The excellence and legacy of the 1974 Howard University men's soccer program was commemorated on Sunday, Nov. 3, as the 50th anniversary of the NCAA national championship was celebrated. 

This championship triumph is a foundational story of pride for Howard's athletic programs and is vital to Howard's identity. It was not just a victory for the team, but a shared triumph that brought together students, faculty, and fans. It demonstrated that hard work, perseverance, and talent can conquer adversity, and it was a momentous event that united everybody in recognizing a historic and hard-fought victory. 

The 1974 Howard University men's soccer team championship win was significant because it represented a powerful statement of resilience and justice, especially after Howard thought it became the first HBCU to win a national soccer championship in 1971. Unfortunately, the NCAA controversially stripped the team of its title, citing eligibility issues that many argued were influenced by racial bias. 

The 2-1 victory over Saint Louis in four overtimes cemented Howard's place in NCAA history as champions and as a team that overcame racial and institutional challenges. This legacy strengthened a brotherhood and bonded the Bison for life. It is a testament to sports' role in challenging societal norms, fostering resilience, and inspiring others to strive for greatness despite adversity. 

This setback, along with the arduous road to returning to the pinnacle of collegiate men's soccer, made the 1974 victory a sweet redemption story. The win symbolized possibility and resilience for Black athletes, particularly those from HBCUs, and it helped pave the way for future generations of African American and international players in NCAA sports. 

In his book, "Rising Above and Beyond the Crossbar", Howard men's soccer coach Lincoln Phillips admitted on page 99 that "the 1974 regular season was hard. My recruiting had raised not only the level of Howard's game, but also compelled other coaches to look further afield for talent." Later on, page 103, Phillips wrote, "People kept thinking we were flukes, and we'd kept on winning. For the second time, we'd become the first African-American college to win an NCAA championship." 

The championship became a symbol of resilience and excellence in sports, especially for HBCUs and Black athletes across the country. Howard's win over Saint Louis resonated not only for its competitive elements but also for its wider social and cultural impact. 

Therefore, the victory was more than just a championship; it was a defining moment in sports that celebrated diversity, grit, and the breaking down of racial and national barriers in college athletics. Despite the many obstacles, the Bison continued to persevere and believe in Phillips. 

This "diaspora" of the team, hailing from various countries, particularly in Africa and the Caribbean, formed a diverse group that was a rarity in collegiate sports at the time. Their international diversity was a game-changer, challenging norms and paving the way for greater diversity in sports. It's a legacy we can all be proud of, and it reinforces the inclusive spirit of Howard's sports programs. 

Phillips, a Trinidadian national, advocated for his players and passionately fought for the championship's return to Howard. His leadership reinforced the importance of diversity, inclusion, and perseverance in college sports, inspiring not just Howard but future generations of players from diverse backgrounds. 

He also understood that grounded confidence is the capacity for vulnerability, the birthplace of joy, courage, and all meaningful human experiences. Those intangible qualities became necessary for the Bison between 1971 and 1974 because it endured plenty, from player suspensions in crucial games to being on probation for an entire season. 

The defining quality of the 1974 Howard men's soccer team was its resilience. The Bison used it as a superpower, which made them unstoppable in the face of challenges. They were able to navigate difficulties, bounce back from failures, and ultimately achieved their goal despite the obstacles. The courage, determination, and optimism displayed by the Bison, created a ripple effect, motivating others to persevere too.