ATLANTA, GA | From the opening strides of cross country season to the final baton handoff at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, the 2024–25 campaign was nothing short of historic for the Morehouse Maroon Tigers. Fueled by a commitment to excellence and anchored by a brotherhood of discipline, grit, and purpose, Morehouse once again raised the bar in both championship results and individual achievement.
Under the legendary leadership of Head Coach Willie Hill, assistant coach Christopher Doomes and the late Coach Thomas "T.J." Wells '74, the Maroon Tigers captured two SIAC titles, sent multiple athletes to the NCAA Division II Nationals, and reinforced their identity as the standard-bearer for HBCU distance and track excellence.
CROSS COUNTRY: Morehouse Claims 3rd Straight SIAC Crown
The journey began in October with a dominant performance in Macon, where the Maroon Tigers secured their third consecutive SIAC Cross Country Championship—and the program's 26th conference title since 1990.
Senior Brian Kemei delivered a stunning wire-to-wire victory, finishing over two minutes ahead of the field in 24:14.94 to earn SIAC Runner of the Year. Ronny Kiprono (3rd), Phoenix Satterfield (7th), and Taylor Battle (9th) all placed inside the top ten to help secure the title.
Perhaps the defining moment of the season came from Sidney Morris, who collapsed near the finish line but summoned the strength to crawl, then roll, across the line—securing the team's title with unmatched courage. Morris' effort became a symbol of what it means to wear the Morehouse "M."
Coach Hill was honored as SIAC Coach of the Year for the third consecutive season, and Satterfield was awarded the prestigious SIAC Elite 16 Award for academic and athletic excellence.
INDOOR TRACK & FIELD: Inaugural Champions
The Maroon Tigers etched their names in history in February by winning the first-ever SIAC Indoor Track & Field Championship in Louisville. With a total of 186.7 points, Morehouse outdistanced its nearest competitors to claim the team title in emphatic fashion.
The team's success was built on balanced excellence:
- Sidney Morris struck gold in the 400m (48.36 PR)
- Michael Simmons Jr. medaled in both the 200m and 400m with PRs of 21.39 and 48.65
- Owynn Brown, Brian Kemei, and Dennis Kipruto swept the podium in the mile
- Kemei added golds in the 3000m and 5000m, with Issiah Simms and Phoenix Satterfield earning top-five finishes
The Tigers flexed their depth in the relays with championship victories in both the 4x400m and Distance Medley Relay, adding to a total of 14 All-Conference honors at the meet.
OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD: National Qualifiers and Podium Presence
The spring outdoor season showcased Morehouse's continued strength, culminating in a second-place finish at the SIAC Outdoor Championships in Columbia, South Carolina.
Sophomore Michael Simmons Jr. and junior Jermiah Alibey emerged as national-caliber athletes. Simmons qualified for NCAA Nationals in both the 200m and 400m, while Alibey punched his ticket in the 400m hurdles. Together, they anchored NCAA-qualifying performances in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays, joined by Sidney Morris, Jayden Smith, Christian Whitmore, Evan Alphonse, and Cassie Scott.
Distance ace Brian Kemei again displayed elite versatility, winning the 10,000m and 3,000m steeplechase, and placing second in the 1500m and 5000m—a total performance that made him one of the top point scorers of the meet.
Field event contributors like Logan McCormick (high jump), Camren Clayborn (shot put/discus), and David Tucker (triple jump) added crucial points with season-best performances.
At the NCAA Division II Nationals in Pueblo, CO, Simmons and Alibey represented the Maroon Tigers with pride on the national stage, capping a season of upward trajectory for the program.
MOREHOUSE RELAYS & REGULAR-SEASON STRENGTH
Throughout the regular season, Morehouse maintained its elite form:
- At the Morehouse Relays, the Maroon Tigers claimed the team championship with 181.5 points. Simmons (400m), Alibey (400m hurdles), and McCormick (high jump) all earned golds.
- At the Alice Coachman Invitational, Alibey and Kemei took event wins while relay squads posted season-best times.
- At the Sharonda Coleman-Singleton Classic, Morehouse athletes recorded 14 top-ten finishes and continued fine-tuning for the postseason.
REMEMBERING COACH T.J. WELLS '74
The season ended on a bittersweet note with the passing of Coach Thomas "T.J." Wells '74, who devoted nearly 40 years to developing Morehouse student-athletes. A former Maroon Tiger football player and track star, Wells helped guide the program to 38 SIAC titles in cross country and track & field.
"T.J. was more than a coach—he was a cornerstone of our program," said Athletic Director Harold Ellis '92. "His legacy will forever run alongside every step our men take on the track."
THE MAROON STANDARD
In 2024–25, the Maroon Tigers didn't just win—they inspired. With multiple SIAC championships, national qualifiers, and heroic moments that embodied the Morehouse spirit, the track & field and cross country teams added another proud chapter to their storied tradition.
As we look to the future, the legacy of Coach Wells, the leadership of Coach Hill and Coach Doomes, and the heart of every Morehouse Man will continue to fuel our pursuit of excellence—on the course, on the track, and in life.
Follow the journey at www.morehouseathletics.com and across Morehouse Athletics social media platforms.
