Eugene, Ore. (July 5, 2023) - When the 2023 USA Track and Field (USATF) Outdoor trials get underway Thursday (July 6) at Hayward Stadium, Howard University will be well represented.
The trio of hurdlers,
Jessica Wright (Durham, N.C.),
Darci Khan (Stockbridge, Ga.) and
Dylan Beard (Baltimore), will be competing to make the prestigious USA Team in their respective events.
Wright has followed the legacy of her mentor, former Olympic Bronze medalist and Howard Director of Track & Field
David Oliver. The 400-meter hurdler has helped put the women's program on the map, becoming a three-time All-American during her time at The Mecca. Wright holds the distinction of winning back-to-back titles in the 400-meter hurdles at the Penn Relays, a rare feat.
"The Penn Relays really got my season off to a good start," notes Wright. "All of the championship and high-level meets have helped prepare me to compete on this large stage."
Wright, who competed in the USATF last season, adds that she is especially motived for this meet.
"I fell short of my goals at the (NCAA) Nationals this year. I will be competing against some of the top performers in the nation to get a spot on the team. It is my goal to make the team."
Khan, a transfer from the University of Kentucky, turned heads at the Penn Relays by winning the loaded field in the 100-meter hurdles. Like her teammate, she advanced to the NCAA Finals; however, this will be her first experience at the USATF.
"This is a big deal, being on this large stage for the first time," said Khan. "But I am super confident and ready to make the team. The competition we have faced this season has really prepared me for this moment."
Beard will be competing in the 110-meter hurdles and he is no stranger to the USATF; however, it was back in 2017.
"I have learned that you have to be prepared," explains the health sciences major. "It all starts with the first trials because you set the tone as you advance. I am here to make the team and this is my last time here so I plan on making the best of it."
Oliver has established Howard as a developing ground for hurdlers since returning to his alma mater in September 2017. It should be no coincidence that the next set of Bison to continue the tradition will be partcipating in the USATF U20, featuring
Jazmyn Wajd (Tampa, Fla.) and
Aniya Woodruff (Harrisburn, N.C.).
The Florida native will take part in the short hurdles (100-meter) while the Tar Heel product competes in the long hurdles (400-meter).
The trials get underway Thursday (July 6) and wraps up Saturday (July 9) with the final round.
Derek W. Bryant, Howard Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations & Sports Information, contributed to this story.
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at
www.HUBison.com.
