Howard College, the nation’s solely traditionally Black school and college (HBCU) with an NCAA Division I swim program, has as soon as once more made historical past. On February 23, 2025, the Howard Bison males’s swimming and diving crew clinched the Northeast Convention (NEC) Championship title for the second time in three years. The four-day competitors in Geneva, Ohio, noticed the Bison keep a constant lead, culminating in a decisive victory secured by their efficiency within the closing occasion, the 400 Free Relay.
The championship meet showcased distinctive performances throughout numerous occasions. Within the 200 Free Relay, graduate pupil Tristan Stevens, seniors Tai Afrik and Darin Johnson, and junior Taj Benton delivered a powerful efficiency, ending with a time of 1:21.88.
The Bison divers additionally made a major influence, sweeping the rostrum within the 3-meter dive. Senior Zay Swilley led the group with a rating of 270.55, adopted by NEC standout Jordan Walker with 242.84 factors, and freshman Zion Wilson securing third place with 233.90 factors.
Howard College’s swimming program holds a novel place in collegiate athletics. Since 2016, following the discontinuation of North Carolina A&T College’s girls’s swim crew, Howard has been the only HBCU providing an NCAA Division I swimming and diving program.
This system has a wealthy historical past of selling variety in aquatics and difficult stereotypes about Black swimmers. Below the management of Head Coach Nic Askew, the crew has seen a resurgence, breaking quite a few faculty data and reaching vital milestones, together with their first convention title in over three many years in 2023.
The 2025 NEC Championship victory not solely underscores the crew’s dedication and laborious work but in addition highlights Howard College’s dedication to excellence in athletics. As the one HBCU with a swim program, the Bison continues to encourage and pave the way in which for future generations of Black swimmers, demonstrating that with willpower and assist, they will excel on the highest ranges of competitors.
On March 13-15, a number of Bison will journey to Ocala, Fla., for the CSCAA Nationwide Invitational Championships.
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