Sports
Norfolk State Claims Fifth Straight MEAC Men’s Cross Country Title; N.C. Central’s Meshack Kuyo Sets Championship Record
MYRNA, Del. (Nov. 2, 2024) – Norfolk State University’s men’s cross-country team continued its dynasty on Saturday at the MEAC Men’s Cross Country Championship, securing its fifth consecutive title and 17th overall. With four runners finishing in the top five, the Spartans demonstrated their enduring strength on the course, tallying a team score of 27 points and sealing another victory under the guidance of Outstanding Coach Kenneth Giles.
North Carolina Central’s Meshack Kuyo delivered the individual performance of the day, blazing through the Delaware State Outreach & Research Center’s course with a record-breaking time of 23:18.2 to win the individual gold. His exceptional run earned him the Outstanding Performer honor and set the pace for an exciting championship race.
HBCU Original captured all the action as Norfolk State’s top finishers lined up close behind Kuyo. Brian Rotich led the Spartan charge with a 23:34.6 finish for second place, with teammates Raphael Kitur (23:59.9), Victor Jumo (24:18.8), and Gidion Sigei (24:20.4) rounding out the top five and securing the team title for Norfolk State.
The Spartans’ nearest competition came from North Carolina Central, who claimed the runner-up spot with 59 points. Kuyo’s gold-medal performance was complemented by a strong showing from Emmanuel Paddyfote, who placed eighth with a time of 25:24.0, showcasing NCCU’s emerging talent.
Delaware State took third place with 67 points, led by an impressive sixth-place finish from Marian Drazan at 24:31.6. Teammates Devin Smith and Jonathan Drew also contributed to the Hornets’ top-ten representation, finishing ninth and tenth, respectively, and adding crucial points for their team.
Maryland Eastern Shore’s Jalen Ridgeway was another standout, placing seventh with a time of 25:15.3. Morgan State and Howard also had top-15 finishers, earning All-MEAC honors and adding to a competitive field in Smyrna.
As Norfolk State celebrated yet another championship under Coach Giles, HBCU Original was on-site, documenting each stride, sprint, and victory for fans across the HBCU community. With record-setting performances and tenacious competition, this year’s MEAC Men’s Cross Country Championship proved that the future of HBCU athletics is bright and filled with promise.
All-MEAC Honors were awarded to the top 15 runners, commemorating an elite group of competitors who pushed the pace and showcased the best of MEAC athletics.
- Outstanding Performer: Meshack Kuyo, North Carolina Central
- Outstanding Coach: Kenneth Giles, Norfolk State
All-MEAC Team:
- Meshack Kuyo (North Carolina Central)
- Brian Rotich (Norfolk State)
- Raphael Kitur (Norfolk State)
- Victor Jumo (Norfolk State)
- Gidion Sigei (Norfolk State)
- Marian Drazan (Delaware State)
- Jalen Ridgeway (Maryland Eastern Shore)
- Emmanuel Paddyfote (North Carolina Central)
- Devin Smith (Delaware State)
- Jonathan Drew (Delaware State)
- Evans Kimutai (North Carolina Central)
- Perry Bennett (Morgan State)
- Basil Koech (Norfolk State)
- William Shepherd (Howard)
- Caleb Mincey (Morgan State)
As the season concludes, Norfolk State’s men’s cross-country team stands tall, continuing its legacy as the powerhouse of the MEAC. With electrifying performances and dedicated athletes like Kuyo and Rotich, HBCU cross-country fans can expect more record-breaking moments in seasons to come.
HBCU ORIGINAL
🦁🐺 HBCU Original — Lincoln & Cheyney Deliver Big Performances at Widener Schuylkill Showdown
Philadelphia, PA — The Widener Schuylkill Showdown (Jan. 31–Feb. 1, 2026) at the Jane & David Ott Center served as a proving ground for regional indoor track & field talent, and HBCU programs Lincoln University (PA) and Cheyney University (PA) rose to the challenge with standout performances across sprints, hurdles, relays, jumps, middle distance, and throws.
🔥 Lincoln University (PA) Puts HBCU Track on Notice
Lincoln University delivered one of the most complete HBCU performances of the meet, highlighted by elite sprinting, record-setting marks, and relay dominance.
