Bison continue historic season with dominant performance in Norfolk; David Oliver named MEAC Coach of the Year
Championship excellence continues to define Howard University Athletics as the Bison women’s outdoor track and field team secured its fifth consecutive Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Outdoor Track and Field Championship this past weekend in Norfolk, Virginia. The Bison dominated the meet, scoring 235 points — far outdistancing the second-place team Morgan State University, which finished with 119 points.
The title adds another milestone to an extraordinary year for Howard Athletics, marking the department’s 10th conference championship of the 2025–2026 academic year.
At the helm was Howard alumnus and U.S. Olympian David Oliver (B.B.A. ’04), who earned MEAC Coach of the Year honors for a fifth consecutive season and was also named Outstanding Coach of the Meet.
“This accomplishment reflects the tremendous discipline, commitment, and resilience of our student-athletes and coaching staff,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Kery Davis. “Coach Oliver continues to elevate this program to national prominence while developing leaders who excel both competitively and academically.”
Howard’s dominance was fueled by standout performances across multiple events. Rising sophomore Nilijah Darden and rising senior Yahnari Lyons were named Co-Outstanding Runner of the Meet after delivering exceptional performances throughout the championship game.
The Bison also secured eight spots on the MEAC Women’s Championship All-First Team, including honors for the 4×100-meter and 4×400-meter relay squads, Marcia Sey (100-meter hurdles), Zoe Turner (400 meters), Nilijah Darden (100 meters), Tiffany Mugubi (800 meters), Cenaiya Billups (400-meter hurdles), and Yahnari Lyons (200 meters).
Howard’s men’s team also delivered impressive performances, with Tarike Lavine (discus) and Jabari Dillard (110-meter hurdles) earning All-First Team recognition.
Beyond the championships and accolades, the Bison continued to demonstrate excellence in the classroom as 26 Howard track and field student-athletes were named to the MEAC All-Academic Team.
“This has been a truly remarkable year for Howard Athletics, marked by historic accomplishments, championship performances, and a continued commitment to excellence both on and off the field of play,” Interim President Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA, said in a letter to the Howard community.
With the MEAC championship secured, Howard now turns its attention to the NCAA Regionals, where several Bison will compete at the University of Kentucky in Lexington May 27–30 in hopes of advancing to the 2026 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon June 10–13.
