the track at the Paris Olympic Games was sensational. “Coming from the tunnel, hearing the crowd, 80,000 from the stands…it was like a dream come true.”

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Smith hit the ground running once the Name, Image, and Likeness rules were passed for college athletes in July of 2021, becoming a brand ambassador for dozens of companies while advocating for deals for other HBCU athletes, earning him the title of the “King of NIL,” now, four years later, he has the possibility of being named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list.

“When it came out, I just said – I’ve been doing it – so I might as well get paid for doing it now,” Smith told WAVY-TV in 2021.

“It don’t matter how big the brand it is, how small the brand is – if it fits me, I’m going to stick with it. I’m gonna go with it, and hopefully, it will be a long-term deal and go a long way… My big, main goal, is to help every HBCU athlete get on some type of deal or sponsorship, I feel like we’re not as big as a Power Five school, so I’m trying to make an example that we can get deals no matter what school you’re at.”

Rayquan Smith became the first HBCU athlete to sign an endorsement deal with sneaker giant Eastbay, who later featured HBCU football athletes in a campaign at the HBCU combine.

Since starting his NIL journey, Rayquan Smith has landed over 80 NIL deals from brands like Coach, Pedialyte, Crocs, and CVS and has co-founded his own NIL service “SponsorPro” a digital marketplace where brands and athletes unite for game-changing partnerships through their digital marketplace. 

“SponsorPro sets itself apart with a platform that customizes NIL chances for athletes by fusing cutting-edge technology with a personalized touch,” Smith told Sports Illustrated. “With the use of analytics and a connection-building approach, SponsorPro distinguishes itself by providing meaningful relationships that complement the individual identities and values of each athlete. We place a high value on community development, openness, and simplicity to provide an unmatched experience in the congested NIL platform market.”

Smith started his HBCU football career at Norfolk State, breaking out in 2019 as a freshman with a 62-yard run against North Carolina A&T with his first carry in college. He finished the year ranked second on the team with 430 rushing yards but COVID-19 and injuries caused the Richmond, Va. native to hit the transfer portal, landing at one of Norfolk State’s biggest rivals, Virginia State University, where he helped the track program win its third straight CIAA Championship in 2023.

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Her journey to international success began at Livingstone College, a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Salisbury, North Carolina. During her time at Livingstone, Hayes showcased her exceptional talent, becoming a standout performer in the CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) and earning multiple conference titles.

Hayes’ dominance on the track at the collegiate level paved the way for her professional career. After graduating from Livingstone, she transitioned smoothly into the professional circuit, quickly making her mark. She won her first U.S. National Championship in 2017, establishing herself as one of the top 400-meter runners in the country.

She qualified for the Tokyo Olympics by winning the U.S. Olympic Trials in the 400 meters, edging out Alyison Felix. She finished seventh at the Olympics in Tokyo.

Throughout her career, Quanera Hayes has been an inspiration, especially to young athletes from HBCUs. Her success has highlighted the competitive opportunities at HBCUs and underscored the ability of these institutions to develop world-class athletes. Hayes continues to be a prominent figure in track and field, representing the strength, resilience, and excellence of HBCU athletes on the global stage. And now she has a gold medal from the Paris Olympics.

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PARIS — Making her Paris Olympics debut, former HBCU Track & Field student-athlete Monae’ Nichols of Bethune-Cookman advanced to the finals of the Women’s Long Jump following Tuesday’s semifinals on August 6, at the Stade de France.
 
Nichols recorded a jump of 6.64 to book a place in the final of the Women’s Long Jump. Similar to her Olympic qualification, it was Nichols’ final jump in the semifinals that saw her through to the final with the eighth-best overall performance in the round.
 
She will serve as one of 12 participants in the finals.
 
Before transferring to Texas Tech, Nichols competed for Daytona Beach, FL HBCU Bethune-Cookman from 2018-21, while she would finish her senior season in Lubbock, Texas, with B-CU Athletics suspended for the duration of the 2020-21 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
In her time as a Wildcat, Nichols competed in the 2019 NCAA Outdoor Nationals in the long jump, while also competing in the 2019 NCAA East Preliminaries in the 4×100. She was the 2018 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) champion in the long jump during the outdoor season and took home top honors in the MEAC during the 2018 indoor season as well, completing back-to-back individual titles across the campaign.

 
The finals of the Women’s Long Jump for the Paris 2024 Olympics are scheduled for Thursday, August 8, at 2 p.m. EST.
 
Follow Bethune-Cookman Track & Field on Twitter (@BCUTrackXC) and Instagram (@BCUXCTF) for all of the latest news and updates. For all Bethune-Cookman Athletics news, follow us on Twitter (@BCUAthletics), Instagram (@BCU_Athletics) and BCUathletics.com.

Monae’ Nichols at Bethune Cookman (2018-20)
2019 NCAA OUTDOOR NATIONAL PARTICIPANT (LONG JUMP, 18TH)
2019 NCAA EAST PRELIMINARY (4X100 RELAY, 24TH)
2019 NCAA EAST PRELIMINARY (LONG JUMP, 8TH)
2019 MEAC INDOOR WOMEN’S LONG JUMP CHAMPION
2018 NCAA OUTDOOR NATIONAL PARTICIPANT (4X100, 21ST)
2018 NCAA EAST PRELIMINARY (4×100 RELAY, 12TH)
2018 NCAA EAST PRELIMINARY (LONG JUMP, 14TH)
2018 MEAC OUTDOOR WOMEN’S LONG JUMP CHAMPION

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ACCRA, Ghana — Former HBCU men’s track & field standout Joseph Amoah of Coppin State University has been selected as the captain and flagbearer for Ghana during the 2024 Paris Olympics, which will take place from July 26 through August 11.  Amoah is making his second Olympics appearance at the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, where he will be competing in the 4x100m Relay.
 
