Sydney Daniel is a student-athlete with lofty goals. 

Randolph Ross wasted no time making an impact. In his first race after a three-year suspension, the former HBCU Olympic Gold Medalist from North Carolina A&T ran 45.41 seconds in the men’s 400 meters at the Meeting International de Marseille. He finished second behind fellow American Demarius Smith, who won with a personal best of 45.14.

The performance was a strong return. While it wasn’t close to Ross’s personal best of 43.85—one of the fastest 400-meter times in history—it was enough to turn heads. His time ranked among the top 25 by an American this season and showed he still belongs on the track.

A Return With Meaning

The race marked more than just a finish line. It was a test of whether Ross still had the speed and mindset that once made him a rising star. After missing three years due to a ban for whereabouts failures and tampering, Ross is back—and still competitive.

He continued to train, though restrictions prevented him from working with USATF-affiliated coaches or athletes. One exception allowed him to continue training with his father due to their family connection. Now that he can, the 24-year-old HBCU athlete and Olympic Gold Medalist aims to rebuild his career. Ross opened his return in Marseille, and if he competes again this summer, strong results could help reopen doors to national and international competition.

HBCU Roots, Global Goals

His story continues to resonate, especially in the HBCU sports world. North Carolina A&T helped develop Ross into a world-class sprinter. His father, Olympian Duane Ross, guided him through college and still supports his training. That foundation helped Randolph become an NCAA champion, an Olympian, and one of the brightest prospects in American track.

Now, after years away, he’s working to prove that one mistake does not define a career. The early signs are encouraging. And if Marseille was any indication, Randolph Ross’s comeback may just be getting started.

Related

Police say a “parking garage dispute” at the Mac4460 apartments near South MacGregor Way and Calhoun in Houston, Texas, ended with the fatal shooting of a former HBCU athlete Friday evening. The victim, 24-year-old Tyler Martinez, played four seasons as a defensive tackle at Texas Southern University. Martinez completed his football career in 2023.

He suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene. Police arrested 22-year-old Isaac Robinson, who is enrolled as a sophomore at Texas Southern University and is a fellow resident of the apartment complex, after he reportedly returned to the scene. Authorities charged Robinson with first-degree felony murder and set his bond at $100,000. If released, he must wear a GPS monitor, follow a nightly curfew, avoid weapons, drugs, and alcohol, and stay within Harris County or adjacent counties.

Details of the Incident and Legal Proceedings

Houstonstringer.com reports that Robinson admitted to his involvement in the shooting in court records. Prosecutors said a woman connected to Robinson handed him a firearm during the altercation. Witnesses said Martinez had begun to withdraw when Robinson “allegedly fired three shots into Martinez’s torso.” Robinson appeared overnight in Harris County Probable Cause Court. He currently attends Texas Southern University as a sophomore and works for a local security company.

Martinez, a Houston native and Humble High graduate, joined the TSU Tigers in 2019. Standing 6-3 and weighing 283 pounds, he played every season through 2023. He recorded 57 tackles in 20 games, including four sacks. HBCU football analysts recognized his steady performance. The Bluebloods network called him “the best DT in the SWAC,” reflecting his significant impact on the field.

Concerns Raised for HBCU Student Safety

This case highlights concerns about safety in off-campus student housing and emphasizes the need for conflict resolution efforts within the Houston community. We will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as they become available.

Related

ATLANTA – The 2025 MLB Draft is here!

ESPN and MLB Network will have full coverage of the first three rounds of the draft, which is set to begin at 5 p.m. CT Sunday, July 13. Day 1 of the draft consists of 105 picks: the first three rounds, compensatory rounds, competitive balance rounds and prospect promotion incentive selections.

Coverage of Day 2 of the draft — consisting of rounds 4-20 on Monday, July 14 — will be streamed on MLB.com beginning at 10:30 a.m. CT.

MLB Draft Schedule
Day 1 (Rounds 1-3)
» 5 p.m. CT Sunday, July 13
» Watch on ESPN & MLB Network

Day 2 (Rounds 4-20)
» 10:30 a.m. CT Monday, July 14
» Watch on MLB.com

By The Numbers
6 – program record for most position players selected in a single draft (1985)
7 – program record for most pitchers selected in a single draft (2013)
10 – Razorbacks selected in the first round of the draft
11 – program record for most total selections in a single draft (2013 & 2018)
267 – all-time draft selections in Razorback history

Razorback Draft Notes
» Since 1975, Arkansas has had at least one player selected in each of the past 50 MLB drafts.
» Since 2018, no school in the country has more overall draft selections than Arkansas (53).
» Arkansas has had double-digit players selected in a single draft on three occasions: 1985 (10), 2013 (11), 2018 (11).
» Since Matt Hobbs’ first season as pitching coach in 2019, Arkansas has had 23 pitchers selected in the MLB draft, including 16 pitchers taken in the first 10 rounds.
» Since Nate Thompson’s first season as hitting coach and recruiting coordinator in 2018, Arkansas has had 24 hitters selected in the MLB draft. No program in the country has had more hitters selected in the MLB draft than Arkansas since Thompson’s first year on the job.

For complete coverage of Arkansas baseball, follow the Hogs on Twitter (@RazorbackBSB), Instagram (@RazorbackBSB) and Facebook (Arkansas Razorback Baseball).