Let’s hear it for the PENN RELAYS Men’s High Jump Champion, Ja’Mari Manson from Delaware State University! 🏆🐝
With a jaw-dropping leap of 2.15 meters (7 feet, 0.5 inches), Ja’Mari soared into the history books, bringing home the gold and making his Hornet Nation proud! 💪🏾💛❤️

🔥 And let’s give love to the other HBCU athletes who showed up and showed out at the Penn Relays:

• Theodore Skinner of North Carolina Central University, grabbing 2nd place with a 2.10m jump! 🦅

• Jonathan Raijon-Koger, also repping N.C. Central, clearing 2.05m and putting in that work on the runway!

• Andrew Betton from Coppin State University, holding it down with a solid 1.95m jump. 🦅

💯 These HBCU athletes proved once again—we don’t just participate, we DOMINATE.

Salute to all the HBCU talent that continues to elevate the game, break records, and carry legacy with every stride and every jump. 🎓🔥

Friday’s 100m hurdles heats were fast, technical, and packed with powerhouse performances—but it was the HBCU excellence that made serious noise on the track. Two of our very own will be advancing to the Championship of America Final on Saturday at 3:30 PM.

🎯 Advancing to the Final:

🏃🏽‍♀️ Brooklyn Robinson – Norfolk State University
⏱ 13.25 | Heat 3 (2nd Place) | Qualifies by time (q)
Brooklyn Robinson came out strong, staying smooth between the hurdles and finishing with the second-fastest time overall. She showed poise and power representing Spartan Nation on the biggest collegiate relay stage. 🟢🟡

🏃🏽‍♀️ Marcia Sey – Howard University
⏱ 13.29 | Heat 1 (1st Place) | Automatic Qualifier (Q)
A dominant start and a clean flight over the hurdles secured Sey’s heat win. Her performance placed her among the top 3 hurdlers of the day and continues Howard’s incredible showing at this year’s Penn Relays. 🦬🔥

🔍 Other HBCU Highlights:

Jazmyn Wajd – Howard University
⏱ 13.86 | Heat 2 (6th Place)
A solid run in a competitive section, showing Howard’s depth in the hurdles. While she didn’t advance, she held her own with grace and grit.

Aisha Carrington – Lincoln University (PA)
⏱ 14.07 | Heat 1 (5th Place)
Representing the DII powerhouse, Carrington ran a clean race and continues to be a force for Lincoln’s growing sprint squad.

🏁 Final Word:

With two HBCU athletes advancing to the final — Norfolk State’s Brooklyn Robinson and Howard’s Marcia Sey — the message is loud and clear: our hurdlers are elite. Saturday’s final promises to be one to remember, and we’ll be watching as these queens take their place in the spotlight.

History and speed collided at Franklin Field as Howard University became the first HBCU to punch their ticket back to the College Women’s 4×100 Championship of America Final, clocking an impressive 44.21 in Heat 4!

Led by Ai’yana Gray-Williams, Marcia Sey, Kailei Collins, and Tiffani Rae Pittman, the Lady Bison stood strong among a loaded field and proved they’re built for the big stage. Their performance not only qualified them for Saturday’s final (1:50 PM), but also reasserted their place among the elite in collegiate sprinting.

Other top teams qualifying:

• 🏁 Texas A&M – 44.05

• 💨 TCU – 44.12

• ⚡ Georgia Southern – 44.19

Coppin State also held it down with 45.203 — just outside the auto-qualifiers — but still in striking distance for a spot depending on overall fastest times.

🏆 The top nine teams (heat winners + 5 fastest overall) advance to the Championship of America Final. Let’s rally behind these HBCU queens!

Among other HBCUs:

• Coppin State posted a strong 45.21, placing 10th overall — just shy of auto-qualifying but firmly in contention for a fastest-time spot.

• Norfolk State clocked in at 45.31, showing depth and determination in Heat 1.

