WASHINGTON (August 28, 2025) - The Howard University women's and men's cross country teams enter the season with high expectations despite the youth factor. The bulk of both teams features a number of sophomores and freshmen, who will be tested.
 
The women's team came up just short in the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) Championships last November and was led by Joslyn Crosby, who won the individual category. She had been an integral part of the team's success of winning the conference title in 2022.
 
But Howard head coach Dameon Morgan feels that the returning group of young performers, along with an outstanding freshmen class, has the potential to get back to the championships.
 
"Some may look at the team as being young, but I am excited about the potential," said Morgan, entering his third season at the helm. "We expect Esther (Kirk) to have a breakout year and pick up the slack of Joslyn. She had injuries, but she is now fully healthy."
 
And then, there is Mira Martin (Columbus, Ohio), who looks like the leader. She finished second on the team and fourth overall in the championships.
 
"We have had a strong recruiting class the past two years," said Martin, a sophomore international business major. "I like the synergy of this team early and we all realize that there is a standard that has been set. The training for the season has been strong and we have placed more emphasis on the things that help prevent nagging injuries. That is the key for us and we have to stay healthy."
 
In addition to Kirk and Martin, Morgan is very high on the potential of the incoming runners, including Alexis Jones (New Windsor, N.Y.).
 
"She is an untapped talent," Morgan expressed. "We are looking for her to progress and come along."
 
The men's team finished fourth in the championships. There are two upperclassmen, graduate Kaleb Berry (Duncanville, Texas) and senior Kobe Hutson (Bridgetown, Barbados), so the team will also have to rely on the youth movement.
 
"This team is very young, but I like what I see not only for the future but this season," said Morgan of the current team. "We will look to William (Shepherd) for leadership although he is only a sophomore. We will be working hard and building confidence."
 
William Shepherd (Plano, Texas) wrapped up his rookie campaign earning All-MEAC recognition for his incredible performance at the MEAC Cross Country Championships.
 
"Being a young team is certainly a factor," said Shepherd, a sophomore civil engineering major. "But I am excited about the potential of this group and the future success of the program."
 
Both Morgan and Shepherd mentioned that an X factor to the team's hopes could be walk-on Sayid Shakur (Fort Washington, Md.), a freshman from high school track power, DeMatha Catholic High School.
 
Morgan also cited Hutson and freshmen Ashton Thomas (Greensboro, N.C.) and Noah Douglas (Boston) as key contributors.
 
"When we recruit, it is an easy sell," Morgan stated. "The teams have consistently posted a 3.5 GPA or higher. There is an expected standard for success here. We have a 100 percent graduation rate and they go out into the real world and represent well. The parents know that when we recruit. It is a nice luxury to have."
 
The season starts in earnest when the teams compete in the Mount 5K Duals (Aug. 29), followed by several other key races before the highly anticipated MEAC Championships (Nov. 1) in Cary, N.C.
 
"The key is to stay healthy, continue to get confidence each meet and set our sights on MEAC Championships," Martin concluded.
 
Derek W. Bryant, Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations & Sports Information, contributed to this story.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.