LEXINGTON, Ky. (January 28, 2022) – Howard University junior thrower Nnamdi Olebara (Bowie, Md.) led the way with a record-setting performance on opening day at the Rod McCravy Memorial Invitational, hosted by the University of Kentucky.
 
Olebara broke the school's weight throw mark, tossing over 52 feet (15.97 meters). The previous mark was set by teammate Michael Codrington (Brooklyn, N.Y.) nearly two weeks ago at the HBCU Showcase in New York (15.80 meters). Overall, he placed 10^th in the event.
 
The DMV native is scheduled to compete Saturday (Jan. 29) in the shot put. First throw is set for 12:30 p.m.
 
On the men's track, senior Jermanie Byrd (Miami) advanced to the 60-meter hurdles semifinal round after recording a non-automatic qualifying time of 7.96. The next round is slated for Saturday at 12:05 p.m.
 
In the women's 60-meter hurdles, senior Jessica Wright (Durham, N.C.) and sophomore Kaya-Rae Dunbar (Burtonsville, Md.) each made the semifinal round with non AQ marks of 8.72 and 8.75, respectively. The women's short hurdles starts at noon.
 
Other notable performance on the track included senior Jessika Gbai (Philadelphia) taking third overall in the 200-meter dash, clocking in at a season-best (24.00).
 
In the women's field events, junior Erin Hatcher (Burtonsville, Md.) and senior Diana Effiom (Dallas) finished 11^th (15.59 meters) and 12^th (15.50 meters), respectively, in the weight throw.
 
Saturday's action begins 9:30 a.m. with the heptathlon 60-meter hurdles, followed by a 10 a.m. start in the women's high jump. Track events commence at noon with the women's 60-meter hurdles semifinal.
 
SEC Network + will be streamed live at noon and will also contain highlights from Friday's competition.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.