Staten Island, NY---The Howard University Track and Field Team traveled to Staten Island, New York last week to perform at the Villanova Open Invitational at the Ocean Breeze Track and Field Complex. The number of athletes who traveled to this meet was less than usual; however, the smaller group still made an impact. The team overall had 10 Top 8 finishes, mostly coming from the team's jumpers.
One particular highlight came from the team's outstanding distance performer, Mohammed Bah. Bah set a new school record in the 1,000 meter invitational run with an impressive time of 2:29.75 to place 2nd overall.
Head Coach Marc Harrison recognizes the effort Bah puts in consistently: "Mo Bah works harder than anybody on campus! Setting this record is proof that the process is working. I'm happy for him."
As for the jump squad, the women's long jump had two women in the Top 8: senior Hanah Billups, who placed 4th with a 5.35 jump, and Taleya Harris, who finished 7th with a jump of 5.25. Billups also finished 2nd in the triple jump with an impressive jump of 11.82 meters.
As for the men's long jump, senior Matthew Colvin placed 2nd place with a leap 7.08 meters. He also placed 2nd in the triple jump with a 14.22 effort jump, followed by junior Landrie Hatcher, who finished 3rd with a 13.98 meter jump.
Also, in the women's triple jump, sophomore Uchechi Onuoha soared on one of her final attempts, surpassing the MEAC qualifying standard for the MEAC Indoor Championship Meet. Onuoha has now qualified in two events for the February meet, the other one being the 60 meter hurdles.
In addition, senior Olujimi Scott placed 2nd in the 200 meter dash with a quick time of 21.92, qualifying for both the MEAC Championships and the IC4A Championship meet in March. The women's 4x400-meter relay team finished 5th with their fastest time of the season, a 3:52.17 clocking.
When it was all said and done, Harrison was satisfied with the results of the meet. "Everything is geared toward performing well at MEACs in February. We had some movement up the list and had more athletes qualify."
Up Next: The Bison will be going back to Staten Island, New York to run at the Villanova Ocean Breeze Track and Field Complex on Saturday.
