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
SWAC Outdoor Track & Field — Jackson State Breaks Through, FAMU Stays on Top
The SWAC delivered one of the biggest championship storylines of the season as Jackson State and Florida A&M claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles.
Jackson State shocked the conference by capturing the men’s championship, powered by explosive sprint performances and clutch relay execution. The Tigers built momentum throughout the meet and held off late pushes to secure a historic breakthrough title.
On the women’s side, Florida A&M continued its championship tradition, controlling the meet with consistent scoring across sprints, hurdles, and field events. The Rattlers’ depth once again proved decisive as they stayed ahead of a competitive field to claim another SWAC crown.
Two different stories — one breakthrough, one dynasty — defined the SWAC season.

HBCU ORIGINAL
SIAC Outdoor Track & Field — Morehouse and Tuskegee Capture 2026 Championships
The SIAC championships belonged to Morehouse and Tuskegee as both programs delivered complete team performances to claim the 2026 outdoor track & field titles.
On the men’s side, Morehouse controlled the meet from start to finish, scoring consistently across sprints, distance, and field events to build separation early. The Maroon Tigers maintained their advantage through the final events, sealing another conference championship built on depth and execution.
On the women’s side, Tuskegee continued its dominance with a back-to-back SIAC championship performance. The Golden Tigers delivered strong scoring across sprints, relays, and field events, holding off the field once again to repeat as conference champions.
Together, Morehouse and Tuskegee set the standard in SIAC track & field heading into postseason competition.

HBCU ORIGINAL
Voorhees & Dillard Lead New Conference Era | HBCUAC Outdoor Track & Field
The HBCUAC championship meet marked a new era as Voorhees and Dillard claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles in defining early conference performances.
Voorhees secured the men’s championship through consistent scoring across sprints, middle distance, and field events, proving to be the most complete team in a tightly contested meet.
Dillard followed on the women’s side with a strong all-around effort, highlighted by relay execution and key individual performances that helped them control the championship race from start to finish.
The HBCUAC now begins its competitive identity with two early benchmark programs setting the standard.

HBCU ORIGINAL
MEAC Outdoor Track & Field — Norfolk State & Howard Continue Dynasty Control
The MEAC once again ran through two familiar powers as Norfolk State and Howard claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field championships in dominant fashion.
On the men’s side, Norfolk State continued its conference dynasty, securing its fifth straight MEAC outdoor title. The Spartans delivered across sprints, hurdles, and relays, using depth and execution in the final events to separate from the field and close out another championship run.
On the women’s side, Howard extended its own reign of dominance, stacking points across distance races, field events, and relays to secure another MEAC crown. The Bison’s balance and consistency across all disciplines once again proved too much for the rest of the conference.
MEAC dominance remains firmly in the hands of Norfolk State and Howard heading into postseason competition.

HBCU ORIGINAL
CIAA Outdoor Track & Field — Virginia Union & Winston-Salem State Hold the Crown
The CIAA saw strong championship performances on both sides as Virginia Union and Winston-Salem State claimed the 2026 outdoor track & field titles.
Virginia Union controlled the men’s meet with steady scoring across sprints, middle distance, and field events, building enough separation to hold off challengers and secure the championship.
On the women’s side, Winston-Salem State continued its strong run in CIAA competition, delivering a balanced performance highlighted by relay strength and consistent event scoring to secure another conference title.
CIAA track & field continues to run through two established powers at the top of the conference.

-
HBCU ORIGINAL2 months agoThe Echo of a Nightingale: Remembering Carrie Everett’s Historic Reign and Final Act of Courage
-
HBCU ORIGINAL2 months ago🎾 Tuskegee Dominates SIAC Tennis Honors with Undefeated Momentum
-
Events1 month ago📰 Penn Relays 2026: Hurdlers Tested, Delaware State Shines in Steeplechase at Franklin Field
-
HBCU ORIGINAL2 months ago🎾 Bulldogs Stay Perfect: SC State Rolling Through MEAC Play
-
HBCU ORIGINAL2 months ago⚾ Power, Precision Lead SIAC Weekly Honors
-
HBCU ORIGINAL2 months ago🏈 HBCU Prospects Push for Draft Spotlight at First-Ever NFL Combined Showcase
-
Politics3 weeks agoSupreme Court Decision Reignites Debate Over Voting Rights and Fair Representation
-
Events2 months agoCeasefire Declared: Trump Backs Down from “Total Destruction” Threat as Iran Deadline Passes
