If North Carolina A&T State University wasn’t respected as a national track and field powerhouse before, it is now.

Competing last weekend at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Ore., the Aggies made a bold statement not only for themselves and their university, but for the MEAC conference and HBCUs.

Randolph Ross Jr. and Cambrea Sturgis were the headliners, but there was a strong supporting cast as well.      

A freshman from Raleigh, N.C., Ross won the 400 meters in 43.85 seconds – the fastest time run in America this year. He also anchored the victorious 4x400 relay in a blistering 3:00.92.

Ross’ relay mates were Akeem Sirleaf, Trevor Stewart and Daniel Stokes.

North Carolina A&T dipped deeper into its stable of sprinters to finish fourth in the 4x100 with Javonte Harding from Prince George, Va., running a swift leg.

The Aggies finished third overall in the men’s final standings while the North Carolina A&T women placed fourth. They are the all-time highest finishes for an HBCU entry.

Sturgis, a sophomore from Kannapolis, N.C., was a triple champion. She took first in the 100 meters (10.74) and 200 meters (22.12; the fourth fastest in NCAA history) and spearheaded a winning 4x100 relay in 43.03.

The victorious relay also featured sophomore Kamaya Debose-Epps; freshman Jonah Ross, the sister of Randolph Ross; and junior Symone Darius.

Madeleine Akobundu was fifth in the 100-meter hurdles at 12.90.

“It just shows that A&T is an elite school, and we can run with the best,” Sturgis told the Eugene media.

Now the Aggies are hoping to make more noise in the U.S. Olympic Trials June 18 through 27 in Eugene, Ore. The 2021 Summer Olympics will run July 23 through Aug. 8 in Tokyo.