“I would like to say thank you to the team for selecting me as captain and flagbearer of the opening ceremony,” said Amoah. “It’s an honor to me. It makes me feel honored and distinguished to have this type of opportunity.  I feel like its another milestone in my career. Not a lot of people even get the chance to compete in the Olympics so being able to compete and getting selected as the flagbearer is mindblowing. I can’t thank God enough.”
 
Ghana will be presenting nine athletes at this year’s Paris Olympics. The heats of the 4x100m will be run on August 8 at 5:35 am ET with the final set for 1:45 pm ET on August 9.

A native of Accra, Ghana, Joseph Amoah was a seven-time USTFCCCA All-American and the 2019 and 2021 Mid-Atlantic Region Track & Field Athlete of the Year. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Amoah took 13^th in the 200m with a time of 20.27 in the semifinals. Amoah also anchored the 4x100m Relay to the finals at the Olympics in a national record time of 38.08, chasing down the United States anchor for the final qualifying spot in the final.
 
Amoah owns personal record times of 9.94 in the 100m dash and 20.08 in the 200m dash while holding records at his HBCU Coppin State in the 100m, 200m, 4x100m, 4x200m and 4x400m Relays.

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DENMARK, S.C. — Garon Jackson, the Director of Track & Field at Daytona Beach, FL HBCU Bethune-Cookman, has been announced to the 2024 class of the Voorhees University Athletics Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony is scheduled to take place during Homecoming weekend in September. Voorhees University is a private career-oriented HBCU in Denmark, South Carolina.
 
Jackson, a 1999 HBCU graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, left an indelible mark on the institution’s track and field program during his tenure as a student-athlete. His exceptional performances and leadership on the track paved the way for a stellar coaching career that has spanned nearly two decades.
 
“This is a great honor,” said Jackson, who returned to Bethune-Cookman as the Director of Track & Field during the 2023-24 season. “God has truly blessed me and my family and continues to shine light and grace upon my family. I definitely appreciate the coaches that coached me over the years; the athletes that I’ve sowed into over the years and my college teammates that created a winning culture at Voorhees University, and those that are doing great things after graduating.”
 
During his time at Voorhees, Jackson competed as a middle/long distance runner for the Tigers.  He still holds the Voorhees and Eastern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (EIAC) records in the 800, 1500, 5000, and 10000 meters in addition to cross country records. Jackson was the EIAC Most Valuable Runner for four years in cross country and three years in Track and Field, finishing undefeated at the Eastern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (EIAC) Championships throughout his entire collegiate career.
 
Jackson also served as head coach at his alma mater for track & field, where he spent five years at the helm of the Tigers program. During his stint at Voorhees, Jackson produced several National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Qualifiers as well as All-Americans and an NAIA National Champion.

 
“I want to thank Voorhees University for taking a chance on a young man from Sumter, South Carolina, and creating a foundation in me — one that everything I am as a person is built upon,” said Jackson.
 
In 2020, he took the helm as track & field head coach at Claflin in his home state of South Carolina. In just three seasons, Jackson guided the Panthers to their first-ever Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Men’s Indoor Track & Field Championship in 2023. That led to Jackson being tabbed CIAA Men’s Indoor Coach of the Year.
 
Jackson was named to the Sumter Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.
 
The induction ceremony will take place on Saturday, September 7, 2024. Jackson will be one of five inductees in this year’s class, joining a distinguished group of alumni who have made significant contributions to athletics at Voorhees and beyond.
 
For more information about the 2024 Voorhees Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony, please visit VoorheesAthletics.com.

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Traditionally, the top three finishers at the trials automatically make the Olympic team. But Snowden and others had not met the Olympic standard jump of 2.33 meters, even though he finished second in the trials.  

Shelby McEwen, the only jumper to beat Snowden at the Olympic Trials won gold by clearing 2.30 meters. He had previously cleared the Olympic standard height during a meet in the Czech Republic, so his first-place finish secured him a spot in Paris.

The rest of the team could not be officially selected until the world rankings were updated. JuVaughn Harrison was ranked third and was the only American besides McEwen to have met the Olympic standard. He cleared 2.36 meters during a meet in Budapest, Hungary.

Vernon Turner claimed the final spot on the USA high jump team for the Paris Olympics by being the highest-ranked American after the two automatic qualifiers. Turner, ranked 20th, did not reach the finals at the US Olympic trials, but his performances throughout the season earned him enough points in the world ranking system to make the trip to Paris.

Caleb Snowden is the first track & field athlete in UAPB history to advance to the US Olympic Team Trial Finals.

“It feels good competing against the best in the country in the Olympic Trial to represent the USA Team in Paris, said Snowden to the school’s media department.  “My training had been going well, and it’s an honor to be among the top 12 to compete in Sunday finals”.

Snowden made history earlier this year at the NCAA Indoor Championships by becoming the first high jumper from an HBCU to secure a top-three position in both the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships in the same year.

