TORRANCE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In a thrilling intellectual showdown, Morgan State University emerged victorious among 48 teams and claimed its first National Championship title at the 23rd Annual Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (www.hcasc.com). The annual academic tournament brought 250 top students from the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) together in the Los Angeles area for a two-day competition and the opportunity to win as much as $50,000 in grants for their school.
In a culmination of a year-long program, Morgan State took home the title and beat second-place finisher Oakwood University after answering the following question correctly:
Who was America’s only chief executive never elected as president or vice president?
Correct Answer: Gerald Ford
The Morgan State team included Craig Cornish (Captain), junior, History Major; Micheal Osikomaiya, sophomore, English Major; John-Paul Stephens, freshman, Screen Writing & Animation Major; and James Hayes-Barber, freshman, Electrical Engineering Major.
Each of the 48 teams first battled it out in their own division to quickly and accurately answer questions on world history, science, literature, religion, the arts, social sciences, popular culture, and African-American history and culture. The top team from each of the event’s eight divisions advanced to the "Elite Eight Playoffs” and went head-to-head in a single elimination round. The final two teams then competed for the National Champion title in a best 2 out of 3 final series.
While Morgan State secured the top prize of $50,000 in university grants, all 48 schools were awarded grants. Second place finisher Oakwood University won $25,000, while the remaining “Final 4” teams – Florida A&M University and Morehouse College - earned $15,000. The other “Elite 8” – Alabama State, North Carolina A&T State, Stillman College and Southern University - New Orleans – were awarded $9,500 in grants. In total, Honda provided over $300,000 in grants to participating schools.
Since 1989, HCASC has brought together the nation’s best and brightest academic competitors from America’s top HBCUs. Throughout its history, HCASC has been the only annual academic competition between the nation’s HBCUs, touching over 75,000 students and awarding more than $6 million in grants.
Quote from Morgan State University Team Captain
"My favorite part of being on this team has been bonding with our teammates and coach. There have been a lot of incendiary moments, but they’ve made us stronger. I’m looking forward to getting ready for next year.”
- Craig Cornish, captain, Morgan State Honda Campus All-Star Challenge Team
Quote from Morgan State University Team Coach
"This is everybody’s first year on the team, and to try to figure out how to meld what they know with what they need to know, takes a journey that builds a relationship of trust. It’s been a beautiful relationship with my team."
- Dr. OluwaTosin Adegbola, coach, Morgan State Honda Campus All-Star Challenge Team
Quote from Honda Executive
“The Honda Campus All-Star Challenge not only offers a friendly and competitive environment for HBCU students to demonstrate their intellect, hard work and dedication, but also provides them an opportunity to build friendships and establish lasting networks. This year we were able bring the competition to American Honda’s headquarters where we introduced the students to Honda’s lines of business. Honda considers it a priority to support our nation’s future leaders, and we are proud to be a part of this enriching event.”
- Marc Burt, senior manager, Office of Inclusion and Diversity, American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
More Information
For broadcast quality, downloadable footage of final games, round robin games, interviews and photos of the “Elite Eight” HCASC teams, please visit http://www.epklink.com/hondaallstar/.
For more information on the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge and a list of the 48 participating HBCUs, please go to www.HCASC.com.
About Honda
Honda supports a variety of initiatives aimed at advancing education and creating experiences of discovery that help aspiring students see and achieve their own dreams. The Honda Campus All-Star Challenge, along with the Honda Battle of the Bands, are two of Honda’s major initiatives supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities and helping young people pursue their dreams.
HCASC Electronic Press Kit: http://www.epklink.com/hondaallstar/
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