With only two more meets left before the Howard Women's and Men's track and field team gear up to display their talent at the Prince George's Sports & Learning Complex in Landover, Md. for the MEAC Championship. The all-day event will take place on Feb. 16-18.
After outstanding performances in the Penn State Invitational, which, hosted other universities such as East Carolina, Georgetown, Temple and Hampton. Amongst the many competitors, several Howard athletes outshined in their designated event to qualify for the MEAC Championship.
Freshman Giovanni Mowatt, and sophomores Briana Jones and Wallace Spencer are accompanied by fifth-year senior Jerod Franklin whom all are currently the only team members who qualified for the MEAC championship.
Mowatt, a native of Negril, Jamaica, tallied a time of 4:20 in the open mile; Spencer recorded a time in the 60 meter run/60 meter high hurdles (6.97 in 60m dash); Jones, an Atlanta native, excelled in the long jump (18ft.1in.) while Franklin, PG County native, tallied a remarkable score to place a spot for the 800 meters (1:54.8).
As each athlete continues to prepare themselves for the MEAC, they have increased their practice by working out twice a day in addition to lifting weights.
"I am working harder by training twice a day as I get ready for the MEAC," said Mowatt. "With all the training, I hope I do well."
"I am very excited about being qualified," Jones added. "I'm looking forward to how much better I can do, because I know I have a lot of room for improvement before the next meet."
Sophomore teammate, Aaron Harrison is proud of his teammate accomplishments. Harrison says he understands the hard work and dedication it takes to reaching the MEAC.
"My teammates and I are getting up early, doing two-a-days and just trying to be a little bit more dedicated and focused because we all know we can all qualify," said Harrison. "We either will qualify or come close to qualifying."
Franklin noted how he is pleased with his efforts, yet he feels he can do better.
"It is nice to be [qualified] early," he said. "I was a little disappointed because I felt I should've done better. I am just competitive by nature and this wasn't my best."
Even though the team is looking forward to the MEAC in two weeks, their focus is on their next competition in the Vince Brown Invitational. The meet will take place in Newport News, Va. on Feb. 4.
is a member of the 
Be the first to comment on this article!