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PARIS — Former HBCU Track & Field standouts from Bethune-Cookman Sade McCreath and Monae’ Nichols are each headed to Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics — officially Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, taking place July 26 through August 11. McCreath will represent Canada in the Games, while Nichols is competing for the United States of America.
 
Known by all as Sade McCreath-Tardiel at Bethune-Cookman where she competed for the Wildcats under former head coach Donald Cooper — and current head coach Garon Jackson, who was an assistant coach at the time under Cooper, hails from Ajax, Ontario. She qualified to represent Team Canada at the 2024 Summer Olympics as a member of the 4×100 Women’s Relay Team. She helped lead Canada to a 42.98-second time in the World Athletic Relays, with Les Rouges setting a new season-low time in the process.
 
The Canadians have not medaled in the 4×100 event on the women’s side in the Summer Olympics since 1984, with the combination of Angela Bailey, France Gareau, Angella Isaajenko, and Marita Wiggins collecting the silver medal.
 
At Bethune-Cookman, McCreath was a member of the NCAA East Preliminary 4×100 relay team, as well as competing individually in the 2019 NCAA East Prelim 100-meter relay. She took part in the 2018 NCAA Outdoor Championships for the Maroon and Gold as well.

 
Monae’ Nichols competed in HBCU track for Bethune-Cookman from 2018-21, before transferring to Texas Tech after the COVID-19 global pandemic suspended Wildcats Athletics during the 2020-21 campaign.
 
In turning in her best performance of the season at the Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon, Nichols performed a season-best 6.86 meters leap in the long jump, earning qualification to the Paris Summer Olympics to represent her home country of the United States. The qualification occurred on what was her sixth and final attempt in the 2024 U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team Trials.
 
During her time in HBCU track at Bethune-Cookman, Nichols competed in the 2019 NCAA Outdoor Nationals in the long jump, while also competing in the 2019 NCAA East Preliminaries in the 4×100. She was the 2018 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) champion in the long jump during the outdoor season and took home top honors in the MEAC during the 2018 outdoor season as well, completing back-to-back individual titles.
 
Coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics begins July 26, with the Opening Ceremonies on Peacock.

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WASHINGTON — With the 2024 Paris Olympics less than a month away, thousands of athletes have punched their tickets to the hottest summer sporting event of the year. Among those athletes is former HBCU track standout from Howard University and All-American Jessika Gbai, who will represent the Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) in this year’s Summer Games.
 
Gbai won the 200-meter dash at the 2024 African Athletics Championships (June 21-26), clocking in at 22.84, while earning a spot in Paris. She edged out teammate Maboundou Koné (22.99).
 
In May, the Côte d’Ivoire teammates were part of the 4×100 relay team at the 2024 World Relays Championships (May 4-5) in Nassau, Bahamas where they qualified for the Paris Olympics.
 
Jessika Gbai, who attended Central H.S. in Philly, earned numerous accolades during her time at The Mecca. The former HBCU walk-on received USTFCCCA All-America First Team with the legendary 4×400 relay squad at the 2022 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Individually, she picked up All-America Second Team honors after finishing 12th in the 200-meter dash.

 
Howard University US Olympic Trials Recap
 
During the last couple of weeks, more than a dozen Bison across four countries in three continents competed in trials but fell just short of reaching Paris. Despite their setbacks, several current and former Bison had solid outings in the quest to be an Olympian.
 
On the track, former standouts Dylan Beard (Baltimore) and Jessica Wright (Durham, N.C.) and graduate Simone Watkins (Frisco, Texas) made the US Olympic Trials Semifinal Round.
 
In the pool, recent grad Miles Simon (Atlanta) reached the US Olympic Trials Semifinals, competing in the 50-meter freestyle.
 
In the Bahamas, the Thompson Family, consisting of Luke-Kennedy Thompson (Nassau, Bahamas), Erald Thompson III (Nassau, Bahamas), Mark-Anthony Thompson (Nassau, Bahamas) and Zaylie-Elizabeth Thompson (Nassau, Bahamas), along with Jack Barr (Nassau, Bahamas) and dual-citizen Tristan Stevens (Chicago, Ill) put on outstanding performances with top three finishes in their respective events.
 
2024 PARIS OLYMPICS
 
The 2024 Summer Olympics is scheduled for July 26 to Aug. 11 in Paris, France.

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Williams ran a 12.53 in the Jamaican 100m hurdles finals – good for second to Ackera Nugent who shattered the Jamaican Record, running a blistering 12.28s. Her mark is the current world-leading time and the eighth-fastest-ever run by a woman in the event.

Williams will be taking her talents in Paris, making her debut at the Olympics. But she’s far from a novice on the world stage. She’s a two-time winner of the World Championships in the 100m hurdles, and the reigning world champion.

Following in the footsteps of her sister, Shermaine Williams, Danielle Williams attended Johnson C. Smith where she was a standout at the Division II level. Both sisters have run for the Jamaican national team in international competitions.

Danielle Williams won nine NCAA titles (eight individual, one relay), 13 CIAA championships (11 individual, two relay), earned 13 All-America honors between 2013 and 2014. She also won USTFCCCA National Women’s Indoor Track or Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year three times during her time at the Charlotte, NC-based HBCU. 

