Baton Rouge’s Ivory Devon Payne Heads to HBCU Showcase in New York
The event, sponsored by KPMG, is held at the legendary Armory in Washington Heights, a venue steeped in track and field history.
BATON ROUGE, La. — From the halls of Belaire Magnet High School to the historic Armory in Washington Heights, Baton Rouge native Ivory Devon Payne is making his mark on the track and field world. A freshman walk-on at Central State University, where he is pursuing a degree in Business and Marketing, Payne and his teammates will represent his school this Saturday at the 2025 HBCU Showcase, airing live at 2:30 p.m. ET on Peacock.
Payne’s rise to this national stage is a testament to his work ethic and dedication. As a freshman at Belaire Magnet High, Payne was introduced to track and field under the mentorship of coaches Jarrad Pitcher and Abner Patin. By the time he graduated, he had established himself as a disciplined and determined athlete, earning praise for his efforts both on and off the track.
Now, as a freshman at Central State, Payne and his teammates have earned the rare honor of competing in the HBCU Showcase, a meet that brings together top athletes from historically Black colleges and universities across the country.
“Ivory has always been a hard worker, giving his all in everything he does,” said his father, Ivory Payne. “To see him go from running on local tracks in Baton Rouge to representing Central State on such a prestigious stage is nothing short of incredible. He’s carrying the pride of his family, his school, and his hometown, and we couldn’t be more proud of the young man he’s become.”
The event, sponsored by KPMG, is held at the legendary Armory in Washington Heights, a venue steeped in track and field history. This year’s competition features teams vying for supremacy in a sport where HBCUs have long excelled. In 2024, Hampton University claimed the women’s team title, while Norfolk State University took home the men’s championship.
For Payne, this moment is about more than just running. It’s about representing his community and the people who helped him get here. “We’re thrilled to see Ivory’s hard work pay off,” said Celeste Payne, his mother. “This is a huge moment for him, but it’s also a win for everyone in Baton Rouge who has supported him along the way.”
Following the HBCU Showcase, fans can look forward to more indoor track action with events like the Dr. Sander Invitational on Jan. 25, the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix on Feb. 2, and the Millrose Games on Feb. 8—all available on Peacock or NBC.
But for Baton Rouge, this weekend is all about Ivory Devon Payne. As he steps onto the track in Manhattan, he carries with him the pride of a city that knows what it means to work hard, dream big, and run fast.
