HBCU Athletes Shine at Prestigious Penn State National Track & Field Meet

The 2023 Penn State National Track & Field Meet was a resounding success for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), as several HBCU athletes showcased their talents on the national stage. This annual event, held at the Horace Ashenfelter III Indoor Track, has long been a premier destination for top collegiate track and field programs, and this year was no exception.

One standout performer was Daena Dyer of the Spartans, who finished an impressive ninth in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.74 seconds after advancing to the semifinals. Dyer's performance not only highlighted her individual skills but also the continued growth and development of HBCU track and field programs.

In addition to Dyer's standout performance, other HBCU athletes also made their presence felt at the Penn State National.

• Jadon Sims, who finished 11th in the 60-meter dash with a time of 6.84 seconds
• Briana Walker, who placed 13th in the women's 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.78 seconds
• Tamia Badger, who recorded a 14th-place finish in the women's 400-meter dash with a time of 55.73 seconds

These strong performances by HBCU athletes not only highlight their individual talents but also the growing recognition and respect that HBCU sports programs are garnering on the national stage. The Penn State National is a prestigious event that attracts some of the top collegiate track and field programs in the country, and for HBCU athletes to consistently place among the best in the nation is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and exceptional coaching that these programs provide.

"Our HBCU athletes continue to prove that they can compete with the best in the country," said Dr. Michael Lomax, President and CEO of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF). "These performances are a testament to the incredible talent and dedication of our student-athletes, as well as the outstanding coaching and support they receive from their HBCU programs."

As the HBCU community celebrates the success of its athletes at the Penn State National, it is clear that the future remains bright for HBCU sports programs. With continued investment, resources, and recognition, HBCU athletes will undoubtedly continue to make their mark on the national stage, inspiring the next generation of HBCU sports stars and further cementing the legacy of excellence that HBCUs have long been known for.

For the HBCU community, these performances at the Penn State National are a source of immense pride and a reminder of the incredible talent and potential that exists within their institutions. As the premier online community for HBCU alumni and supporters, HBCUConnect.com is thrilled to highlight the achievements of these HBCU athletes and to celebrate the continued growth and success of HBCU sports programs.

Originally reported by MEAC Sports.