Landover, MD--The Howard University Track and Field Team traveled to Landover Maryland to compete at the Terp Invitational this past weekend. Although the men's team could not defend their 2016 title (they placed 2nd among 16 teams) in the meet, it still proved to be a success for the team. There were several new qualifiers, some personal records, and some top place finishes.
The jumpers, coached by Howard alum Mikael LaRoche, continue to make their presence felt as they gather important points for the team.
"The Jumps squad is emerging as a threat in the MEAC," says Howard head Coach Marc Harrison. "(Matt) Colvin and (Milan) Bullock are consistently winning, (Hannah) Billups has PR'd every meet this year in the triple jump."
In addition, the distance team's hard work is finally beginning to come around under the guidance of assistant coach by Keema Swain. Three members of the distance team have already qualified for the MEAC Indoor Championship meet, including the two most recent from yesterday's meet, sophomore Jasmine Hardy in the 800 meter run, and junior Mohammed Bah in the 800 meter run and the mile.
As for the 400-meter group, Harrison is particularly impressed with senior Olujimi Scott, who finished in first place and qualified in the 400-meter run yesterday with an impressive time of 48.96:
"Ojay looked great! I'm happy to see him healthy and running well," praised Harrison. Both senior Michelle Cole and sophomore Aliyah Hale also qualified in the 400-meter run, leaving Harrison to heap appreciation on his coaching staff: "Coach Williams is doing a good job with that group."
Overall, the Bison had 15 top 5 finishes at the meet:
400 Meter Dash
4. Michelle Cole, 58.35
1. Olujimi Scott, 48.96
800 Meter Run
3. Mohammed Bah, 1:56.93
60 Meter Hurdles
2. Uchechi Onuoha, 8.96
4x400 Meter Relay
4. Howard Women's 'A', 3:55.71
(Sydney Benson, Aliyah Hale, Michelle Cole, Jasmine Hardy)
3. Howard Men's 'A' 3:23.23
(Basil Niccols, Olujimi Scott, Kenneth Chigbue, Emanuel Price)
Distance Medley Relay
4. Howard Women, 13:29.60
(Simone Counts, Jasmine Hardy, Alyssa Rishell, Jade Hardy)
3. Howard Men, 11:42.32
(Solomon Brown, Jalen Rose, Enyioha Ike-Amaechi, Mohammed Bah)
High Jump
1.Milan Bullock, 2.03m
Long Jump
4. Matthew Colvin, 6.95m
Triple Jump
2. Hanah Billups, 11.96 m
1. Matthew Colvin, 14.69m
2. Landrie Hatcher, 13.75m
4. Roodly Ovil, 12.12m
Weight Throw
3. Daniel Stokes, 14.57m
The Bison prepare for Friday's meet in Staten Island at the Villanova Open Ocean Breeze Track and Field Complex. Harrison is optimistic and sees room for more improvement.
"As a team, we had several PRs and more qualifiers for MEAC Indoor Championships. We need to get it going these next few meets. It's only three weeks until the championship meet."
