Philadelphia, PA---The Howard University track and field program made its presence felt at the prestigious Penn Relays on Friday. The men's team, featuring Korey Leonard, Kahe Kaye, Basil Niccols and Olujimi Scott qualified in the 4X200 relay in the Championship of America on Saturday. It marked the first time in almost 35 years that the Bison have qualified.
It was in 1983 when the 4X400 won the championship under the late Hall of Fame coach, William P. Moultrie, prompting current head coach Marc Harrison to note, "I know that Coach Moultrie is smiling in Heaven as he sees Howard University back on the largest stage in USA track and field."
The final will be aired live on USATF TV.
The women's 4X400 relay team of Sydney Benson, Michelle Cole, Uchechi Onuoha and Aigner Bobbitt (who replaces Oluchi Ike who ran in the trials) qualified for the ECAC Finals tomorrow. That race will take place at 12 noon.
"I'm happy for this group of student athletes, both men and women," said an elated Harrison, who has been working to build the program back to its glory days. "They deserve the chance to compete at this level."