Howard University Inducts Historic 1974 Men’s Soccer Champions In Athletics Hall of Fame

localbuzzatx.com | November 12, 2024 | Howard Univeristy, Nation, News | No Comments

Founder's Library at Howard University to be renovated

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Howard University celebrated the groundbreaking accomplishments of its 1974 men’s soccer team by inducting them into its Athletics Hall of Fame. Read more details about this monumental moment inside.

Howard University’s 1974 men’s soccer team made history after being inducted into the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame. The team’s remarkable journey saw them become the first HBCU to win an NCAA national championship, claiming victory after an undefeated season.

“I don’t think I realized just how big this was, for Howard and for Black people,” said goalkeeper Trevor Leiba, reflecting on the team’s impact and legacy.

Back then, this was a massive win for Black athletes in the sport. For head coach Lincoln Phillips, the 1974 victory was a rightful reclaiming of their 1971 championship title, which had been controversially revoked.

“Truth crushed to Earth shall rise again,” Phillips said, underscoring the team’s resilience. He also noted how the success helped lay: “the groundwork for the game to become what it is for our people.”

The induction weekend included an official ceremony and a celebratory dinner led by alumnus Rock Newman. The team’s legacy was previously captured in the 2016 documentary Redemption Song, which chronicled their journey and highlighted the team’s transformative influence on soccer, particularly within the Black community.

HU Bison Sports and Howard’s official Instagram account shared the great news with members of the championship team. The caption reads: “We kicked off the weekend walking through history with some of our greats! Members of the historic 1974 men’s soccer team took a trip to the National African American Museum of History and Culture ahead of the HOF banquet. Come out to Greene Stadium at Noon as we recognize the ONLY national championship team to go undefeated in the history of the NCAA, Howard University’s 1974 men’s soccer team! #BleedBlue”

Check out post from this special moment below:

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A post shared by Howard University Athletics (@hubisonsports)

The university also shared a throwback of the championship team from 1974 with the caption: “Fifty years after a phenomenal undefeated season and NCAA championship, Howard University’s 1974 men’s soccer team will be inducted into the Howard University Athletics Hall of Fame today. Howard was the first HBCU to win a NCAA national championship.”