EUGENE, Ore. (June 10, 2021) – Howard University women's 4x400 relay team saw its historic run come to an end at the 2021 NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships Semifinal Round in Eugene, Ore., hosted by the University of Oregon at Hayward Field.
 
Seniors Jessika Gbai (Philadelphia) and Ameenah Saalih (Willingboro, N.J.), alongside juniors Melanie White (Orlando, Fla.) and Jessica Wright (Durham, N.C.) represented Bison Nation, posting a 3:45.98 mark.
 
Thursday's race saw the four Bison running together for the first time this season after senior Ozioma Scott (Georgetown, Guyana) missed the event due to a personal matter.
 
"We lost our most important runner in Scott due to a personal matter leading up to the race," said Director of Track & Field David Oliver. "It sucked the wind out of their sails, but they stayed focused and are coming home All-Americans. This wasn't their absolute best performance, but it doesn't take away from the amazing accomplishments the relay team achieved this year. They have nothing to hang their heads on."
 
Despite the outcome, Howard's 4x400 relay squad earned All-America Honorable Mention after finishing in the top 25 nationally.
 
"This is the first time we have had a 4x400 relay team make the NCAA Championships since 1990," Oliver continued. "They are the program's first All-Americans since 2009 and after watching them overcome all of the adversity, on and off the track, this season has built a lot of character."
 
With the shorten 2021 season in the books, Coach Oliver and the Bison enter the full offseason looking to build upon this year's success.
 
"All of the runners will be back next season," Oliver ended. "So hopefully, they can stay focused and use this as a learning experience to improve. I am extremely proud of this special group of young women."
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.