Oliver, HU Track and Field Introduce 2018 Women’s Class

WASHINGTON, D.C.  –  Coming off his first season back at The Mecca, Howard University Director of Track & Field David Oliver introduced the 2018 women's class, featuring nine student-athletes from six states.

"We brought in a tremendous group of kids who were not only outstanding athletes, but are even better students in the classroom," Oliver stated. "At Howard, we pride ourselves in building just as many All-Conference academic kids as we produce All-Conference level athletes. I am very proud in our staff's first recruiting class and I expect production from them right out of the gates."

A year ago, the women's team saw two Bison reach the NCAA Preliminary East Round in Tampa, Fla.: Dominique Cleggett (New Orleans, La.) and Uchechi Onuoha (Yardly, Pa.).

Here is more information on the nine signees:

Essence Baker (Monmouth Junction, N.J.) - Middle Distance

Baker comes to The Mecca after attending South Brunswick High School (Monmouth Junction, N.J.) where she guided the Vikings to its 13th consecutive Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) title. The New Jersey product competed and posted personal best in the 400-meter (58.59), 800-meter (2:12), and 1600-meter (5:16).

Mone't Bowen (Jacksonville, Fla.) - Hurdles

Bowen enters her first season after helping The Bolles School (Jacksonville, Fla.) capture a state team title with second-place finishes in the 100-hurdle and 300-hurdle. The Florida native raced in the 60-hurdle (9.03), 200-meter (24.92), and 400-hurdle (1:00).

Myiah Brooks (Oak Park, Mich.) - Sprints

Brooks hails from The Great Lakes State where she won the 2018 state indoor and outdoor championships in the 400-meter. Brooks attended Oak Park High School (Oak Park, Mich.) where she took part in the 100-meter (11.74), 200-meter (25.47), and 400-meter (55.12).

Nia Guine-Herndon (Jacksonville, Fla.) - Jumps/Multis

Guine-Herndon was a two-sport student-athlete at The Bolles School where she led the squad to a 2017 state title. The Jacksonville product competed on the track (100-hurdle, 14.72) and in the field (triple jump, 38'10"). She reunites with fellow Bulldog Mone't Bowen at The Hilltop.

Kennedy Lewis (Atlanta, Ga.) - Sprints

Coach Oliver continues to add depth in the sprints with the addition of Lewis, who comes to Howard after serving as a team captain at Riverwood International (Atlanta). The Atlanta product arrives as an honor student-athlete while being a member of the Glenarden Track Club. Lewis participated in the 60-meter (7.78), 100-meter (11.87), and 200-meter (24.62).

Lauren Lowe (Houston, Texas) - Hurdles

Lowes arrives at The District as a standout honors student-athlete from St. Agnes Academy (Houston) where she won the 2018 Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) Championship and Texas Relays title in the 100-hurdle. The Houston product has competed in the 60-hurdle (8.91), 100-hurdle (14.24) and 400-hurdle (1:02).

Kylan Rice (Smyrna, Ga.) - Hurdles/Jumps

Rice comes to D.C. providing depth on the track and field events. The Georgia native attended Campbell High School (Smyrna, Ga.) where she left the Peach State with performances in the top 20 in three events: 100-hurdle (14.13); 300-hurdle (42.70); and long jump (18'5").

Melanie White (Orlando, Fla.) - Middle Distance

White joins the Bison after a successful high school career at Winter Park (Winter Park, Fla.) where she was a member of the perennial powerhouse 3200-meter relay. The Florida runner finished top 20 in cross country, specializing in the 800-meter (2:13), 1600-meter (5:10), and 3200-meter (11:44).

Jessica Wright (Durham, N.C.) - Hurdles

Wright hails from the Tar Heel State where she guided the club to back-to-back state championships at Hillside High School (Durham, N.C.). Individually, the team captain won the state title in the 300-hurdle while also participating in the 400-hurdle (1:01) and 400-meter (55.56).

For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.