WASHINGTON (October 4, 2022) - The Howard University swimming and diving program held the "Battle at the Burr" against crosstown rival Georgetown University, and by all accounts, it proved to be a monumental event.
"It was all that it was supposed to be and more," said an elated Nic Askew, the Howard men's and women's swimming and diving coach. "It was well attended and there were actually people who wanted to attend but could not."
More than 1,200, a record crowd by far, was able to witness the competitive event that was live streamed and provided invaluable exposure.
"It could not have been more perfect," noted Askew, who was inducted in the Howard Athletics Hall of Fame the night before the meet. "It afforded us an opportunity to showcase the program as the only one in HBCUs."
As for the meet itself, the men were edged out by Georgetown, the Big East champion, 113-111.
The Bison men won seven events overall. For the second meet in a row, the men took top honors in the 200 medley and freestyle relays. They also placed first in the 200 Free, 50 Freestyle, the 200-meter intermediate (IM), in the 100 Fly, and in the 100 Freestyle.
Howard senior Miles Simon (Sr. Atlanta, Ga) proved to be the standout, capturing the men's 200 IM (1:53.94) and leading off both winning relays. His time of 44.66 to lead off the 400 free relay was the third fastest in program history for the 100 free, just a few tenths off the team record time of 44.27.
As for the women, the score was 148 for Georgetown and 76 for the women.
The Lady Bison had three top finishers in senior Teyana Johnson (1M Dive), freshman Zuilda Nwaeze (200 Free), and the 200 Free relay consisting of Skylar Debnam Fr. Chandler, AZ), Isabella Fountain (Jr., White Plains, NY), Kelsey Roberson (Soph., West Orange, NJ), and Zuilda Nwaeze (Fr., Columbia, MD).
"The teams swam extremely well," said Askew. "It was the first dual meet for both schools and typically, you don't get the types of time in October. I must add that I think the participants on both sides were motivated by the large turnout."
Since Howard is the only HBCU program, Askew feels that the event also helps in recruiting.
"Being able to push out info on this event through the media helps put us on the radar of top-level athletes." he notes. "There were so many pluses that we can take away from this event and we hope to capitalize.."
The Bison host Mount Saint Mary's on Saturday, October 8th at 1 pm in Burr Gymnasium.