Danielle Williams inked her way into the NCAA Division II record books as a junior in 2013 when she scored 30½ points thanks to event titles in the 100, 200 and 4×100 relay, as well as a runner-up finish in the 100 Hurdles. She set current divisional records in the 200 (22.62) and 4×100 relay (44.05), clocked the second-fastest performance in divisional history in the 100H (12.89) and notched the fifth fastest performance in the 100 (11.24).

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“I’m feeling great,” Stubbs said in a post-race interview. “I knew I had to come out and execute my race plan, and I’m happy I could do that. Now it’s time to focus on the next round and see what I can do.”

As Stubbs advances to the semifinals, he will be joined by other talented sprinters, including world-class athletes like Noah Lyles and Kenny Bednarek. The stage is set for an exciting showdown, with spots on the US Olympic team hanging in the balance.

Stubbs path to the Olympics: Top six each heat + next three fastest times to three semifinal heats, top two each semifinal, and next three fastest times advance to final. The top three in the finals on Saturday qualify for the US Olympic Team in Paris.

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Cole released a statement on his social media expressing his disappointment in the decision. He shared that he had filed an appeal that was denied and also said that his school, Norfolk State University didn’t “fully support” his effort to get the decision overturned.

With the road to the 2024 Paris Olympics begginning at the US Olympic Trials, which take place June 21-30, Kai Cole will not get an opportunity to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Today, the MEAC and Norfolk State University have released a statements on the matter. Below are the statements from the University and the conference.

The following is a statement from the Norfolk State University Athletics Department:

It is with great disappointment that Norfolk State Athletics confirms the disqualification of Kai Cole’s 100-meter time, rendering him ineligible to compete at the 2024 US Olympic Trials. This news comes as a profound blow to our athletics department, as Kai is one of our most outstanding student-athletes.

Kai had earned the well-deserved opportunity to represent his country on the international stage, showcasing his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication. It is truly disheartening that he will not be able to pursue his dream of competing on one of the world’s biggest platforms this year.

We want to emphasize that Kai’s journey leading up to this moment has been marked by tireless effort and an indomitable spirit. His accomplishments While this setback is undoubtedly challenging, we have full confidence that Kai will demonstrate the same resilience and determination that has defined his career thus far. 

Kai has become one of the most decorated athletes in our program’s history during his time at Norfolk State, leading our teams to six total MEAC championships. He’s racked up nine individual conference titles, set multiple school records, and most importantly, earns consistent accolades on the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.

As a department, Norfolk State Athletics stands firmly behind Kai during this difficult time. We will continue to provide unwavering support as he navigates these challenges and works towards his goals. Together, we will overcome this setback and emerge stronger than ever.

We extend our gratitude to Kai for his unwavering commitment and the pride he has brought to our institution. We also want to express our appreciation to the entire Norfolk State community for their ongoing support of our student-athletes. Your encouragement means the world to us and plays a significant role in shaping their journeys.

Norfolk State University and Norfolk State Athletics stands firmly behind Kai and we will continue to provide our unwavering support as he navigates these challenges.

MEAC Issues Statement on 2024 Outdoor Track and Field Championships:

The MEAC was recently informed that our multiple appeals submitted last week to have Kai Cole approved to compete at this year’s USATF Olympic Trials were denied by USATF, despite his posting an automatic qualifying time at the MEAC Outdoor Track & Field Championship.

Although the MEAC Outdoor Track and Field Championship remains an official NCAA Division-I championship event, USATF policy changes implemented this year resulted in the event not being officially sanctioned by USATF, making all competition results ineligible for Olympic Trial qualification.

We understand Kai’s frustration and took all available steps to rectify the situation so he could compete in the Olympic Trials – an opportunity he clearly deserves. The MEAC fully supports our member institutions and student-athletes as they pursue their dreams and strive for excellence.

We are disappointed by the decision from USATF and are working to ensure our track and field championships are sanctioned USATF events moving forward.

No further comments will be made regarding this matter.

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GREENSBORO — Jason Holmes stepped into the consciousness of North Carolina A&T (NC A&T) Aggie nation in the winter of 2023 when he ranked as high as 17th nationally in the 60-meter hurdles, leading him to win Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) men’s rookie athlete of the year.
 
He did not participate during the 2023 outdoor season, only to return for his sophomore indoor season and earn second-team All-American honors in the 60m, capturing the Coastal Athletic Association title after finishing third as a freshman. Now that his first official outdoor season is complete, Holmes got another rookie award from the conference. On Thursday, the CAA announced him as its male rookie of the year, completing his long-awaited acceptance of the league’s indoor and outdoor rookie honors.
 
“Hurdles are really exciting, especially when you are in a groove,” said Holmes. “When you’re in the groove and when you’re in the front, it feels like no other. It feels like nobody can touch me. I love being in those moments.”
 
Holmes took over the A&T record book in the 110H during the 2024 season. Holmes’s first hurdle into A&T history was on April 27, when he finished second at Penn Relays by running a program record of 13.43. Two weeks later, he recorded the second-fastest 110H time in program history by winning the CAA outdoor title in 13.48 at Elon University.

 
He then toppled the school record again by running a 13.40 in the quarterfinals of the NCAA East Regional at the University of Kentucky on May 24. This propelled him to his first NCAA outdoor championship meet, but he was eliminated in the national semifinals. Holmes also had an outstanding outdoor season running sprints.
 
