WASHINGTON (October 6, 2023) - On Saturday, October 7, the Battle At The Burr II will send shockwaves (literally) through the swim world once again. The event that landed Howard University's Swimming & Diving Team on the cover of Sports Illustrated and spurred a media bonanza is poised for an even greater "splash" this year.
 
The Battle At The Burr (BATB) fans the flames of the cross-town rivalry between the Northeast Conference Champion Bison and the highly decorated Georgetown Hoyas. This year, the Bison will enter the pool with redemption in mind - the Hoyas claimed the victory in the 2022 meet.
 
Last year's Battle At The Burr brought a record-setting attendance for any HBCU collegiate level swim meet, nearly 2,000 spectators. This year's BATB II is shaking out to exceed those numbers: tickets for the event sold out in 48 hours.
 
Howard University is the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the nation with a swim program. The team travels the country and participates in various community events to negate the stereotype that people of color do not swim. Running a program of its size and implementing projects around educating the community about swimming and diving requires a great deal of time, dedication and of course, funding.
 
Doubling as a fundraiser for Howard's Swimming & Diving program, this year's BATB II promises to take the surprise and delight of attendees up a notch, with a VIP lounge, special guest appearances, more audience interaction and an expanded viewing area.
 
"The Battle At the Burr is truly something special. There really isn't a meet in collegiate swimming that lives up to the atmosphere," said Hoyas head coach, Jack Leavitt.
 
Four-time Olympic medalist and first African American swimmer to hold a world record, Cullen Jones, joins the ranks as guest commentator alongside veteran announcer Matt LaPrino. Maritza McClendon, Olympic Silver medalist and first African American woman to ever make an Olympic swim team, reprises her role as Honorary Assistant Coach for the HU Bison.
 
"It wouldn't be the same without her," said Bison Director of Swimming & Diving Nicholas Askew.
 
Those who want to experience the electricity in-person but missed the tickets are invited to come to the watch party in "The Deep End." Jumbotrons will broadcast the meet inside the basketball arena and a DJ will be on deck to keep the crowd hype.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.