Honeydew is honored to sponsor Binghamton University (BU) graduate and standout track athlete Marcus Johnson, giving him the chance to race at USATF National Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
Marcus is vying for a spot at the World Championships (this year’s top competition for the world’s best track athletes) and this backing is helping clear the financial and logistical hurdles that often stand between NCAA athletes and their dreams. This is a special opportunity for Honeydew to act on its values – quietly, meaningfully, and with tangible impact.
The Start: A Season of Breaththroughs
Marcus’s recent collegiate season has been nothing short of remarkable mounting to his qualification for USATF Nationals:
- He set a D1 school-record 49.93 in the 400 meter hurdles – his personal best and a historic Binghamton mark.
- Was named Pipe Dream’s Male Athlete of the Year after a strong campaign capped with All‑American recognition.
- Crowned Men’s Outstanding Performer at the Outdoor Conference Championship as well as America East Men’s Track Athlete of the Week, while contributing to the team across multiple disciplines (BU #3 all-time 200m, #3 all-time 400, and #3 all-time in triple jump).
Each milestone has built toward the ultimate prize: earning lanes at Eugene, the most important meet in the nation, in hopes of stepping onto the even larger global stage. But to Marcus it’s more of a mindset of continuous incremental improvements all mounting towards what could be a fantastic final kick;
“Each time I run faster, I think to the next step,” Marcus said. “Last year it was, ‘I can make regional’s. This year it was, ‘I can make nationals.’ I like to think I have the capabilities to do amazing things. It’s not a matter of if, but when.”
Top Speed: The Power of Belief
With so much momentum behind him, perhaps Marcus’s biggest asset is his support structure – primarily Binghamton University and especially his mom, but also in this instance a seemingly unlikely benefactor; Honeydew. Honeydew Founder Robb Quiller, a proud Binghamton alum and former Bearcat track & field athlete himself continues to develop ties to BU athletics, initially starting with an internship program and now expanding to additional support during this critical time.
Binghamton Senior Assistant Coach Jesse Fuca captures why this support matters:
“Working at a mid‑major university, we don’t have the same resources … Honeydew stepping in reflects the same belief in people and partnerships that drove Marcus from walk-on to All‑American.” He continued, “I’ve seen the way Honeydew takes care of everybody in their company, all the way down to interns, and it is reflective of the approach I take to coaching. Success comes from buy-in, being happy, and finding ways to believe in yourself and those around you. Many people believe that those things come after success, but as reflected in how I coach and how Honeydew approaches their business, these are prerequisites.”
For Marcus this presents him with an chance to spring-board his post-collegiate career, but also extends beyond just a sponsorship:
“Having Honeydew as a sponsor made all the difference…when Honeydew stepped forward and offered to sponsor myself and the trip I was over the moon. They have not only offered me an opportunity but in doing so allowed me to enjoy my last free summer which is something a lot of people would kill for.”
That sense of validation – having someone else bet on you – boosts confidence as much as any training session, and is well placed in a young athlete that is just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential.
The Finish Line: What’s Next?
Marcus graduated from Binghamton this spring with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and has a job lined up in Dallas as an engineer for Texas Instruments, but plans to pursue his professional track venture as far as it will take him.
Marcus will don a custom Honeydew track singlet this summer in Eugene as he chases qualification for Team USA at Worlds. His journey enters its most important chapter yet on August 2nd at 1:40 PM PT at the 400m hurdles semifinal.
“Without the partnership, this opportunity wouldn’t have come to fruition, but with it, the possibilities are massive.” noted Coach Fuca. He will be on-site in Eugene standing behind Marcus as he takes on the best in the nation.
To Marcus, run fast and carry Honeydew with you at every hurdle.
