WASHINGTON, D.C. — Howard University Swimming & Diving will welcome athletes, alumni, families, supporters and the broader Washington, D.C. community to the fifth annual Battle at the Burr (BATB) on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Burr Gymnasium.
This year’s Battle at the Burr will anchor a full weekend of programming designed to celebrate Howard’s championship legacy, elevate the visibility of swimming and diving, and create opportunities for the community to connect with the sport both in and out of the pool.
The weekend comes on the heels of a historic 2025–26 season for Howard Swimming & Diving. Both the Bison men’s and women’s teams captured Northeast Conference (NEC) Swimming & Diving Championships in February 2026. The women captured their first NEC championship in program history, while the men secured their second consecutive NEC title and third championship in four years.
“Winning both the men’s and women’s NEC championships is a reflection of the commitment, sacrifice and belief that these student-athletes have shown throughout the entire season,” said Nic Askew, Howard University Director and Head Coach of Swimming & Diving. “The women made history by winning their first conference championship, while the men continued to build on the legacy they have established over the last several years. We are incredibly proud of what they accomplished, but we also recognize that this is bigger than a championship. We want our athletes to understand the impact they are having on the sport and on the young people who see themselves represented in the pool.”
Howard is currently the only HBCU with an NCAA Division I swimming and diving program, making the continued growth and visibility of the program particularly significant within collegiate aquatics.
A Weekend of Swimming, Celebration and Community
The Battle at the Burr weekend will begin Thursday, October 8, and continue through Sunday, October 11, offering a variety of activities for athletes, families, alumni, supporters and community members.
Thursday, October 8 | 7:30–8:30 p.m.
Water Polo Clinic | Burr Gymnasium
The weekend kicks off with a water polo clinic at Burr Gymnasium, providing attendees the opportunity to learn, engage and experience another discipline within the aquatics community.
Friday, October 9 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
NEC Championship Ceremony & Reception | Blackburn Ballroom
The Bison will celebrate its historic championship season with a reception honoring the men’s and women’s NEC championship teams. The evening will recognize the student-athletes, coaches and supporters whose dedication helped produce one of the most significant seasons in Howard Swimming & Diving history.
Saturday, October 10 | Battle at the Burr | Burr Gymnasium
Doors Open: 12 p.m. | Meet: 2–5 p.m.
The main event returns to Burr Gymnasium for an afternoon of high-energy collegiate swimming and diving competition. Known for its unique atmosphere and celebration of the sport, Battle at the Burr has become a signature event on Howard’s athletics calendar. Join us for the activity-filled watch party in the Deep End. FREE to the public.
Saturday, October 10 | 7–10 p.m.
After the Battle | Lima Twist Dinner Club
The celebration continues Saturday evening with After the Battle, a fundraiser designed to support Howard University Swimming & Diving while bringing together athletes, alumni, supporters and friends of the program for an evening of food, music, and networking.
Sunday, October 11
Community Water Safety Festival | Burr Gymnasium
The weekend concludes with a Community Water Safety Festival hosted by Diversity In Aquatics. The event will provide education, awareness and access to lifesaving water-safety information and resources, reflecting HU Swimming & Diving’s commitment to extending its impact beyond competition to create safer, more confident swimmers in the community.
For more information about Battle at the Burr, visit the official Battle at the Burr website www.battleattheburr.com.
Media Contacts:
Lydia Sermons or Carol Wilkerson
Email: mediarelations@howard.edu
Phone: 202-288-7071
Katrina Wiggins
KCR Concepts
kw@kcrconcepts.com
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About Howard University
Howard University, established in 1867, is a leading private research university based in Washington, D.C. Howard’s 14 schools and colleges offer 140 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs and lead the nation in producing African Americans with professional doctoral degrees. Howard is the top-ranked historically Black college or university according to Forbes, the only HBCU with an R1 research institution designation, and the only HBCU ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Top 100 National Universities. Renowned for its esteemed faculty, high achieving students, and commitment to excellence, leadership, truth and service, Howard produces distinguished alumni across all sectors, which have included the first Black U.S. Supreme Court justice and the first woman U.S. vice president; a Nobel Prize laureate; Schwarzman, Marshall, Rhodes and Truman Scholars; prestigious fellows; and over 170 Fulbright recipients. Learn more at www.howard.edu.
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