HBCU Athletes Shine at NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships

As the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field Championships came to a close, HBCU athletes showcased their talent and determination in the finals. Benedict sophomore Rajaun Ricketts kicked off the day by finishing sixth in the triple jump, setting a personal best of 15.69 meters.

Ricketts’ impressive performance marked his second consecutive top 10 finish in the Outdoor National Championships, following his 10th place finish last year. Albany State’s men’s 4×100 relay team also made their mark, securing a fourth-place finish with a time of 39.70 seconds, just narrowly missing out on third place.

The 100m final saw Albany State athletes Kibren Moore and Ed Gilbert competing for the individual crown, with Moore finishing third in 10.13 seconds and Gilbert coming in sixth with a time of 10.25 seconds. In the 400m hurdles, HBCU athletes continued to shine, with Lincoln University of Missouri’s Sharim Hamilton finishing third, St. Augustine’s Sean Kalawan coming in fourth, and Claflin’s Jaevon Riley placing sixth.

On the women’s side, Lincoln (Mo.) runners Odeshia Nanton and Maria Diamond claimed second and fourth place, respectively, in the 400m hurdles. Moore and Gilbert also competed in the 200m final, with Gilbert finishing third and Moore coming in close behind in fourth place.

Nanton and Diamond ended the day on a high note as part of Lincoln’s 4×400 relay team, finishing third with a time of 3:34.35. Overall, HBCU athletes showcased their talent and determination throughout the championships, leaving a lasting impression on the track and field community.