🥇 Men’s 4×400 Meter Relay — MEET HIGHLIGHT
Lincoln’s “A” relay squad (Nasir Scott, Devin James, Sahfi Reed, Carlo Johnson) captured 1st place in 3:14.87, earning:
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Meet win
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New HBCU #11
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New NCAA DII #19
The Lions also showed depth with a “B” relay clocking 3:27.23, while a third squad was entered.
⚡ Sprint Power: Men’s 200m
Lincoln sprinters dominated the 200 meters with nationally ranked HBCU marks:
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Devin James (FR) — 21.78 (New HBCU #52, New DII #75, Season Best)
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Sahfi Reed (SO) — 21.85 (New HBCU #60, New DII #94)
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Carlo Johnson (FR) — 21.87 (PR, New HBCU #64, New DII #98)
This trio solidified Lincoln as one of the fastest HBCU sprint groups indoors.
🏃♂️ 400m Strength
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Nasir Scott (SR) — 50.49 (Season Best)
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Lamine Kane (SO) — 51.04
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Malachi Williams (SO) — 52.42
🚧 Hurdles & Jumps
Men’s 60m Hurdles
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Terry McNeil (SR) — 8.44
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Adam Green (JR) — 8.67
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Sayeed Buie (FR) — 8.95
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Jayden Jones (FR) — 9.81
Men’s High Jump
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Adam Green (JR) — 1.83m (6-00.00)
Men’s Long Jump
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Tehuti Cononver (SO) — 6.67m (21-10.75) (New HBCU #69)
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Adam Green (JR) — 6.50m (21-04.00)
🏃♀️ Women’s Track Highlights
Women’s 60m
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Darriel Whiting (FR) — 7.90
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Shanna Todman (SO) — 8.52
Women’s 400m
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Dayshana Kellogg (FR) — 59.25
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Kenya Williams (SO) — 1:02.74 (PR)
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Daleeah Alexander (FR) — 1:03.96
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Paris Talley (JR) — 1:04.35
Women’s 800m
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Aniya Whitfield (JR) — 2:31.78
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Eternity Bellamy (SO) — 2:49.25
🏃♀️ Distance & Triple Jump Excellence
Men’s Mile
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Thomas Jones (SO) — 4:34.92 (PR, New HBCU #41)
Women’s Mile
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Madison Morgan (SO) — 6:01.69 (New HBCU #70)
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Miranda McLean (JR) — 6:11.36 (New HBCU #80)
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Isabella Wright (SO) — *6:29.02 (PR, New HBCU #88)
Women’s Triple Jump
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Gabrielle Lanier (SO) — 11.27m (36-11.75)
2nd place | New HBCU #43 | New DII #80 | Season Best
🔁 Women’s 4×400 Relays
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Lincoln “A” — 4:04.26 (New HBCU #28, New DII #86)
(Whiting, Whitfield, K. Williams, Kellogg) -
Lincoln “B” — 4:13.86
🐺 Cheyney University (PA) Shows Growth & Freshman Impact
Cheyney University competed across sprints, middle distance, jumps, and throws, with freshmen playing key roles.
⭐ Top Highlight
Women’s Long Jump
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Opeyemi Ojo (FR) — 5th place, 5.10m (16-08.75)
Personal Record
Ojo also doubled on the track:
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Women’s 60m — 8.57
🏃♂️ Men’s 800m
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Yasir Logan (FR) — 2:12.16
🏋️ Throws
Men’s Shot Put
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Benjamin Bell (JR) — 8.50m (27-10.75)
Women’s Shot Put
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Kimberly Arias (FR) — 9.46m
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MyAngel Salisbury (FR) — 9.32m
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Demetria Williams (FR) — 6.24m
Cheyney’s participation across multiple disciplines reflects a program building depth and competitive confidence.

HBCU ORIGINAL
Tuskegee Coach Benjy Taylor Escorted Off Court in Handcuffs After Postgame Incident
Tuskegee Coach Benjy Taylor Escorted Off Court in Handcuffs After Postgame Incident
Credit: HBCU Gameday
Tuskegee University men’s basketball coach Benjy Taylor was escorted off the court in handcuffs following a postgame incident Saturday at Morehouse College’s Forbes Arena.
Video shared by HBCU Gameday shows Taylor speaking with a security officer as Tuskegee and Morehouse players exchanged handshakes after the game. Moments later, the officer placed Taylor in handcuffs and led him off the court and into a nearby hallway.
