WASHINGTON (January 6, 2022) – Howard University men’s and women’s track and field teams begin 2022 in Staten Island, N.Y., for the Wagner College Invitational, hosted by the Seahawks. The one-day event starts 1 p.m. at Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex (625 Father Capodanno Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305).
FOLLOW THE ACTION
Bison Nation can follow all the live results here.
Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex COVID-19 Procedures
Spectators will not be permitted at meets with more than 750 entered athletes with the exception for meets designated as championships/elite meets by the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex. Spectators should check with meet management or coach in regards to the status of the meet (updated – December 27, 2021).
Spectators ages 12 and older will need to show proof of vaccination and will be required to show that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This means two doses (except for Johnson & Johnson, which remains as one dose). Those ages 5-11 who are entering the facility as spectators will need to show proof of one vaccination dose (updated – December 27, 2021).
MEET PREVIEW
Howard looks to build on a successful opening weekend back in December.
Overall, 17 institutions will be represented at the Wagner College Invitational, including 10 Division I programs: Howard; Wagner College; Central Connecticut; Holy Cross; LIU; Marist; NJIT; St. Francis-Brooklyn; Rider and Rutgers.
On the men’s track, senior Jermanie Byrd (Miami) and sophomore Zachary Hawkins (Loganville, Ga.) spearhead the short hurdles, sitting top 20 in the nation. Both Bison competed in the Ivy & HBCU Challenge (Dec. 4) where they posted times of 7.98 (11th nationally) and 8.03 (16th nationally), respectively.
In the field events, rookie Sean Wray (Spotsylvania, Va.) ranks top 25 in the country, leaping over 23 feet (7.29 meters) at the Ivy & HBCU Challenge.
On the women’s side, senior Ja’Tae Joyner (Bowie, Md.) ranks among the nation’s top jumpers. After competing in the Ivy & HBCU Challenge, the DMV native sits top 30 in the long jump (5.90 meters/26th nationally) and triple jump (12.13 meters/19th in the nation).
LAST TIMEOUT
On Dec. 4, HU opened the indoor season with a pair of meets: Navy Invitational and Ivy & HBCU Challenge.
On the men’s side, Byrd won the 60-meter hurdles with a 7.98 mark. In the field, Wray made a splash by winning the long jump with a leap over 23 feet (7.29 meters).
For the women, senior thrower Diana Effiom (Dallas) shattered her own record in the weight throw, tossing over a MEAC-best 56 feet (17.11 meters). On the track, second-year Bison Kaya-Rae Dunbar (Burtonsville, Md.) won the 60-meter hurdles, clocking in at 8.45. For their efforts, both Bison received Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference honors (Effiom – MEAC Field Athlete of the Week; Dunbar – MEAC Track Athlete of the Week).
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
On Jan. 14, Howard returns to the Empire State for the annual HBCU Battle.
ABOUT HOWARD UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
The Howard University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics sponsors 21 NCAA Division I men and women varsity sports. The programs represent three conferences: the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Northeast Conference (NEC) and Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC).
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.
Christopher Campbell
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