The Howard swimming team recently became champions. But it’s also looking to affect swimming disparities in Black communities across the region.

The Howard Bison clinched their berth in the NCAA tournament on Saturday with a dramatic win in the MEAC championship against rivals Norfolk State by a score of 65 to 64.

The Bison’s swim program nearly folded, but thanks to Coach Nicholas Askew, the team has roared back to life.

Howard and Hampton University will face off in the first “Truth and Service Classic” on Sept. 18.