A&T’s 4×100-meter relay team, for which Holmes usually ran the second leg, qualified for the NCAA East Regional, running a 39.24 in the quarterfinal to qualify for NCAA nationals, where Holmes, along with teammates Caleb Jackson, Aveon Reid, and Isaiah Thomas, garnered second-team All-American honors in the 4×100.
 
In addition, Jason Holmes ran a personal record 20.89 in the men’s 200 meters at the CAA outdoor championships to earn third-team All-CAA honors in the event. At the 2024 North Carolina A&T Aggie ESPY’s, Holmes was named the Tarik Cohen Male Athlete of the Year.

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WASHINGTON — With the 2024 Paris Olympics over a month away, several Howard University current and former HBCU standouts look to punch their tickets to the hottest summer sporting event of the year.
 
For the next couple weeks, more than a dozen Bison across three countries in two continents are set to compete in trials for the right to become an Olympian.
 
TRACK & FIELD
 
Four Bison are scheduled to compete in the US Track & Field Olympic Trials (June 21-30), held at historic Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore., led by two-time All-American Jessica Wright (Durham, N.C.).
 
Wright, one of the most decorated Bison in program history, made a name for herself in the long hurdles and was a member of the 4×400 relay squad. Currently, she remains the school’s 400-meter hurdles record holder (55.81).
 
Recent grad Dylan Beard (Baltimore) looks to etch himself in the record books after winning the 2024 Millrose Games with a 7.44 mark in the 110-meter hurdles. The Baltimore product wrapped up his HBCU career as a three-time All-MEAC First Team selection.
 
Noah Langford (Portsmouth, Va.) and Simone Watkins (Frisco, Texas) return to Eugene after successful runs at the 2024 NCAA Championships. Both Bison look to make Team USA after earning All-American honorable mention in the 400-meter hurdles.
 
Over the pond, newly appointed All-American Samuel Bennett (Langdon Hills, United Kingdom) sets his eyes on a trip to Paris after qualifying at the UK Championships (June 29-30). He looks to represent his country in the short hurdles (110-meter).
 
Otto Laing (Freeport, Bahamas) and Adam Musgrove (Nassau, Bahamas) finished their first season as Bison, earning All-MEAC Second Team and reaching the NCAA East First Round in Lexington, Ky. Both Bison are looking to secure spots on the Bahamian National Team (June 26-28).

 
SWIMMING & DIVING
 
In the pool, trials are underway throughout the world, including the US.
 
Thursday (June 20), recent grad Miles Simon (Atlanta) is set to compete in the US Olympic Trials, taking another shot in the 50-yard freestyle. In 2021, the Northeast Conference (NEC) Champion came up short, but his ground-breaking performance opened the door for future Bison and other swimmers looking to make the Summer Games from a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
 
In the Bahamas (June 15-23), five Bison look to make the National Team while punching their tickets to Paris.
 
The Thompson Family, consisting of Luke-Kennedy Thompson (Nassau, Bahamas), Erald Thompson III (Nassau, Bahamas), Mark-Anthony Thompson (Nassau, Bahamas) and Zaylie-Elizabeth Thompson (Nassau, Bahamas), look to make a splash while dual-citizen Tristan Stevens (Chicago, Ill) seeks to lock up a spot for next month.
 
2024 PARIS OLYMPICS
 
The 2024 Paris Olympics is scheduled for July 26 to Aug. 11 in Paris, France.

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Where History is Made. It’s a phrase that embodies what Alabama State University was in the past and strives for in the future. Sophomore HBCU sprinter Jamarion Stubbs made history at the 2024 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships and placed seventh overall in the 200-meter dash and earned First Team All-American honors. Now he’s preparing for the 2024 US Olympic Team Trials.

“To be an All-American is a dream come true. I would like to thank Coach Beene, Coach Anderson, my teammates, and our athletic training staff for supporting and preparing me to achieve this honor,” Stubbs said.

The Las Vegas native turns his attention to the 2024 United States Olympic Team Trials, which is being held in Eugene, Oregon. Stubbs will compete in the 200-meter dash and have a chance to represent Team USA at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.

As HBCU sprinter Jamarion Stubbs prepares for this monumental moment, he is thankful for the support he’s received.

“The support has been overwhelming and I’m beyond thankful,” Stubbs said. “As a kid, you always dreamed about being an Olympian and now I have a chance to achieve that. To get there though I need to continue my training routine and put myself in the best possible position to achieve my goals. Coach Beene and Coach Anderson have prepared me well and I’m excited to share this moment with them.”

For Alabama State University track coach Ritchie Beene, it’s the culmination of a vision.

“Jamarion competing in the trials is a testament to his hard work on the track and staying the course. Coach Anderson, his event coach, understands what performing at this level means to our brand,” Beene said. “Him competing in the trials was a part of my vision for the program. It’s now a reality.”

Olympic Trials Schedule (All times central) and will be broadcast on NBC, Peacock, and USA Network

Thursday, June 27
Round 1: 7:51 p.m. or 9:33 p.m.

Friday, June 28
Semifinals: 9:06 p.m. or 9:28 p.m.

Saturday, June 29
Finals: 8:49 p.m.

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COURTESY OF ALABAMA STATE ATHLETICS

EUGENE, Ore. — Sophomore sprinter Jamarion Stubbs placed seventh overall in the 200-meter dash with a time of 20.59. The Las Vegas native also earned First Team All-American honors for earning a top-eight finish.

