HU, NSU fare well on MEAC track list

Olympians and national champions were in the spotlight this week as the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, celebrating its 50th anniversary this school year, showcased its rich heritage of track and field by naming its all-time teams for men and women.

Almost 300 people — such as fans, media and sports information contacts — voted for 45 individuals and five relays on both the men’s and women’s lists.

Gold-medal-winning Francena McCorory, a Bethel High alumna, and fellow Olympians Kellie Wells and Yvette Lewis highlighted the Hampton University women chosen.

McCorory, 32, who broke through with her NCAA 400-meter indoor championship in 2009, won Olympic gold in the 4x400-meter relay in 2012 in London. Lewis, who attended Denbigh and Menchville High, won the 2006 NCAA indoor triple jump and 2007 NCAA outdoor triple jump.

C e ’a i ra B rown , C l a u d i a Calderon, Teiara Denmark, Jade Fisher, Nakia Linson, Le’Quisha Parker, Benita Taylor, Racquel Vassell, the 2013 mile relay and the 2016 4x400 relay also made the all-time group from Hampton.

Sprinter Jerome Mathis, who reached the NFL, might be the best-known Hampton product on the men’s all-time track team.

Damon Dixon, Trey Holloway, Edose Ibadin and the 2009 4x200 relay also made the cut.

Norfolk State has a large presence on the all-time teams, too.

Trequan Barnes, Sean Holston, David Kemboi, Adrian Shears, James Taylor, Josef Tessema, Corey Vinston, Marlon Woods and the 2006 distance medley relay gained recognition among the Spartans’ men. Kemboi was part of that relay.

Kiara Grant, who recently placed third in the NCAA indoor championships, and distance-running standout Martha Bissah head the group of NSU women’s all-timers.

Debbie Dunn, Agatha Gitundu, Kiara Howell and Elaine Rhoades also represented NSU on the women’s team.