WILIMINGTON, N.C. (March 9, 2019) – Howard University men's track & field ended its opening weekend of the outdoor season on a high note at the Wendy's Seahawk Invitational, hosted by UNC-Wilmington.
"We had a great opening weekend," said Howard Director of Track & Field
David Oliver. "I'm very happy with the direction things are going with our young group."
On this day, senior
Korey Lombard (Antioch, Calif.) highlighted the day in both relays and individual events.
Individually, the California native finished runner-up in the men's 200-meter dash after posting a new personal best (21.42). Additionally, he qualified for the 2019 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Outdoor Championships in Greensboro, N.C.
"
Korey Lombard ran a huge personal best in the 200m," Oliver stated. "He also qualified for our conference championships and [he] just missed his lifetime best in the 100m to pace the men."
Lombard took third in the men's 100-meter dash, clocking in at 10.87.
On the men's side, Lombard joined throwers
David Hudson (New Rochelle, N.Y.) and freshman standout
Mekhi Abbott (Monroe, N.J.).
"We were able to finally see
Mekhi Abbott," Oliver commented. "Last year, [he was] one of the best high school javelin throwers. He did not disappoint in his debut."
In the field, Hudson won the shot put, tossing nearly 45 feet.
Other notable performances included newcomer
Jermaine Byrd (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) placing second in the men's 110-meter hurdles and second-year runner
Anthony Gordon (Clinton, Md.) just missing the cut for championship season in the 1500-meter run (4:02.74).
To view all results from the 2019 Wendy's Seahawk Invitational, please click
here.
Over the weekend, Director Oliver and his staff saw 10 Bison qualify for the conference championships.
"In addition to winning quite a few events," Oliver added. "We were able to achieve 10 individual qualifying marks for the MEAC outdoor championships as well."
On March 14-16, Howard remains in the Tar Heel state when they travel to Charlotte for the 49er Classic.
"It was not the ideal conditions for a track meet weather wise [this weekend]," Oliver concluded. "[But we're] definitely looking forward to next weekend in Charlotte."
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at
www.HUBison.com.
