DECATUR, Ala. - From the moment freshman Skyaqui Howard signed on the dotted line, this day, this time, and this moment has been the goal.  

By virtue of his fifth-place finish in the 2025 HBCUAC Cross Country Championships, Howard became the first Wilberforce University cross country athlete to qualify for the NAIA Cross Country Championships. Howard completed the 8K course in 29:58.8. He also earned first-team All-HBCUAC honors with his top 5 finish. 

"I am beyond excited and proud of Sky," said Wilberforce University Head Coach Dean Freitag. "He has worked so hard for this moment. I told him the day we signed him he had the potential to be at this moment. So, seeing all the time he has put in come together is great. He has broken through the barrier for the Wilberforce University cross country and track & field programs and will lead his teammates through it all." 

Freshman Mario Seats finished 37th overall in 34:30.57, followed by freshman Brandon Reynolds (35:17.13), freshman Keylan Holt (40:29.77), and freshman Kendrick Sherrer (44:36.93). 

As a team, the Bulldogs placed eighth in the 12-team championships.  

On the women's side, freshman Takeya Canada was the first Bulldog to finish the 6K course with a time of 39:03.42. She was followed by Najharae Young (49:26.23). 

The 70th annual NAIA Cross Country Championships will be held November 21, 2025 at the Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahasee, Fla.