Malcolm X Shabazz High School Indoor Track Team Caps Historic Season

NEWARK, N.J. – The Malcolm X Shabazz High School Indoor Track and Field Team has completed a historic 2025-2026 season, capturing a state championship, earning national recognition, and establishing itself as one of New Jersey’s premier track programs.

The Bulldogs’ success was built over the course of a dominant season that included multiple championship titles at the conference, county, and sectional levels. The team was crowned Super Essex Conference Champions, Essex County Relay Champions, and North II Group 2 Sectional State Champions, while also finishing as the Essex County Individual Championship runner-up.

That momentum culminated in a state championship performance defined by talent, strategy, depth, and resilience.

“We didn’t run everybody, but the athletes we did run exceeded our expectations,” said Head Coach Hassan N. Wilson. “It wasn’t about dominating every event. It was about strategy. We put the right people in the right places and maximized opportunities. That’s how we won.”

Despite competing without access to certain field event facilities, including pole vault and shot put, Shabazz found a way to outscore more fully equipped programs by consistently placing multiple athletes across scoring positions.

“It was really about using the next person up,” Wilson said. “When someone wasn’t available, another athlete stepped in and delivered. That speaks to the culture and preparation of this team.”

Among the standout performers was David Edokpolor, who delivered a remarkable season that included a second-place overall finish in the 400-meter race at the state championship, an event outside of his primary discipline, and a record-breaking performance on the national stage. At the Nike Indoor Nationals, Edokpolor placed sixth overall in the Emerging Elite 800-meter race with a time of 1:55, setting a Malcolm X Shabazz High School record.

The Bulldogs’ excellence extended to the national stage at the Nike Indoor Nationals, where student-athletes competed against elite talent from across the country and earned 12 All-American honors.

The boys’ 1600-meter sprint medley relay team of Olayinka Olusola, Olusegun Akinyemi, Anderson Quarless, and David Edokpolor placed third overall in the Championship division to earn All-American status. The boys’ shuttle hurdle relay team of Andre Bovell, Emmanuel Akingunola, Amir Gaston, and Caleb Olagide also earned All-American honors with a seventh-place finish.

On the girls’ side, the shuttle hurdle relay team of Khamiyyah Martin, London Oliver, Kyla Boone, and Azia Pamphile placed sixth overall in the Championship division, securing All-American recognition.

In recognition of the team’s success, Wilson was named Essex County Head Coach of the Year for the 2025-2026 indoor season.

Superintendent León praised the team for its extraordinary achievements and representation of Newark Public Schools.

“This remarkable season by the Malcolm X Shabazz High School Indoor Track Team and Coach Wilson reflects the power of preparation, perseverance, and belief,” said Superintendent León. “These student-athletes have demonstrated what is possible when talent meets opportunity, and they have represented Newark Public Schools with pride on the state and national stage.”

Board of Education President Hasani K. Council also commended the team’s accomplishments and the leadership guiding the program.

“This championship season is a testament to the resilience and determination of our students and the exceptional leadership of Coach Wilson,” said Council. “To achieve this level of success while overcoming challenges and competing against the very best speaks volumes about the strength of this program and the spirit of Newark.”

For Wilson, the championship represents more than a single season’s success—it is the culmination of years of rebuilding and a commitment to long-term excellence.

“When I came to Shabazz, we had to restart the program,” Wilson said. “To now have a conference championship, a county relay championship, and a state title—it’s beyond measure. It’s a spotlight on the hard work, the dedication, and the perseverance of doing so much more with less.”

As the program continues to grow, Wilson remains focused on sustaining success and investing in student-athletes for the future.

“This is not a short-term gain,” he said. “We’re building something that lasts. Our students deserve that.”