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Norfolk State Clinches Back-to-Back Women’s MEAC Cross Country Title; Howard’s Joslyn Crosby Sets New Record

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SMYRNA, Del. (Nov. 2, 2024) – Norfolk State’s women’s cross-country team made history today at the MEAC Women’s Cross Country Championship, successfully defending their title and claiming their fifth overall with an impressive display of speed, strategy, and teamwork. Led by head coach Kenneth Giles, who was named the meet’s Outstanding Coach, the Spartans dominated the Delaware State Outreach and Research Center course, placing five runners in the top 10 and scoring a total of 25 points.

HBCU Original was on-site to capture the thrilling energy as Norfolk State showcased their depth. Senior standout Mercyline Kimaiyo and her teammate Yvonne Sandui set a blistering pace, finishing second and third, with Kimaiyo clocking an impressive 17:24.5 and Sandui close behind at 17:42.1. Fellow Spartan Leanna Lewis added a solid fifth-place finish with a time of 18:06, while Sonia Koech and Abigael Chebet rounded out Norfolk’s top placements in sixth and ninth, sealing the championship victory.

Yet, it was Howard University’s Joslyn Crosby who stole the show individually. Crosby blazed across the finish line at 17:15.1, shattering last year’s fastest time by over a minute to clinch the individual gold and earn the Outstanding Performer title. Her record-breaking performance had the crowd on its feet and established Crosby as the MEAC’s elite runner for 2024. Her teammate, Mira Martin, also delivered a strong performance, securing fourth place with a time of 18:12.2.

Howard fought hard, amassing 39 team points for a respectable second-place finish. Alongside Crosby and Martin, Camille Egbula (18:34.7) and Chloe Poindexter (18:51.0) finished in the top ten, rounding out a stellar showing for the Bison.

Maryland Eastern Shore’s Rebecca Jepngtich broke into the leaderboard as well, claiming eighth place with a time of 18:46.7. North Carolina Central rounded out the top three teams with 91 points, backed by strong performances from Kayla Johnson and Laila Jackson, who both earned All-MEAC honors.

The 2024 MEAC Cross Country Championship highlighted not only Norfolk State’s program dominance but also Howard’s rising stars, setting the stage for intense competition next season. With Crosby’s record-breaking run and Norfolk’s team supremacy, HBCU cross-country fans have plenty to look forward to as these runners continue to make their mark.

All-MEAC Honors were awarded to the top 15 finishers, showcasing the best talent in the conference. Among them were:

  • Outstanding Performer: Joslyn Crosby, Howard
  • Outstanding Coach: Kenneth Giles, Norfolk State

All-MEAC Team:

  • Joslyn Crosby (Howard)
  • Mercyline Kimaiyo (Norfolk State)
  • Yvonne Sandui (Norfolk State)
  • Mira Martin (Howard)
  • Leanna Lewis (Norfolk State)
  • Sonia Koech (Norfolk State)
  • Camille Egbula (Howard)
  • Rebecca Jepngtich (Maryland Eastern Shore)
  • Abigael Chebet (Norfolk State)
  • Chloe Poindexter (Howard)
  • Kayla Johnson (North Carolina Central)
  • Laila Jackson (North Carolina Central)
  • Emani Thompson (Norfolk State)
  • Abigail Fisher (Morgan State)
  • Ashley Lagat (Delaware State)

As the sun set over Smyrna, the echoes of cheers for Crosby’s unprecedented run and Norfolk State’s powerful finish lingered in the air. This year’s MEAC Championship served as a testament to the talent and determination of HBCU athletes, and HBCU Original was proud to bring fans every stride, every sprint, and every win from the ground level.

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We are dedicated to celebrating the rich history, vibrant culture, and enduring legacy of Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Our mission is to provide a platform that honors the invaluable contributions of HBCUs to higher education, social justice, and community empowerment. Through insightful articles, engaging narratives, and meaningful dialogue, we strive to amplify the voices, experiences, and achievements within the HBCU community. By fostering awareness, appreciation, and support for HBCUs, we aspire to inspire current and future generations to pursue excellence, equity, and inclusivity in education and beyond.

