Howard is the only HBCU in the country to have a swim team, according to WUSA9. The rings are a sentiment of the young men’s hard work and dedication to the sport. The historic title is also the swim team’s first in over 30 years. Head coach Nicholas Askew described the team putting on their long-awaited rings felt “magical” and has finally cemented their accomplishment.

“It’s magical because typically, in our sport, we don’t get a chance to stop and do this,” Askew said. “So we make sure that we take care of our student-athletes and show them how much we value them.”

Langston Weddington, a senior from Georgia and a member of the swim team, said it’s an honor to be a part of a team that brings light to its university. Weddington competes in the breast, individual medley, and free races for the team.

“This team was about to be cut way, way back,” Weddington said. “And then Coach Nick came in, turned it all around and brought us all in. We were part of the team to bring a lot of light to the University, do a lot, and get a lot of attention out there that we really can swim, and we are great at it. It’s very special for us.”

Coach Askew also spoke to reporters about representation in black and brown communities. He also mentioned how swimming has opened doors for many possibilities to unravel.

“We’re standing as a representation, especially to the Black and Brown community. Swimming can lead to so many different avenues, including a championship, which it has for us,” he said.

 

Congratulations to the Howard men’s swim team.