NEW ORLEANS (March 31, 2026) – The U.S. Track & Field Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) unveiled its newest National Rating Index for the 2026 Women's Outdoor Season where the Howard University sits 13^th in the country, the highest ranking in program history. The announcement came Tuesday.
 
Last year, the Bison began their season in 27^th place and finished in 31^st overall. Howard also sits first in the MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference).
 
Currently, the Bison are Top 10 in five events:

• 100-meter hurdles: graduate student Marcia Sey (London, United Kingdom) sit fourth in the nation (13.06).
• 200-meter dash: junior Yahnari Lyons (Hampton, Ga.) also sits fourth in the nation (22.82).
• 400-meter hurdles: sophomore Cenaiya Billups (Denver) is ranked 10^th in the nation (58.09).
• 4x100 relay: ranked 10^th in the nation (43.95), featuring Lyons, Sey and juniors Aiyana Gray-Williams (Winston-Salem, N.C.) and Mackenzie Robinson (Ypsilanti, Mich.).
• 4x400 relay: currently sits fifth in the nation (3:34.48), consisting of Billups, seniors Zoe Turner (Mableton, Ga.) and Aniya Woodruff (Harrisburg, N.C.) and sophomore Lindsay Johnson (Detroit).

 
LSU currently sits atop the standings, followed by Texas A&M and Duke, respectively.
 
On April 2-4, Howard is set to head down to Austin, Texas for the annual Texas Relays.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com and/or the USTFCCCA website at www.USTFCCCA.org.