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Florida Beach Bowl on Hold: HBCU Division II Clash Paused in 2024 Amid Funding Challenges

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November 5, 2024

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One year after bursting onto the HBCU football scene as a potential long-term fixture, the Florida Beach Bowl — the anticipated matchup between the CIAA and SIAC, two historic HBCU Division II conferences — will not occur in 2024. Sources from both conferences confirmed the news to HBCU Gameday, citing funding challenges as the primary reason the bowl game has been temporarily shelved.

The inaugural Florida Beach Bowl took place last December at Fort Lauderdale’s DRV PNK Stadium. Fort Valley State from the SIAC defeated Johnson C. Smith from the CIAA with a 23-10 score. That game streamed on the HBCU Plus Platform, drew an impressive 720,000 viewers, signaling a strong interest in the game and a national audience eager for more HBCU football coverage.

 

The Florida Beach Bowl had been positioned to revive and expand the legacy of the Pioneer Bowl, the original postseason event for Division II HBCU teams. Established in 1997, the Pioneer Bowl allowed champions or top contenders from the CIAA and SIAC to square off, providing HBCU athletes with a rare bowl stage to showcase their talent, often overlooked by larger college football media coverage. While the game was typically held in the South, with several games taking place in Atlanta, it carried significant weight for HBCU football fans and players alike, celebrating the regional rivalries and athleticism that characterize HBCU sports.

Like its Division I counterpart, the Celebration Bowl — which since 2015 has served as a de facto national championship game for HBCU football at the FCS level — the Florida Beach Bowl aimed to provide the same level of national exposure to Division II HBCU programs. The Celebration Bowl has spotlighted the best of HBCU Division I football, drawing in fans from across the country and significantly elevating the profile of MEAC and SWAC champions in a nationally televised showdown. Similarly, the Florida Beach Bowl was designed to elevate Division II HBCU football, giving fans, athletes, and supporters an equivalent stage to experience the thrill and camaraderie of HBCU postseason competition.

The Pioneer Bowl created countless unforgettable moments, generating support and recognition for Division II HBCU football and helping players gain exposure to scouts, media, and a growing fan base. However, the game faced periodic financial hurdles, leading to intermittent cancellations until it ceased entirely after its 2012 matchup. The Florida Beach Bowl was viewed as the next chapter in this storied history, bringing a new generation of HBCU football to the forefront, with a commitment to both celebrating tradition and expanding the visibility of HBCU athletes nationwide.

While the cancellation of this year’s Florida Beach Bowl has left many disappointed, the vision for the event remains. Both the CIAA and SIAC have expressed continued interest in ensuring Division II HBCU teams have a championship-level platform, knowing that the passion and talent within HBCU football deserve recognition on a national scale.

For now, fans will have to wait as organizers seek solutions to make this game sustainable for the long term. The commitment to honoring the history and achievements of HBCU athletes remains, with hopes that future seasons will see the Florida Beach Bowl restored as a highlight of the HBCU football calendar — a celebration of athletic excellence and community legacy.

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Norfolk State Claims Fifth Straight MEAC Men’s Cross Country Title; N.C. Central’s Meshack Kuyo Sets Championship Record

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November 4, 2024

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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.

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NCCU’s Juan Velarde Named Finalist for Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete Award

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October 30, 2024

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DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University’s Juan Velarde has secured his spot as one of 13 finalists for the prestigious Doris Robinson Award, presented by FedEx, which recognizes the top scholar-athlete in FCS football.

Velarde, who graduated in December 2023 with a degree in business administration with a focus on entrepreneurship, is now advancing his studies in NCCU’s MBA program while maintaining an impressive 4.0 GPA. A member of Beta Gamma Sigma, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and NCCU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Velarde’s accomplishments extend beyond the classroom. He’s also part of the University Honors Program and serves on the North Carolina Governor’s Advisory Council for Hispanic and Latino Affairs, adding to his impressive résumé.

