Howard University’s Athletics programs continue to bring in the hardware.

On Saturday, Nov. 1, the Women’s Cross Country team captured the 2025 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Championship in Cary, North Carolina, with five student athletes finishing in the top 15.

The Bison delivered a dominant team performance at WakeMed Park, led by freshman standout Alexis Jones, who won the race outright with a time of 17:49.10 and earned the title of MEAC Outstanding Performer. Following closely behind Jones was sophomore Mira Martin, who finished as the meet’s runner-up in 18:18.70. Sophomores Tiffany Mugubi and Ester Kirk and junior Sarah Seam rounded out the team’s top finishes, showcasing the consistency and depth that define the Bison program as well as its youth — which didn’t prevent the team from dominating the conference.

“Coming into this season, I knew this team had the potential to become champions,” Head Coach Dameon Morgan said of his team made up primarily of sophomores and freshmen. “All year, we matched up closely with Norfolk State and North Carolina Central. It was always a hard-fought battle during every meet. But on championship day it simply came down to who had it, and our young ladies prevailed. They are young but very talented, and I’m really excited to see where we can take this distance program in the years to come.”

Morgan, who was a distance star during his days at the University of Mississippi earning all Southeast Conference (SEC) honors and making three trips to the NCAA tournament before graduating in 2016, was also recognized for his exemplary coaching skills, earning his first MEAC Outstanding Coach of the Year honor. The combination of his leadership and the fact that his team is made up primarily of second and third-year students bodes well for continued success. 

Being named Outstanding Coach is just the cherry on top. I’m happy for the team — they’re the ones who put in the miles and the work.

“Being named Outstanding Coach is just the cherry on top. I’m happy for the team — they’re the ones who put in the miles and the work,” Morgan added. “The goal is to keep winning, but we know it won’t be easy. Norfolk State keeps bringing in young talent every season, so nothing is ever a gimme. We’ve got to keep working.”

In addition to their athletic triumphs of the women’s team, both the men’s and women’s teams were well represented on the MEAC All-Academic team. A total of nine Bison student athletes were recognized for their achievements in the classroom. Along with Mugubi, Seam, and Martin, they include senior Kobe Hutson, junior Orlaan Winston, and sophomores Chandainey Boyce, Adams Odhiambo, Chloe Poindexter, and Kendall Robinson.

In a letter to the campus community, Howard University Interim President Wayne A. I. Frederick commended the team for their championship performance and their continued representation of the university’s core values.

“It is with extraordinary pride that I extend heartfelt congratulations to our Women’s Cross Country Team for capturing the 2025 MEAC Championship,” Frederick wrote. “These dynamic student-athletes have once again proven that Howard University stands among the best — in competition, in scholarship, and in truth and service.”

To be able to work alongside an Olympian means the world to me. I always dreamed of coaching Division I, and to do it here at The Mecca is truly special.

Frederick also highlighted the vision of David Oliver (BBA ’04), Howard University’s director of track and field and cross country, and his staff for fostering a culture of discipline, excellence, and achievement across all programs. Morgan cosigned Frederick’s sentiments, adding that coaching under Oliver is a dream come true.

“Howard is such a prestigious institution and David Oliver is a legend — I still pinch myself to this day,” Morgan said, reflecting on the emotions he felt when he was asked to join the program. “When I got the call from Coach David Oliver, I was honestly starstruck. To be able to work alongside an Olympian means the world to me. I always dreamed of coaching Division I, and to do it here at The Mecca is truly special.”

The 2025 championship marks another milestone in Howard’s growing tradition of athletic excellence and academic achievement. In the 2024-2025 academic year alone, the university won seven conference championships — women's soccer, women’s track and field, volleyball, softball, men’s swimming and diving, and men’s golf.

“These scholar athletes exemplify the balance of athletic prowess and academic excellence that defines Howard University Athletics,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Kery Davis. “And the women’s cross country performance is just yet additional proof that our overall Athletics program is capable of producing champions.”