SHREVEPORT, La. – A pair of Wilberforce University track & field athletes picked up podium finishes as the Bulldogs competed in the 2026 HBCUAC Track and Field Championships inside Lee Hedges Stadium.  

Freshman Mario Seats trimmed more than a minute off his previous best-time in the 800, placing third with the time of 2:01.64. Coming into the championships, his fastest time in the event was a 2:02.70 - posted at the Cedarville Yellow Jackets Collegiate Open.  

Junior Israel Malone placed third in the high jump with the height of 1.83 meters. A former state champion, Malone returned to the sport after a two-year hiatus. After missing his first two attempts at 1.83 meters, he cleared the bar in his third and final attempt. He missed all three attempts at 1.88 meters.  

"We are very proud of these men," said Wilberforce University track & field coach Earnest Wilson. "We are building a program and what these men have accomplishedwill stand for a long time." 

By virtue of their third-place finishes, Malone and Seats earned All-HBCUAC Honors. 

Wilberforce completes its return to the track & field after a hiatus.