Known for his impact in the Durham community, Velarde dedicates time to volunteer at local schools, continuing his leadership and service beyond the field.

On the gridiron, Velarde has dominated as a two-time MEAC Specialist of the Week, ranking among the top punters nationwide with a 44.4-yard punt average. With eight of his 31 punts traveling over 50 yards and 11 landing inside the opponent’s 20-yard line, he’s helped shape the field position game for the Eagles. Velarde’s kicking is equally impressive, going 4-for-5 on field goals, including a 43-yard kick against Campbell.

If selected, Velarde would join former defensive lineman Jessie Malit, who won the Doris Robinson Award in 2020, as NCCU’s second honoree. Established in 2015, the Doris Robinson Award honors FCS student-athletes who demonstrate remarkable commitment to their team, academics, and community, upholding the legacy of Doris Robinson, the former schoolteacher and wife of the legendary Grambling coach Eddie Robinson.

In partnership with FedEx, the Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete Award reinforces a commitment to supporting student-athletes’ future success. FedEx further promotes this mission through the Career Expose – College Pathways Program, offering resources that prepare young leaders for life after college sports.

Finalists will be featured on The Analyst in November, with the award recipient announced on Dec. 10, followed by an awards ceremony at the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Banquet on Jan. 4 in Frisco, Texas. The banquet will also highlight the Walter Payton, Buck Buchanan, Jerry Rice, Eddie Robinson, and the inaugural HBCU FCS Player of the Year Awards.

For all NCCU Athletics updates, check out NCCUEaglePride.com or download the NCCU Eagles Athletics app.

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2024-25 NAIA Men’s Basketball Coaches’ Top 25 Poll

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6 days ago

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October 30, 2024

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2024-25 NAIA Men’s Basketball Coaches’ Top 25 Poll – Preseason (October 23)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Lions of Langston (Okla.) tip off the 2024-25 season atop of the NAIA Men’s Basketball Coaches’ Top 25 Preseason Poll with 13 first-place votes after playing in the national championship game just a season ago. College of Idaho opens the new season ranked second with five first-place votes, Indiana Wesleyan ranks third; and Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) the 2023-24 national champions garnered two first-place votes and will begin their campaign in fourth. Eight teams begin the new season in the top 25 after not being ranked or receiving votes in the final poll of last season.

Poll Methodology:

  • The NAIA Men’s Basketball Poll is for publicity purposes only and has no weight or bearing in the selection process for national championship field consideration
  • The poll was voted upon by a panel of head coaches representing each of the conferences and Continental Athletic Conference (Independents)
  • The Top 25 is determined by a points system based on how each voter ranks the best teams. A team receives 30 points for each first-place vote, 29 for second place and so on through the list
  • The highest and lowest ranking for each team (a non-rating is considered a low ratings) is removed
  • Teams that receive only one point in the ballot are not considered “receiving votes”
  • Frequency of polls occur bi-weekly
  • Records listed are as of the end of the day on Monday of the poll week
  • For the complete Top 25 polls calendar, click HERE
RANK INSTITUTION [FIRST-PLACE VOTES] 2023-24 RECORD FINAL POINTS
1 Langston (Okla.) [13] 35-2 533
2 College of Idaho [5] 32-4 525
3 Indiana Wesleyan 29-6 483
4 Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) [2] 32-4 478
5 Oklahoma Wesleyan 31-3 456
6 Arizona Christian 25-8 451
7 Georgetown (Ky.) 24-8 427
8 Grace (Ind.) 34-2 415
9 Montana Tech 27-5 355
10 The Master’s (Calif.) 24-9 350
11 Concordia (Neb.) 24-8 335
12 LSU Alexandria (La.) 24-7 333
13 LSU Shreveport (La.) 24-9 293
14 Central Baptist (Ark.) 28-7 275
15 Northwestern (Iowa) 25-8 259
16 Oregon Tech 27-6 255
17 Ave Maria (Fla.) 22-10 246
18 Cumberlands (Ky.) 28-5 244
19 Huntington (Ind.) 22-10 214
19 Baker (Kan.) 23-10 214
21 Madonna (Mich.) 27-7 185
22 Florida Memorial 23-7 151
23 Nelson (Texas) 20-10 116
24 Kansas Wesleyan 23-9 110
25 Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) 24-9 95