“I would like to thank Coach Beene and Coach Anderson for believing in me and helping me prepare for this moment,” Stubbs said. “It’s an honor to be an All-American and to represent Alabama State University, the Southwestern Athletic Conference, and the HBCU community. I truly do appreciate the support and well-wishes.”

Bama State head coach Ritchie Beene is proud of Stubbs’ accomplishments and can’t wait to see what’s next for the All-American.

“This was a special year for Jamarion,” Beene said. “Coach Anderson has done an amazing job and now it’s time to turn our focus to the Olympic trials.”

Stubbs will return to Hayward Field in a couple of weeks and compete for an opportunity to represent the United States in the 200-meter dash.

COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF AR AT PINE BLUFF

EUGENE, Ore. — Caleb Snowden, a track star high jumper from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, delivered a standout performance and secured third place in the high jump event on Friday night at Hayward Field during the 2024 NCAA Outdoor National Championships. Snowden’s impressive leap of 2.23m (7-3 ¾) earned him a spot on the First-Team All-American list.
 
“I felt good competing against some of the best athletes in the country and holding my own,” said Snowden. “Being in this atmosphere and representing my school while the crowd cheered me on was terrific.”
 
Earlier this year, at the NCAA Indoor Championships, Snowden made history by becoming the first student-athlete in the program’s history to be named an All-American since joining the NCAA.
 
Additionally, Snowden is the first high jumper from a Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) to achieve a top-three position in both the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Championships in the same year. 

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Hayles had only been running track for five years before emerging as one of the top HBCU competitors in the nation. Playing a pivotal role in elevating the North Carolina A&T 4×400 relay squad to second-team All-American status, behind a CAA-record time of 3:02.62 in 2023.

Hayles was named the CAA Men’s Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year in 2023, after earning two All-America distinctions during the 2023 outdoor season. He earned his first career individual All-American honor when he finished sixth nationally in the 400 meters to earn a spot on the first team.

In an interview with North Carolina A&T Athletics before his departure, Hayles attributed his track skill to playing various sports back in his home country of Jamacia.

“I’ve just always been an athletic person. In Jamacia, where I grew up, we always do a lot of sports, whether it’s cricket. football or soccer. We have this thing called Sports Day, and we go out and compete in different sports. You learn a lot of different sports as you’re growing up.”

Since transferring to the University of Florida in 2023, Reheem Hayles has helped the Gators to a bronze medal finish in the 4x400m relay at the SEC Outdoor Championships, crossing the finish line in 2:59.48 which stands at No. 3 on the UF All-Time Top 10 List.

The 2024 NCAA Outdoor Championship, ended up coming down to one event, the 4x400m relay. Coming into the event the Gators were in second place in the overall standings, trailing the Auburn Tigers by five points (35 to 40).

The quartet of Reheem Hayles, Jevaughn Powell, Rios Prude Jr., and Jenoah McKiver managed to finish third with a time of 2:58.98 securing the six points necessary to clinch the third national championship in a row for the University of Florida track program.

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EUGENE, Ore. — Sophomore HBCU sprinter Jamarion Stubbs continues to etch his name in the Alabama State University record books. The Las Vegas native clocked in a time of 20.15 in the 200-meter dash to win the third heat and qualify for the finals on Friday at 9:37 p.m.

“I would like to thank Coach Beene and Coach Anderson for helping me get to this point,” Stubbs said. “Excited to represent Alabama State University and the HBCU community on Friday night.”

Alabama State University head coach Ritchie Beene is pleased with Stubbs’ success.

“I am excited for Jamarion,” added Beene. “He did a good job executing his race and we are looking forward to the finals on Friday.”

Jamarion Stubbs ran the fourth fastest time in the semifinals.

Cheickna Traore (Penn State) ran a 20.02, Tarsis Origot (Alabama) finished with a 20.09, and Robert Gregory (Florida) crossed the finish line with a 20.15 (20.143 to Stubbs 20.144).

Stubbs ran a 19.95 on the NCAA regional at Kentucky and is poised to medal.

Earlier in the evening Stubbs competed in the 100-meter dash. Stubbs crossed the finish line with a time of 10.31 and was fifth in the first heat, placing 17^th overall.

Stubbs finished ahead of four student-athletes from Power 5 programs.

NCAA Championships Final Round Schedule

The 2024 NCAA outdoor track and field championships will be broadcast on ESPN2 and ESPN.

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EUGENE, Ore. — Howard University graduate Samuel Bennett (Langdon Hill, United Kingdom) ran his best race in his collegiate career while reaching the 110-meter hurdles final round at the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Ore., hosted by the University of Oregon.
 
Bennett, who entered with one of the nation’s fastest times, grabbed the final spot after Thursday’s semifinal race (13.453), edging out Ole Miss’ Ahmad Young by sixth thousandths (.006) of a second (13.459).
 
For his efforts, Samuel Bennett became the first men’s hurdler to advance to the final stage in more than 20 years and, no matter Friday’s (June 7) outcome, becomes the first men’s All-American since Bison standout and Howard Director of Track & Field David Oliver (2003).
 
Auburn’s Ja’Kobe Tharp had the fastest mark, equaling his personal best (13.18).
 
Friday’s final race is slated for 9:42 p.m. (ET) / 6:42 p.m. (PT).
 
