Howard University’s women’s track and field team continued its championship reign Monday, capturing its fifth consecutive Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Indoor Track & Field title at the Virginia Beach Sports Center. 

The Bison delivered a commanding performance, finishing with 215 total points, 90 points ahead of second place Norfolk State University. North Carolina Central finished in third place with 97. The decisive margin of victory solidifies Howard’s sustained dominance in the conference. 

“I’m extremely proud of this team. They’ve done a fantastic job over the years,” said Head Coach David Oliver (B.B.A. ‘04). “I’m pleased that we were able to keep the momentum that we’ve had going and that we were able to represent Howard University extremely well.” 

Leading the charge for the Bison was freshman standout freshman biology major Alexis Jones, who was named the MEAC Women’s Indoor Track & Field Outstanding Runner of the Meet after scoring 28 individual points. The New Windsor, New York native turned in a remarkable championship debut, opening the meet on Sunday with a gold-medal performance in the 3,000 meters, crossing the line in 10:07.34. 

Jones returned to the track Monday with another stellar effort, claiming first place in the women’s mile with a time of 5:15.34, solidifying her role as a rising force in the conference’s distance events. 

Howard’s excellence extended to the field, where Temi Banwo, a senior psychology major from Allen, Texas, earned Outstanding Field Athlete of the Meet honors after contributing 20 points to the Bison’s championship total. Her performance highlighted the team’s balance and depth across events — a defining factor in Howard’s continued success. 

Oliver, who was a standout hurdler for the Bison track and field program from 2000-2004, was named the meet’s Outstanding Coach, a recognition of the program’s preparation, consistency, and competitive edge. Under the leadership of Oliver, who earned a bronze medalist in the 2008 Summer Olympics, Howard has built a culture rooted in discipline and confidence, translating into sustained championship performances year after year. 

The Howard men’s team also delivered a competitive showing, finishing fifth overall. Fifth year biology major Sean Wray and the 4x400-meter relay team (sophomores Elijah Grant and Jayvian Green, junior Emerson McKindra, and senior Dylan Gaines) earned First Team All-MEAC honors, highlighting the program’s strength and continued progress on the men’s side. 

Together, the Bison’s individual accolades and team success reflect a program operating at an elite level within the MEAC. With a blend of emerging talent and experienced leadership, Howard once again demonstrated why it remains a standard-bearer in the conference. 

As the indoor season concludes, the Bison are shifting their focus to the outdoor campaign, which begins on March 20. Oliver looks forward to his student athletes continuing their strong performances into the spring, especially as the women’s team aims to capture a fifth consecutive outdoor championship. 

“Establishing a winning culture is really something that comes from the student athletes. They’re the ones that go out there and compete, the ones who do all the things necessary to win,” Oliver said. “I know they will continue to go out with this momentum and continue to make history.” 

All photos courtesy of Howard Athletics.