GENEVA, Ohio (February 21, 2025) - Howard University men's swimming and diving continues to lead the way at this year's Northeast Conference (NEC) Championship. The Bison currently sit in first place with a score of 644 – 84 points ahead of runner-up Wagner College.
 
Mason Green (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) kicked off the swimming events with a first-place finish in the 100 Fly with a personal best (PB) of 47.29. Teammate Taj Benton (Baltimore) was not far behind, coming in third with a time of 49.20.
 
Tai Afrik (Holland, Mich.) earned bronze in the men's 200 Free, swimming 1:40.50 – a new personal best.
 
Darin Johnson (Atascocita, Texas) earned his second individual medal of the week with his second-place finish in the 100 Breast. The new PB (53.82) bests his 2024 CSCAA B-Cut time of 54.53.
 
Tristan Stevens (Chicago) and Adam Diaz (Manhattan, N.Y.) kept the Bison on top, winning gold (48.38) and bronze (50.98) medals, respectively, in the 100 Back.
 
Howard made a clean sweep in the 3-meter dive. Gold medalist and senior Zay Swilley (Bradley, Ill.) led the charge with a score of 270.55. NEC standout diver Jordan Walker (San Antonio) came in second, earning 242.84 points. Freshman Zion Wilson (San Antonio) rounded out the podium spots with a score of 233.90.
 
The sweep marks the first time in NCAA Division I history that three black divers earned the top podium finishes. The feat also marks the first time in recent history that three men's diving team members from an HBCU earn the top three finishes at a conference championship.
 
Howard's A relay team consisting of Stevens, Johnson, Benton and Green closed out the night by winning the 400 Medley Relay with a new program record of 3:14.72.

Men - Team Rankings - Through Event 28                      
 
  1. Howard University                 644   2. Wagner College                    560
  3. Long Island University            399   4. Le Moyne College                  397

Howard closes out this year's championship Saturday (Feb. 22) at Spire Academy. Prelims start at 10 a.m., followed by the final round at 6 p.m.

For more information visit the official Howard Athletics website www.hubison.com.