Spring is in the air, and so is the excitement for track and field fans! The Howard University men’s and women’s track and field teams, affectionately known as the Bison, are gearing up to kick off their 2025 outdoor season in style.
This weekend, they’re heading to the sunny shores of Tampa, Florida, for the much-anticipated University of South Florida (USF) Alumni Invitational. Scheduled for March 21-22, this event promises two days of high-energy competition, jaw-dropping performances,
and a fantastic start to the season. Whether you’re a die-hard Bison supporter or just love the thrill of track and field, this is one event you won’t want to miss!
A Sunshine State Showdown: What to Expect
The USF Alumni Invitational is set to take place at the Bulls’ Track and Field Stadium, located at 12401 USF Maple Drive, Tampa, FL 33620. This annual meet has become a staple for track enthusiasts, drawing talented athletes from across the region to compete under Florida’s bright skies. For the Howard University Bison, it’s the perfect stage to shake off the winter rust and showcase their skills as they launch into the outdoor season.
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The action kicks off bright and early on Friday, March 21, at 10 a.m., with the men’s javelin event setting the tone for an exciting day. The meet will run through Saturday, March 22, wrapping up at 4:05 p.m. with the men’s 4×400-meter relay final—a race that’s sure to have fans on the edge of their seats. Howard is sending a strong contingent of about two dozen athletes to Tampa, each ready to leave their mark on the track and in the field.
How to Catch Every Heart-Pounding Moment
Can’t make it to Tampa? No worries—you can still follow along with all the action! For those who love the live experience, ESPN+ will be streaming a portion of the event on Saturday, starting at 4 p.m. It’s the perfect way to catch the final races and see how the Bison stack up against the competition.
If you’re more of a stats buff, live results will be available throughout the meet, courtesy of Half-Mile Timing. Whether you’re tracking split times or checking final standings, you’ll have all the details at your fingertips. So grab your favorite snack, settle in, and get ready to cheer on the Bison from wherever you are!
Meet the Bison Stars Ready to Shine
The Howard University track and field program is bringing some serious talent to Tampa this weekend. Several returning athletes who made waves at the 2024 NCAA East Regional are back and hungry for more. Here’s a closer look at the Bison to keep an eye on:
Women’s Standouts
- Kailei Collins (Graduate Student – Houston): A speed demon in the 100 and 200-meter dashes, Collins is poised to blaze down the track and set the tone for the season.
- Aiyana Gray-Williams (Sophomore – Winston-Salem, N.C.): Part of the lightning-fast 4×100-meter relay team, she’s ready to help her squad chase down the competition.
- Erin Hatcher (Graduate Student – Silver Spring, Md.): A hammer throw specialist, Hatcher’s strength and precision make her a force in the field events.
- Sherri-Ann Norton (Senior – Plantation, Fla.): Another key member of the 4×100-meter relay, Norton brings experience and speed to the lineup.
- Tiffani-Rae Pittman (Senior – Bowie, Md.): Competing in the 100 and 200-meter dashes, Pittman’s explosive starts and finishes are must-watch moments.
- **Mackenzie Robinson (Sophomore–
Ypsilanti, Mich.) : A 4×100-meter relay standout, Robinson’s teamwork and speed will be on full display.
- Zoe Turner (Junior – Mableton, Ga.): Watch for her in the 400-meter dash, where her endurance and pace could steal the show.
- Aniya Woodruff (Junior – Harrisburg, N.C.): A 400-meter hurdles specialist, Woodruff’s agility and determination make her a top contender.
Men’s Powerhouses
- Goba Dan-Princewill (Graduate Student – Houston): A key sprinter in the 4×100-meter relay, he’s ready to ignite the track with his speed.
- Chase Drewery (Senior – Waldorf, Md.): A triple jump star, Drewery’s leaps are bound to turn heads in Tampa.
- Kyle Fisher (Senior – Duluth, Ga.): Competing in the long jump, Fisher’s athleticism and technique are a winning combo.
- Zachary Hawkins (Fifth Year – Lithonia, Ga.): A short hurdles (110H) expert, Hawkins brings experience and grit to every race.
- Noah Langford (Graduate Student – Virginia Beach, Va.): Doubling up in the 400-meter hurdles and short hurdles (110H), Langford’s versatility is a game-changer.
- Sean Wray (Senior – Stafford, Va.): Another long jump standout, Wray’s explosive power could land him at the top of the leaderboard.
These athletes represent just a fraction of the talent Howard is bringing to the Sunshine State. With a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, the Bison are ready to make a statement at the USF Alumni Invitational.
Why This Meet Matters
For the Howard University track and field teams, the USF Alumni Invitational isn’t just another competition—it’s the launchpad for a season full of promise. Outdoor track and field brings a fresh energy after months of indoor training, and this meet offers the Bison a chance to test their skills, fine-tune their strategies, and build momentum for the challenges ahead. Competing against strong programs in a warm, vibrant setting like Tampa only adds to the excitement.
The stakes are high for these athletes, many of whom have their sights set on qualifying for regional and national championships later in the year. Every jump, throw, and sprint this weekend is a step toward those bigger goals. Plus, with the Bison faithful watching closely, there’s extra motivation to kick things off with a bang!
What’s Next for the Bison?
The Tampa trip is just the beginning of a busy spring for Howard’s track and field squads. After soaking up the Florida sun, they’ll split up for a doubleheader the following weekend, March 27-29. Some athletes will head to the Raleigh Relays in North Carolina, while others will take on the prestigious Texas Relays in Austin. These back-to-back meets will give the Bison even more opportunities to shine and refine their performances as the season ramps up.
With a packed schedule ahead, the USF Alumni Invitational serves as the perfect warm-up act. It’s a chance to shake off any early-season jitters, build team chemistry, and set the stage for what’s sure to be an unforgettable 2025 outdoor campaign.
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Join the Bison Buzz!
Whether you’re a Howard alum, a track and field fanatic, or just someone who loves a good underdog story, the Bison’s season opener is the place to be—virtually or in person! The USF Alumni Invitational is more than just a meet; it’s a celebration of athleticism, determination, and the unbreakable spirit of Howard University.
For the latest updates, athlete profiles, and more, be sure to check out the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com. You’ll find everything you need to stay in the loop and cheer on these incredible competitors.
So, mark your calendars, set your reminders, and get ready to witness the Howard University track and field teams take flight in Tampa. The 2025 outdoor season is here, and the Bison are ready to run, jump, and throw their way to glory. Let’s go, Bison!