According to statements from Taylor and Tuskegee athletic director Reginald Ruffin, the incident stemmed from Taylor asking security to remove several Morehouse football players from the handshake line. Taylor said the players were “yelling obscenities,” while Ruffin described the situation as a “security breach.”
“I am at a loss for words, and I am upset about how I was violated and treated today,” Taylor said in a statement released Saturday. “For my players, my family and people of Tuskegee to witness that is heartbreaking for me.
“I was simply trying to get the football team out of the handshake line as they were following right behind me and the team yelling obscenities. It was a very dangerous situation.”
Ruffin told HBCU Gameday that the security officer involved provided a different account, claiming Taylor was “very aggressive.” Ruffin said he disagreed with that assessment, citing conference-mandated security protocols and stating that Taylor’s actions were reasonable.
“He asked the security officer, ‘Can you please remove them from the line?’ That’s what he asked,” Ruffin said.
Civil rights attorney Harry Daniels announced Sunday that Taylor has retained him to explore a potential lawsuit. In a statement, Daniels said the Morehouse football players were “acting aggressively” toward Tuskegee players and their families and that their presence on the court violated conference security policies.
“When Coach Taylor asked officers to enforce those protocols and defuse an increasingly dangerous situation, one of the officers instead chose to place him in handcuffs and escort him from the court,” Daniels said.
As of Monday, it was unclear which law enforcement agency the security officer represents. Taylor has not been charged with a crime, according to Daniels’ office. Tuskegee University confirmed that Taylor traveled back with the team following the game.
Taylor, who is in his sixth season as head coach, declined further comment Sunday, telling USA Today, “I am devastated and will have no more comments at this time.”
Tuskegee fell to 15–5 on the season following its 77–69 loss to Morehouse.
“It would be bad for a police officer to treat anyone this way,” Daniels said. “But to do it to a highly respected coach and role model—handcuffing and humiliating him in front of his players, family and fans—is absolutely unacceptable.”
Sports
Coppin State Hosts No. 2 South Carolina in Baltimore
By HBCU Original Staff | Jan. 18, 2026
BALTIMORE — Coppin State welcomed No. 2 South Carolina on Sunday, giving HBCU fans a rare opportunity to see top-tier college basketball in their own backyard. More than 3,300 fans packed the Physical Education Complex, marking the second-largest home crowd in school history. HBCU Original was on site to capture the energy, excitement, and pride of the HBCU community.
Despite a 90-48 loss, the Eagles showed heart. Senior Khila Morris led the team with 20 points, and senior Paris McBride added 12. Coppin State even held a brief 8-7 lead in the first minutes and outrebounded the taller Gamecocks 38-37, proving that grit and determination were on full display.
The game was more than just basketball. Former Eagles star Denikwa James returned to support her alma mater, while Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott took a courtside seat to celebrate HBCU athletics and community impact. Fans of all ages filled the stands early, some lining up hours before tipoff to make sure they didn’t miss the historic matchup. The atmosphere was electric, with chants, cheers, and proud displays of Coppin State gear throughout the arena.
Dawn Staley and her South Carolina squad brought national attention to Coppin State, but the focus remained on the Eagles’ program and the HBCU community. Staley spent more than 30 minutes signing autographs and taking photos, highlighting the respect and visibility these games bring to HBCUs.
Coppin State coach Darrell Mosley said the experience offered his players valuable lessons. “It’s about exposure, experience, and giving our players a chance to measure themselves against top-level competition,” he said. “Games like this help build our program and show that HBCU athletes belong on the national stage.”
For fans, the event was a celebration of HBCU pride, history, and culture. “This is why we support our programs,” said longtime Coppin fan Shelley Favre. “It’s about showing up, celebrating our teams, and supporting the next generation of HBCU athletes.”
Sunday’s game was a reminder that when HBCUs host marquee events, the impact extends far beyond the scoreboard — inspiring players, energizing communities, and showcasing the talent and resilience that make HBCU sports special.
