LEXINGTON, Va. (January 18, 2025) – Howard University men's swimming & diving team went unbeaten in a tri-meet at VMI. HU defeated the Keydets, 161-126, and crosstown rival American, 179-98.
 
Senior Erald Thompson III (Nassau, Bahamas) led the Bison with four first-place finishes. The Bahama native won gold in the 100 Breast (57.28), 200 Breast (2:06.38) and 200 IM (1:55.86).
 
Thompson, along with graduate Tristan Stevens (Chicago), senior Tai Afrik (Holland, Mich.) and junior Taj Benton (Baltimore), represented Bison Nation in the 200 Medley Relay, winning the race with a 1:31.18 mark.
 
Individually, Stevens earned victory in the 100 Back (50.27) and 200 Back (1:52.93).
 
Afrik and third-year Bison Darien Williams (Philadelphia) claimed first (1:43.18) and third (1:44.16), respectively, in the 200 Free.
 
Benton and sophomore Mason Green (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) took gold and silver, respectively, in the 100 Fly, clocking in at 49.95 and 49.63.
 
Afrik, Benton, Green and Stevens capped off the afternoon, placing first in the 200 Free Relay at 1:23.53.
 
On the board, senior Zay Swilley (Bradley, Ill.) finished first in the 1-meter (245.10) and 3-meter (265.80) dives.
 
Saturday (Feb. 1), HU hosts nearby Catholic for Senior Day. First race is slated for 1 p.m., inside Burr Gym Pool.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.