LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Athletes from historically Black colleges and universities gathered in Louisville to compete in the annual HBCU Track and Field Championship at the Norton Healthcare Sports and Learning Center.
The indoor meet brought together competitors from 11 HBCUs, giving athletes a chance to showcase their speed, strength and talent on the track.
For organizers, the event is about more than just competition. It’s also about celebrating Black excellence and creating opportunities for athletes from HBCU programs to compete on a larger stage.
“I wanted to create something that was big, that would show Black excellence, and that is exactly what we are doing here,” said Sadiqa Reynolds, founder and president of the Norton Healthcare Sports and Learning Center. “And the good news is that anytime you show Black excellence, you show the excellence of the entire world, of the entire planet. So everybody who comes here feels like they belong, regardless of what their sport is, or even if they’re just a spectator.”
Athletes said the championship also offers a unique environment compared to traditional meets. Instead of focusing on divisions or school classifications, competitors are simply racing the clock.
“Maybe it can open you to new lengths, new PRs, maybe new season bests, because you’re achieving and trying to get better and better,” said Zhakeya Hawkins of Kentucky State University.
“I feel like everybody gets to showcase their talent without the label of D2, D1, NAIA,” Hawkins added. “So it’s just like, what does your time say?”
Coaches said the meet is also a strong way to close out the indoor season after conference championships.
“With the indoor track meet, to put a bow on it with a championship type of meet, after everyone’s wrapped up their conference meet, I think it’s a really great idea,” said David Oliver, director of track and field at Howard University. “And I’m looking to see, like I said, how big this meet can get in the coming years.”
Oliver, a former Olympic medalist, said his own experience competing at the highest level helps him mentor his athletes.
“Coming away with a bronze medal at the games was a special moment for myself, and family and friends,” Oliver said. “I can use that sort of knowledge and things like that to impart to the student-athletes that I’m in charge of now. I went to the same classes they are, slept in the same dorms they sleep in, all the same things they do. So it’s like something I can relate to them on.”
Organizers said the meet will likely continue to grow as more HBCU programs and athletes become aware of the event.
“I know what’s gonna happen with this HBCU track meet,” Reynolds said. “We are about to shock the world. So you can get on board now, or you can get on later.”
The sports and learning center recently celebrated its fifth anniversary, and leaders said they are looking to expand the facility in the future.