Another notable Bison senior Noah Langford (Portsmouth, Va.) wrapped up his outstanding year, competing in the 400-meter hurdles semifinal round. The Virginia product just missed Friday’s final race, registering a 50.84 time. Despite the outcome, he earned an All-American honorable mention after finishing 17^th overall.

NCAA Championships Final Round Schedule

The 2024 NCAA outdoor track and field championships will be broadcast on ESPN2 and ESPN.

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EUGENE, Ore. — The 2024 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships at the University of Oregon’s Historic Hayward Field will witness the dynamic duo of North Carolina A&T’s redshirt freshman Jason Holmes and A&T sophomore Thomas Smith IV. These two long-time friends, with their unique blend of talent and camaraderie, will be competing in the men’s 110-meter hurdles at 8:32 p.m. EST. 

The two North Carolina A&T men’s outdoor track and field hurdlers/sprinters appeared on A&T’s Aggie Pridecast Tuesday night to discuss their similar and somewhat different journeys to this year’s outdoor championships. Both men attended Calvert Hall College High School in Baltimore, Md. 
 
Holmes, who will also compete in the men’s 4×100-meter relay at NCAA nationals on Friday, entered high school wanting to join the Calvert sprints group. The competition proved competitive, with more than 30 athletes trying out for the group. When making the sprints group did not initially work out for Holmes, he took a chance at being a hurdler.

That group included one person — Thomas Smith IV. Smith, who had some experience in the hurdles event, began to show Holmes the ropes as much as he could, understanding he did not have any coaching experience. Despite that, Holmes quickly learned the techniques, becoming friends with Smith and his chief rival in the hurdles.

Holmes won the New Balance High Outdoor National Championship in the 110H in 2022 with a then personal-record 13.61. He also won the Maryland Private School state title in the 110H and finished second in the state at the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) meet. He won the MIAA state title in the 200 meters. 

In 2022, Smith claimed the MIAA state title in the 300H with a PR of 36.85, and he finished second to Holmes for the Maryland Private School title in the 110H. Conversely, he finished ahead of Holmes in the 110H MIAA final, running a 13.72, which was ahead of Holmes’s 13.80. 

The talented duo received many offers, including from A&T. Smith became aware that A&T approached Holmes about attending the university. Therefore, Smith became excited about the possibility of remaining teammates with Holmes when his high school coach made him aware that A&T was also interested in him. Both athletes eventually committed to A&T.

Despite a coaching change at A&T, both athletes remained steadfast in their commitment. Their mutual respect, friendship, and shared belief in the school’s potential were the driving forces that kept them on track. They understood that having a familiar face on the team would ease the transition, and they were ready to face the challenges together. 

Two years later, the stage is set. After competing for state and high school national championships, the two Marylanders are after a national championship in the 110H, proving that the hurdles “group” at Calvert Hall wasn’t too bad.

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Fayetteville, AR.- Caleb Snowden, an HBCU student-athlete from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), is a rising star in men’s NCAA track and field. His hard work and dedication have led him to the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon, June 5-8, for the second consecutive year. 

During the qualifying rounds, Caleb Snowden’s prowess was evident. He cleared all bars in his attempts and tied for the top spot with a leap of 2.20m (7-2 ½), securing his place in Eugene, Oregon. His current ranking as the top jumper in the NCAA and 10th in the US is a testament to his dominance in the sport.

“It felt good to qualify for the NCAA Outdoor Championships for the second time,” Snowden said. “After warming up and clearing the bar on my first attempt, I knew it was time to step up.”

Earlier in the season, he set a career-best school record with a leap of 7-5 at the 69th Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays. In the NCAA Indoor Championship, he cleared 2.24m (7-4 ¼) to secure second place and was honored with First Team All-America recognition.

Not only is Snowden a standout performer, but he is also a trailblazer. Hailing from Lehigh, Florida, he has become the first high jumper from a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) to claim the top spot in the NCAA Regionals for two consecutive seasons in the past decade. This is a monumental achievement, underscoring the impact of his success on the sport. 

“Competing in the regionals, wearing UAPB across my chest in Arkansas, and seeing my parents, coaches, and friends in the stands made me want to finish strong and make them proud.”

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LEXINGTON, Ky. — Howard University women’s track stamped a pair of entries to the 2024 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon at the NCAA East Preliminary Round in Lexington, Ky., hosted by the University of Kentucky.
 
Individually, graduate Simone Watkins (Frisco, Texas) had her best performance in the 400-meter hurdle quarterfinal round, clocking in at a new personal best (55.92), while locking up an automatic bid to the national stage. For her efforts, the Texas native seeks to become only the second woman in program history to earn All-American status in the long hurdles (Jessica Wright — 2022 & 2023).
 
Michigan’s Savannah Sutherland, who set a new facility record during the first round, had the fastest time with a 55.25 mark.

The 4×100 relay team of graduate Kailei Collins (Houston), junior Sherri-Anne Norton (Plantation, Fla.), and rookies Aiyana Gray-Williams (Winston-Salem, N.C.) and Mackenzie Robinson (Ypsilanti, Mich.) opened the evening with a record-setting performance, producing an AQ time of 44.26 (school record). The four Bison punched their tickets to Eugene, Oregon looking to become the first All-American 4×100 relay squad in program history.
 
South Carolina posted the fastest 4×100 time, registering at 42.46.
 
Collins also competed individually in the 100-meter (100m) and 200-meter dashes but came up short in both quarterfinal races despite a personal best in the 100m (11.35).
 
