Norfolk State Spartans Dominate HBCU Showcase for Second Consecutive Year
A commanding performance propelled the Norfolk State University men’s track and field team to victory at the HBCU Showcase on Saturday, marking their second consecutive title.
The Spartans amassed an impressive 119.5 points, leaving competitors in their wake. Virginia Union secured second place with 77.5 points, while Howard University (70), Coppin State University (57), and Prairie View A&M University (47) rounded out the top five.
Spartans Shine on the Track
Shamar Heard spearheaded Norfolk State’s success on the track, claiming gold in the 400 meters with a winning time of 48.54 seconds. The team demonstrated consistent strength in the event, with Kendrick Winfield finishing fourth in 49.20 seconds and Lavontay Bond securing seventh place in 49.40 seconds. Jaymes Saunders further contributed to the Spartans’ point total, earning a silver medal in the 60-meter hurdles, completing the race in 7.93 seconds.
Norfolk State showcased its endurance prowess in the 3,000 meters, achieving three top-five finishes. Daniel Mathenge took second place with a time of 8:33.14, followed closely by Lewis Too in third at 8:38.56, and Mathew Kipkoech in fifth with a time of 8:39.80.
In the mile run, Jemmel Green earned a bronze medal, clocking in at 4:18.80. Mathenge continued to perform strongly, finishing fourth in 4:20.11, while Basil Koech completed the race in 4:41.07 for an 11th-place finish.
The Spartans also demonstrated competitive speed in the shorter distances. Christopher Basking led the team in the 200 meters, finishing eighth in 22.03 seconds, with Julian Ward close behind in 11th place at 22.07 seconds. A pair of top-six finishes were achieved in the 60 meters, with Smith placing fifth in 6.88 seconds and Basking finishing sixth in 6.90 seconds. It’s the best Drogba secured a seventh-place finish in the 800 meters, completing the race in 1:57.85.
Field Event Dominance
Norfolk State’s athletes also excelled in the field events. Saunders continued his impressive performance, winning the long jump with a leap of 7.52 meters. Atrell Williams claimed the gold medal in the shot put with a throw of 16.14 meters, and Kristopher Stephens added another first-place finish for the Spartans, winning the triple jump with a mark of 15.12 meters.
Landon Walker earned a podium finish in the pole vault, clearing 4.30 meters to secure third place. Christian White followed closely in fourth, clearing 3.85 meters. Jayden Gordon delivered solid performances in both the long jump and triple jump, finishing sixth in the long jump (6.76 meters) and eighth in the triple jump (14.07 meters).
Saunders also led the Spartans in the high jump, finishing fourth after clearing 1.96 meters. Chazden Wilson, Xavier McGreal, and Cancelor Watson all cleared 1.91 meters, finishing seventh, eighth, and 11th respectively.
The Norfolk State men’s track and field team will return to competition on Friday, January 30, at the Penn State National Open.
For complete coverage of Norfolk State Athletics, please follow the Spartans on social media at @nsuspartans (X/Twitter), /NorfolkStateAthletics (Facebook), @NSUAthletics (Instagram), @nsuathletics (YouTube) or visit the official home of Norfolk State Athletics at nsuspartans.com.
Norfolk State 2025 HBCU Showcase Full Results.
