NEW ORLEANS, June 16, 2022 – The U.S. Track & Field Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) revealed its regional athletes and coaches of the year for the 2022 NCAA Division I outdoor track & field season where Howard University took home a pair of accolades. The announcement came Thursday afternoon.
 
Howard Director of Track & Field David Oliver earned Mid-Atlantic Women's Coach of the Year, while Associate Head Coach Jessica Cousins claimed Mid-Atlantic Women's Assistant Coach of the Year.
 
In May, the Bison captured its first Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) outdoor title since 1980, winning in dominant fashion by a margin of 80 points. After the meet, Coach Oliver was named the most outstanding coach after sweeping the indoor-outdoor titles for the first time in program history.
 
"It's great to be honored again by my peers for the awesome work we're doing at Howard," Oliver said. "It's really a testament to the hard work of the women student-athletes on our squad. But I'm more hype for Coach Cousins being recognized for all the work she does, it is greatly earned."
 
At the NCAA Outdoor East Preliminary Round, HU had five individuals and two relay squads qualify with the 4x400 team advancing to Eugene in June. Also, a pair of Bison reached individually to the championship round, claiming Second Team All-America status in the 200-meter dash and 400-meter hurdles, respectively.
 
"It is an honor to be voted upon by my peers for this award," Cousins, who focuses primarily on the long sprints and relays, said. "This is an accomplishment of an amazing team, who had a phenomenal season, while working with the best coaching staff."
 
The 4x400-meter relay squad earned First Team All-America honors after placing sixth overall with a new school and MEAC mark (3:28.39). For their efforts, the relay team was the first HBCU to score in the final since 1989.
 
The women's program looks to build on this year's success as they look to repeat as MEAC indoor and outdoor champions.