Watkins and the Howard University relay team advanced to the 2024 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, which will be held June 5-8 in Eugene, Ore.

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LEXINGTON, Ky. | HBCU long jumper James “Jet” Brown continued his magical season for Grambling State, advancing to the 2024 NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Ore. with a strong performance in the NCAA East Regional on Wednesday evening. 
 
James “Jet” Brown used a jump of 7.61m in the men’s long jump to clinch sixth place and punch his ticket to nationals. 
 
The redshirt senior from Riverdale, Ga. highlighted an HBCU track and field season that saw him claim the 2024 indoor and outdoor SWAC Titles. He set the SWAC indoor record with a leap of 7.53m. 
 
“I’m extremely proud of the work Jet and Coach Lattin have done this season,” said Coach LaMonte Vaughn Jr. “Their consistency all season has led to this breakthrough for this young man and our program. Coach Lattin has shown himself to be one of the best young jump coaches in this country with his crew of jumpers. What this means for the future of our program is immeasurable. Young people can do more than dream big here, they can live, study, and compete big here.”

 
Lawrence Lambert also represented Grambling State in the NCAA East Regional, leaping 7.04m  
  
On the women’s side, Jaime Richardson looks to secure her spot in nationals on Friday when she competes in the high jump. 

Info on 2024 NCAA outdoor track and field championships
 
The 2024 NCAA outdoor track and field championships are from Wednesday, June 5 through Saturday, June 8. Both the men’s and women’s championships are held simultaneously.

The event will be held at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. It will be the 15th time the outdoor championships have been held in Oregon and the first time since 2022.

The 2024 DI men’s and women’s outdoor track and field final site selections will be announced on Tuesday, May 28.

The top 48 declared student-athletes will be accepted into the first-round competitions for each individual event. The top 24 declared relay teams will be accepted into the first-round competitions for each relay event.

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The 2024 NCAA Division I East Preliminary Round is being held in Lexington, Kentucky, and North Carolina A&T is continuing to lead the way for HBCU track by sending two individuals and a relay team to Eugene, Oregon for the 2024 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Below is a press release from North Carolina A&T with more information.

Courtesy of North Carolina A&T Athletics

LEXINGTON, Ky. — North Carolina A&T’s men’s outdoor track and field youth is headed to the 2024 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships after a wonderful showing on Friday during the third day of the 2024 NCAA Division I East Preliminary Round. 

Redshirt freshman Jason Holmes, sophomore Thomas Smith IV, and the Aggies 4×100-meter relay team are headed to Eugene, Ore., and the Historic Hayward Field at the University of Oregon, June 5-8, for NCAA nationals. Holmes and Smith qualified for the national semifinals in the 110-meter hurdles thanks to their respective performances in the quarterfinals on Friday. The 4×100 team also qualified for nationals.  

In qualifying for the 110H semifinals, which will take place in Oregon in June, Holmes broke the program record in the event for the second time this season by running a 13.40 (13.393), surpassing the previous program record he set at Penn Relays at 13.43. 

Holmes finished second in the third heat behind Auburn’s Ja’Kobe Tharp’s 13.24 to reach nationals as an automatic qualifier by finishing in the top 3 of his heat. Holmes finished thousands of a second ahead of LSU’s Matthew Sophia’s 13.399. Following the 13.48 Holmes ran at the 2024 Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) Outdoor Track and Field Championships two weeks ago, Smith now owns the top three times in program history. 

“The biggest difference in getting down to the 13.4s is trusting my coaches and my willingness to win,” said Holmes, who did not participate as a true freshman during the 2023 outdoor season. “I want to go out there and win. I want to beat everybody. So, with good coaching, I am already aggressive; that’s been carrying me throughout the entire season. I’m trying to go 13.3, 13.2, and get even better.” 

Smith also reached nationals as an automatic qualifier after finishing third in the second heat. After running a personal-record 13.62 on Wednesday in the 110H first round, Smith clocked a 13.65 in the quarterfinals on Friday, sending him to his first NCAA outdoor championship. 

“I honestly didn’t think I would be here right now because I was going 13.8, 13.7. But I came in with an open mind of trying to win as many races as possible because I wanted to keep running. Now, I’ve got that chance.” 

Senior Aveon Reid also competed in the 110H quarterfinal on Friday but failed to qualify after finishing fifth in the third heat with a time of 13.72. It was the 14th-fastest time, putting him outside the top 12 qualifiers. But all is not lost for Reid. Holmes will have two opportunities to win an event national championship in Eugene, and Reid will join him in the event after the duo was a part of the 4×100 team that ran a season-best 39.24 in the first heat to finish third. 

Reid led off the relay before handing things over to Holmes, being challenged by a Georgia runner, and handing off to senior Caleb Jackson. Jackson turned things over to freshman Isaiah Taylor down the stretch. The Aggies finished behind Auburn’s 38.654 and Florida’s 38.656 in the first heat. A&T finished with the ninth-fastest time. Two Aggies also competed in the 400H quarterfinals. Reid placed seventh in the third heat with a time of 52.74, eliminating him from the NCAA nationals. Xzaviah Taylor did not finish. 

A&T now awaits to see if 100 hurdler Lucheyona Weaver will join them in Eugene. She will compete in the 100H quarters on Saturday at 6:15 p.m. 

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