 

Receiving Votes: Life (Ga.) 89, Columbia (Mo.) 84, Keiser (Fla.) 50, Mid-America Christian (Okla.) 46, Pikeville (Ky.) 40, Indiana Tech 34, Dordt (Iowa) 24, IU Northwest (Ind.) 21, Hope International (Calif.) 19, Spring Arbor (Mich.) 13, Xavier (La.) 9, Peru State (Neb.) 9, Mobile (Ala.) 8, St. Thomas (Fla.) 3, Cornerstone (Mich.) 3, Southwestern (Kan.) 3, Wayland Baptist (Texas) 2

Championship Information

men's basketball87TH ANNUAL
MEN’S BASKETBALL
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
March 20-25, 2025
Municipal Auditorium
Kansas City, Missouri

First & Second Round
March 14-15, 2025
Various Campus Sites

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2024 HBCUAC Preseason Men’s Basketball All-Conference Teams and Rankings Announced

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October 30, 2024

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The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) has announced its 2024 Preseason Men’s Basketball All-HBCUAC First and Second Teams, along with the Preseason Team Rankings, as selected by the conference’s head men’s basketball coaches. The player and team points are based on rankings submitted by each coach.

After a standout freshman season, Jamal Gibson from Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) has been named the 2024 Preseason HBCUAC Men’s Basketball Player of the Year, earning 51 votes. Gibson’s impressive stats from last season include an average of 21.0 points, 15.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, setting SUNO records for points (630), rebounds (474), and double-doubles (29). He received numerous accolades, including GCAC Player and Freshman of the Year, as well as selections to the NAIA All-American Third Team and Louisiana Sports Writer Association All-Louisiana Third Team.

 

The remainder of the First Team roster includes:

  • Raymond Reece, Philander Smith University: Averaged a double-double with 16 points and 10.3 rebounds per game; recognized as an All-Defensive Team and First Team All-Conference Selection.
  • Tory Cargo, Dillard University: Contributed 15.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game; earned 2023-24 First Team All-Conference honors.
  • Antonio Patterson, Tougaloo College: Recorded 12.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and two assists per game.
  • Tyon Thompson, Southern University at New Orleans: Previously at Fisk University, achieved Second Team All-Conference honors with averages of 14.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game.

Preseason All-HBCUAC Second Team members include Jalil Langston (University of the Virgin Islands), Demarius Pitts (Wiley University), Armond Williams (Dillard), Amorey Womack (Philander Smith), and Michael Ashley (Fisk).

The 2024 Preseason Team Rankings also feature projections from head men’s basketball coaches. Philander Smith University, the reigning GCAC Men’s Basketball Champions, leads the rankings with 140 points and four first-place votes. Tougaloo College, the regular-season champion, is a close second with 129 points and four first-place votes. The full preseason rankings are as follows:

  1. Philander Smith University – 140 (4)
  2. Tougaloo College – 129 (4)
  3. Talladega College – 116
  4. Dillard University – 113 (2)
  5. Stillman College – 110 (1)
  6. Southern University at New Orleans – 97
  7. Wiley University – 92 (1)
  8. Rust College – 65
  9. Fisk University – 62
  10. Voorhees University – 51
  11. University of the Virgin Islands – 40
  12. Wilberforce University – 39
  13. Oakwood University – 38
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