The Men’s 4×100 Championship of America Heats brought fire to the track as colleges from across the nation fought for one of nine coveted spots in the final. From powerhouse programs to underdog squads, the energy was electric—but it was an HBCU that made the biggest noise.

🔥 History Made: Coppin State Advances to the Championship of America Final
⏱ 40.31 | Heat 1 (3rd Place) | 8th Fastest Overall
Carl Drakes, Solomon Hammond, Noxroy Wright, and Christopher Adekoya did more than just compete—they qualified. Coppin State University has officially punched its ticket to the College Men’s 4×100 Championship of America Final, happening Saturday at 1:53 PM.
This MEAC squad showed poise, speed, and teamwork—and now, they’re going head-to-head with the nation’s elite. 🦅💨🏁

❌ Tough Break for Howard University
Despite fielding a strong team, Howard was disqualified in their heat. A disappointing result, but their presence continues to inspire and elevate HBCU track & field. 🦬

💪 Strong Effort from Johnson C. Smith
⏱ 40.51 | Heat 3 (4th Place)
This CIAA team brought grit and power. Amontae Wray, Nicholas Francis, Vegas Newport, and Tyson Williams held their own and finished 16th overall, representing Charlotte with pride. 🟡⚫️

📊 HBCU Recap Leaderboard:

• ✅ Coppin State – 40.31 (ADVANCES to Final)

• Johnson C. Smith – 40.51 (16th Overall)

• Howard – Disqualified

🏆 Final Word:
Coppin State is back tomorrow for the biggest stage: the College Championship of America Final. An HBCU will line up with the best of the best—and they’re ready.

Catch them Saturday at 1:53 PM. And believe this: History is in motion. ✊🏾🔥

The Women’s 400m Hurdles brought serious competition from powerhouse schools across the country—but the spotlight shined bright on the elite performances coming out of HBCUs. These student-athletes didn’t just participate — they competed, proving that HBCU programs are rich with talent, depth, and drive.

🔥 Top HBCU Performers

Arianna Smith – Howard University
⏱ 57.71 | Heat 1 (3rd)
Smith blazed her way to a top 5 overall finish, making a powerful statement against some of the nation’s top programs. She’s not just running — she’s leading.

Dejah Grant – Hampton University
⏱ 58.01 | Heat 3 (1st)
Winning her heat and placing 7th overall, Grant continues Hampton’s tradition of producing elite sprinters. A name to watch this season.

Lindsay Johnson – Howard University
⏱ 59.07 | Heat 4 (2nd)
Johnson added to Howard’s strong showing with a confident sub-1:00 finish, landing in the top 15.

Chidubem (Miriam) Okwudibonye – Delaware State University
⏱ 59.22 | Heat 4 (3rd)
Representing DSU with pride, Miriam continues to develop into one of the Hornets’ top hurdle threats.

Cenaiya Billups – Howard University
⏱ 59.50 | Heat 5 (2nd)
Billups kept Howard’s momentum rolling, locking in yet another solid sub-minute performance for the Bison squad.

Kayla Spencer – Hampton University
⏱ 59.80 | Heat 3 (5th)
Spencer added another strong showing for Hampton, proving their sprint group is deep and battle-ready.

Daena Dyer – Norfolk State University
⏱ 1:08.00 | Heat 5 (7th)
While not her fastest, Dyer’s determination and grit embody the Spartan spirit on the track.

Aniya Woodruff – Howard University
❌ DNF
Though unable to finish this race, Woodruff remains a key part of Howard’s dynamic hurdle crew.

🏁 HBCU Track Legacy in Motion

Howard University continues to lead the way, putting four athletes under the one-minute mark — a remarkable show of depth and coaching. Hampton followed closely behind with two solid times, while Delaware State and Norfolk State proved they’re building the foundation for future greatness.

In an event stacked with ACC and Big 12 names, these HBCU athletes didn’t just show up — they showed out. Their performances are a reminder that greatness lives and grows at HBCUs every day.

🖤💛 Stay locked in with HBCU Original for more race-day recaps, athlete spotlights, and the stories that keep our legacy alive.