HBCU Athletes Shine at Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships Preliminary Rounds

This past weekend, the East and West Preliminary Rounds of the Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships concluded, with athletes vying for a spot in the National Championships in Eugene, Oregon. HBCUs shined brightly, with nine individual athletes and two relay teams securing a spot on the national stage.

The HBCU athletes will be competing for national titles in the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships, set to take place from June 5 through June 8. The championships will be broadcast on ESPN’s main networks, including ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU.

On the women’s side, Howard University dominated the field, with their 4×100 relay team securing an automatic bid to the championships. The Bison’s relay team ran a stellar 43.55 time in the quarterfinals, marking a historic achievement as the first HBCU women’s 4×100 team to advance past the First Round Preliminaries since 2021.

In the men’s field, Grambling State’s Jet Brown and North Carolina A&T’s 4×100 relay team will be representing HBCUs at the national championships. Brown, the SWAC Long Jump champion, will have a shot at the national title after a strong performance in the East Regionals. North Carolina A&T’s relay team, after a one-year hiatus, is heading back to Eugene to compete for the title.

Overall, HBCU athletes showcased their talent and determination at the Preliminary Rounds, earning their spots in the prestigious NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Fans can look forward to watching these athletes compete on the national stage and represent their schools with pride.