GREENSBORO, N.C. (May 2, 2019) – Howard University sophomore sprinter Jessika Gbai (Philadelphia) left her mark on Day One of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Outdoor Track & Field Championships by setting a new school record in the women's 200-meter dash.
 
"Jessika Gbai lowered her own school record by running 23.51," said Howard Director of Track & Field David Oliver. "[She] is in medal contention come Saturday."
 
The Philadelphia native won her heat and secured an automatic qualifying spot into Saturday's finals at 3:15 p.m. With her efforts, she owns HU's school marks in the 200-meter dash for the indoor and outdoor seasons.
 
"That [200-meter] final is one of the highlights of the [MEAC] championships," Director Oliver added. "Gbai will be there with two of the three fastest women in the nation [North Carolina A&T State's Cambrea Sturgis and Kayla White]. It's a great opportunity for her."
 
On the day, Gbai was one of three Bison who reached championship Saturday.
 
In the women's 400-meter hurdles, juniors Oluchi Ike (Upper Marlboro, Md.) and Uchechi Onuoha (Yardly, Pa.) each made the finals. Both Bison ran the same heat where Ike had the fastest time on the day (59.81) and earned an automatic bid while Onuoha clocked in with one of the four best marks among non-automatic qualifiers (1:01.98).
 
"All of our women advanced to Saturday's finals," said Director Oliver. "Oluchi [Ike] and Uche [Uchechi Onuoha] both overcame some officials errors in the 400 hurdles and are poised to impress."
 
Ike and Onuoha will represent HU in Saturday's finale at 2:55 p.m.
 
In the field, sophomore thrower Kaylah Clark (Miami) earned points for Howard in the women's discus throw. The Miami product placed fifth overall and scored four points after tossing over 135 feet (41.35m).
 
"Kaylah Clark got things started for us in the discus," Director Oliver stated. "[She] improved her placing three spots from the 2018 [MEAC Outdoor] championships. She got a long weekend of throws, but Coach Danny Stokes has her more than ready for the task."
 
Later this week, Clark competes in the women's shot put and hammer throw.
 
With three events scored, Howard women sit sixth while the men are tied for ninth.

To view results from Day One of the 2019 MEAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships, please click here.
 
"Day One was pretty light for us in terms of competitors," Director Oliver concluded. "But things really get kicked into high gear tomorrow. We are proud of all the sacrifices and the level of commitment our student-athletes have shown in getting to this point in the season. "
 
The MEAC Championships continue Friday, beginning 11:30 a.m. with the women's long jump and shot put. The action takes place at the Irwin Belk Track, hosted by North Carolina A&T State.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.