GAINESVILLE, Fla. & WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (April 1, 2022) – Howard University men's and women's track & field program displayed strong performances on Day One of the Pepsi Florida Relays, hosted by the Gators, and Colonial Relays, hosted by William & Mary.
 
PEPSI FLORIDA RELAYS
 
In the Sunshine State, senior 
Jessica Wright (Durham, N.C.) put on a show. The North Carolina native competed in the 400-meter hurdles where she finished with a new school record of 56.32, shattering her previous mark set last week at the Texas Relays (57.36). For her efforts, she qualified for the 2022 USA Championships for an opportunity to earn a spot on the 2022 World Championships Team.
 
Fellow classmate 
Jessika Gbai (Philadelphia) took part in the 200-meter dash, placing fourth overall with the ninth-fastest time in the nation (23.12).
 
On the men's side, graduate 
Dylan Beard (Severn, Md.) and senior 
Jermanie Byrd (Miami) raced in the 200-meter dash, clocking in at 21.57 and 22.23, respectively.
 
Senior 
Corinthians Payne (Apopka, Fla.) ran the 400-meter hurdles, recording a time of 53.05.
 
COLONIAL RELAYS
 
In Williamsburg, senior 
Kennedy Lewis (Atlanta) won the 200-meter dash with a new personal best (24.33).
 
Third-year Bison 
De'ja Dade (Desoto, Texas) competed in the 100-meter dash, producing a 12.20 mark, earning her fourth place overall.
 
Fellow classmate 
Monika Williams (Denver) took part in the 400-meter hurdles where she finished fifth, registering a 1:03.80 time.
 
For the men, junior 
Cameron Kee (Lawnside, N.J.) placed seventh in the 400-meter hurdles with a 55.03 mark.
 
In the men's field events, newcomer 
Kyle Fisher leaped over 21 feet in the long jump, earning him fifth overall.
 
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
 
Saturday (April 2), Howard wraps up the weekend at the Pepsi Florida Relays and Colonial Relays.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at 
www.HUBison.com.