GREENSBORO, N.C. (May 4, 2018) – Director of Track and Field David Oliver and the Howard University Men's & Women's Track and Field teams made strides after two days at the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Men's & Women's Outdoor Championships.
With two days in the books, Director Oliver and the Bison have set 10 new personal bests, including a new school record yesterday from freshman Jessika Gbai in the women's 200-meter race (23.65).
"It's been really great for us as a coaching staff," Oliver stated. "Just seeing the student-athletes that we work with day in and day out and realizing the hard work is paying off. In comparison to where they came in on the MEAC performance list, they have exceeded expectations to this point. My coaching staff and I are very happy for them and this is a step in the right direction for the culture we're trying to build here."
Howard's Friday was highlighted by senior jumper Dominique Cleggett placing third overall in the women's long jump. The New Orleans product leaped 19-11.75 feet (6.09 meters) while earning HU three points.
A trio of Bison advanced to Championship Saturday after making the cut in prelims: senior Mohamed Bah; sophomore Sydney Benson; and freshman Ozioma Scott.
Bah and Benson competed in the 800-meter race where both paced themselves to make a late charge in the home stretch. Both Bison set new personal best in the event: Bah (1:51.71) and Benson (2:10.63).
Scott took part in the women's 400-meter where she moved on to the finals after establishing a new personal record (54.51).
In the women's field events, senior Mi-ah Watkins and newcomer Kaylah Clark each contributed to Howard's overall score.
Watkins finished sixth in the women's hammer throw, tossing 146 feet (44.51 meters) while grabbing three points. For Clark, the Miami native posted a new personal best in the shot put (41-11.50 feet) and registered two points.
Senior Al'Moni Ellis opened the day with the conclusion of the women's heptathlon. The final three events featured long jump, javelin, and the 800-meter race. The Virginia product took fifth in the long jump (17-08 feet) and ninth in the javelin (73-07 feet).
Despite not qualifying for the men's 400-meter, freshman Mekhi Closson set a new personal record (48.41).
To view the all the results from Day Two, please Click Here.
Saturday, junior Lauryn Galloway and freshman Nathaniel Are kick off the day with field events in the women's javelin throw and the men's triple jump. Both Bison start at 10 a.m. and all of Saturday's coverage can be seen on ESPN3, beginning at 1 p.m.
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.
