Pirates Look to Make Waves at Big South Outdoor Track and Field Championship

By: Ryanne N. Howard

They say don’t just chase your dreams, run them down. For the Hampton University Men’s and Women’s Track and Field team that is exactly the mentality while preparing for the Big South Championships.

For the first time in two years, the Big South Conference Outdoor Championships returns to showcase some of the best talents in the conference. The Championship will be hosted in High Point, N.C. and feature 12 Division I universities.

“For championships, I would say they are more high-ranking individuals. I do consider myself a well-rounded athlete in the events that I do,” said sprinter Dejah Grant. “Those athletes are the ones that already made it to championships before. I hope to go against some heavy hitters and also do some damage on the field das well."

Dejah Grant takes first place in the Women’s 400m hurdles Photo Credit: Griffin Weathers

For some athletes, this is the first time going to the Outdoor Track and Field Championships because the event was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the ongoing pandemic. In preparation for the meet, the teams have implemented constant conditioning and practice to ensure every athlete excels in their individual event.

“After a year and a half of being off, it’s been a little tough. I’d say this whole year we’ve been trying to ramp into being athletes again,” pole vaulter Ellis Woodyard explained. “Everyone’s transitioned well with the freshman and sophomore who have never ran college track before- they are excelling in their new roles. The upperclassmen are picking up steam.”

On Saturday, the Norfolk Spartans hosted the Norfolk University Invitational. As one of the last meets of the season, Hampton settled into their events to place in the Women’s 100m, Men’s 4x400 relay, Men’s and Women’s 400m hurdles. The meet's full results were posted by Track & Field Results Reporting System.

“Championships are three weeks away. We have a lot of work to do between now and then. I was really excited about what we were able to do at NSU, but it’s definitely not the end - just a good point to build off of.” said Woodyard, after placing second (4.25m) in Men’s Pole Vault at the NSU Invitational.

Grant secured a first-place win in the Women’s 400 Hurdles finishing 59.42 as she beat out Maryland-Eastern Shore competitor Spencer Settle(1:01:63). Hampton freshman Kayla Spencer finished third (1:01:97).

“At championships, I do hope to win the 400 hurdles as well. Also, bring my team to a top-2 finish in the 4x400 [relay] and a top-8 finish in the high jump,” said Grant, a junior health science major concentrating in community health promotion. “Look out for me in our regional NCAA qualifying meet as well.”

As one of Hampton’s top-performing athletic programs, the Track and Field team has a history of taking top prizes at championships. In 2019, the last time the team made an appearance at Big South championships, they returned to their home by the sea with 29 titles. Many students are looking for the track teams to bring home a win for the university.

“I usually come out to support the track team to support my friends on the team. Going to the meets for two years now I’ve gotten more interested in the sport,” said NSU Invitational spectator and Hampton University student Griffin Weathers.

This is Hampton’s last year competing in the Big South. After a four-year connection with the Big South, effective July 1, Hampton University will be joining the Colonial Athletic Association. In the change in the conference, the pirates seek higher caliber athletic programs while staying in the DC, MD, and VA areas.

“Going into the CAA I’m excited. As a pole vaulter, it’s going to get a little tougher. Never want to run away from competition, I’m a highly competitive person. So to compete with the best and hopefully win against the best is a huge thing,” said Woodyard.