Full Game Stats
Coppin State Eagles (4-16)
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Khila Morris: 20 points, 4 rebounds
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Paris McBride: 12 points, 4 rebounds
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Shanaii Gamble: 6 points, 3 rebounds
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Team Shooting: 32.2% FG, 26.7% 3PT, 68.2% FT
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Rebounds: 38 (15 offensive, 23 defensive)
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Turnovers: 30
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Steals: 0
South Carolina Gamecocks (19-1)
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Joyce Edwards: 26 points, 5 steals, 6 rebounds
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Tessa Johnson: 17 points, 4 assists, 2 steals (5 3-pointers)
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Maddy McDaniel: 6 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds
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Alicia Tournebize: 8 points, 1 rebound, 1 block, 1 steal
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Team Shooting: 51.5% FG, 47.4% 3PT, 79.5% FT
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Rebounds: 37 (10 offensive, 27 defensive)
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Turnovers Forced: 30
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Steals: 21

Sunday’s game was a reminder that when HBCUs host marquee events, the impact extends far beyond the scoreboard — inspiring players, energizing communities, and showcasing the talent and resilience that make HBCU sports special.
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HBCU Original → https://www.hbcuoriginal.com
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Coppin State → Coppin State Athletics
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MEAC → MEAC Official Site
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Dawn Staley → South Carolina Gamecocks WBB
HBCU ORIGINAL
Delaware State Shows Fight in Road Matchup vs Saint Joseph’s
PHILADELPHIA — The Delaware State Hornets continued their non-conference slate Thursday night, facing a determined Saint Joseph’s squad in a 67–51 contest that showcased resilience, youth development, and flashes of defensive intensity from the Hornets.
After a slow shooting start, Delaware State settled in and found its rhythm midway through the first half, cutting the deficit to just three points at 15–12 following a strong response on both ends of the floor. The Hornets battled through early pressure, showing poise and defensive commitment against a hot-shooting Hawks lineup.
Saint Joseph’s took advantage of perimeter shooting early, building momentum heading into halftime, but Delaware State refused to fold. The Hornets continued to compete after the break, answering runs and playing with energy as the game progressed.
Delaware State showed improved ball movement and defensive presence in the second half, working to close the gap after Saint Joseph’s extended its lead. Despite the final margin, the Hornets’ late push reflected their persistence and growth, particularly against a short-handed but aggressive opponent.
As the season continues, Delaware State remains focused on building chemistry, tightening execution, and turning these competitive moments into wins as conference play approaches.
Final Score: Saint Joseph’s 67, Delaware State 51

HBCU ORIGINAL
Okojie’s Double-Double Lifts Howard Past Drexel in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — Ose Okojie delivered a composed, physical performance on both ends, finishing with 17 points and 10 rebounds as Howard held off Drexel, 74-66, on Tuesday night.
The victory marked Howard’s fourth straight win and its first true road victory of the season after three previous attempts. The Bison (8-5) controlled the game early and leaned on efficiency and free-throw shooting down the stretch to seal the win inside Drexel’s home arena.
Howard shot nearly 48 percent from the field and an impressive 92 percent at the free-throw line, knocking down 23 of 25 attempts. Cam Gillus filled the stat sheet with 16 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, while Bryce Harris scored 13 points, including seven free throws. Cedric Taylor III added 12 points, punctuating the Bison’s late-game composure with a key layup in the final two minutes.
The Bison seized control early, building a 36-25 halftime lead behind Okojie’s 11 first-half points and Gillus’ perimeter shooting. A Gillus three midway through the opening half gave Howard a lead it would not relinquish after the first two minutes of play, with the margin ballooning to as many as 16 points.

Drexel (4-7) made multiple pushes in the second half behind a career night from Kevon Vanderhorst. The guard poured in 30 points on 8-of-11 shooting, including four three-pointers, and went 10-for-11 from the free-throw line. Villiam Garcia Adsten chipped in 11 points, six rebounds, and four assists for the Dragons.
Despite Drexel cutting the deficit to single digits late, Howard’s rebounding advantage (36-22) and poise at the line proved decisive. Okojie secured the defensive rebound on Drexel’s final missed free throw with eight seconds remaining, effectively closing the door.
Howard never trailed after taking a 7-5 lead early in the first half, continuing to show growth away from home as it builds momentum heading deeper into the season.
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HBCU ORIGINAL2 months agoDelaware State Shows Fight in Road Matchup vs Saint Joseph’s
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Sports4 weeks agoCoppin State Hosts No. 2 South Carolina in Baltimore
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HBCU ORIGINAL2 weeks ago🦁🐺 HBCU Original — Lincoln & Cheyney Deliver Big Performances at Widener Schuylkill Showdown
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HBCU ORIGINAL2 weeks agoTuskegee Coach Benjy Taylor Escorted Off Court in Handcuffs After Postgame Incident
