Howard Swimming and Diving Makes History with Twin NEC Championships

It is becoming that in February, Howard University’s swimming and diving program did what’s by no means been achieved earlier than, creating one other defining chapter in Howard Athletics historical past. This previous Friday, the Bison males’s and ladies’s swimming and diving groups captured the Northeast Conference Swimming and Diving Championships, cementing this system’s place among the many nation’s elite. 

The girls’s group claimed its first NEC title in program historical past, whereas the lads secured their second consecutive championship and third in 4 years — a outstanding run that underscores Howard’s rising dominance within the sport. 

For a program that stands alone as the one HBCU with a Division I swimming and diving group, the achievement carries significance far past the medal stand. It represents progress, risk, and a strong reminder that excellence in aquatics belongs to everybody. 

“This moment is about more than winning championships. It’s about showing young swimmers and divers — especially those who may not see themselves represented — that they belong in this sport and can excel at the highest level,” mentioned Nic Askew (B.A. ‘00), who has been at the helm of the program since 2014, transforming the team into a national force.  

Excelling at the highest level is exactly what the Bison did during the NEC Championships, which took place at the Spire Institute in Geneva, Ohio, Feb. 17-20. From the very start, Howard student athletes made their presence felt capturing — and maintaining — first place throughout the meet. Heading into the championships, the men’s group have been predicted to complete first and the ladies have been predicted to complete in second place, however Askew was assured that each groups would end sturdy. 

“I’ve seen these young men and women really push themselves this entire season and I have never doubted that we could win,” Askew mentioned. “I am proud of what we did and know that this program continues to set the standard.” 

Throughout the championship meet, the Bison displayed depth, resilience, and a relentless aggressive spirit, with standout performances throughout relays, particular person occasions, and diving. In addition to profitable each group championships, the Bison earned spectacular particular person honors, together with Zion Wilson, a sophomore chemical engineering main from San Antonio, Texas (NEC Most Outstanding Diver); Zuilda “Zuzu” Nwaeze, a senior from Columbia, Maryland (NEC Most Outstanding Swimmer); NEC Diving Coach of the Year Courtenay Miller (B.B.A. ‘86 and M.Div. ‘04); and each groups, who earned NEC Coaching Staff of the Year. Nwaeze ends her Howard profession along with her third consecutive Most Outstanding Swimmer honor.  

A Black History Month Milestone 

Winning each titles throughout Black History Month provides a fair deeper layer of significance. In a sport the place Black athletes have traditionally been underrepresented, Howard continues to raise visibility and open doorways for future generations of swimmers and divers.  

“Watching these teams come together and accomplish so much really has been history in the making,” Askew mentioned. “Never before has a women’s team from an HBCU won a conference title and never before has an HBCU won back-to-back swimming and diving conference titles. These wins speak volumes about the talent and competitive nature of our program and what is possible for student athletes considering attending an HBCU.” 

The championships should not solely victories for the Bison, but in addition for illustration in collegiate athletics — proof that excellence and variety go hand in hand. 

A Force within the Sport 

With a number of convention titles, nationwide recognition just like the 2020 Sports Illustrated cowl story, and a tradition rooted in excellence, Howard Swimming and Diving has firmly established itself as a program to observe and one that’s poised to dominate for the foreseeable future. 

As the Bison have fun this historic sweep, one message rings clear: Howard isn’t just collaborating within the sport — it’s serving to form its future and break limitations within the course of.