 Having been recruited from Denver (CO) East High School by Howard University's head coach, Michael Merritt, Oliver enjoyed his first successes on the track in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).He won four consecutive outdoor MEAC 110 metres hurdles titles, from 2001–2004.He was also a MEAC indoor champion in the 55 metres hurdles, winning in 2003 in 7.34 seconds.