HCASC 2016: FAMU Wins Academic National Championship

The 27th Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC) National Championship Tournament turned on a fast-paced ultimate challenge of questions about the original country of citizenship for a variety of “noble Americans.” Students from the Florida A&M University team answered correctly, completing a journey that began last fall, and securing its eighth HCASC National Championship title. Honda, the founding sponsor of this unique academic competition among America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), contributed more than $300,000 in institutional grants to the participating schools in support of academic activities, which has been awarded to the participating schools.

A packed studio audience filled with the HBCU’s best and brightest students, alumni, volunteers, fans and Honda associates collectively held their breath as Florida A&M University clinched the title over runner-up Chicago State University.

Florida A&M University was coached by Dr. Vivian Hobbs. Team members included: Dominque Berry, Travian Albert, Imari Nalls and Team Captain, Kimberlyn Elliot

“I’m overwhelmed and just so proud of these students who have worked very hard over the past nine months and have come together to form such a strong team,” said Dr. Vivian Hobbs, coach, Florida A&M University. “The commitment, discipline, knowledge and collegial spirit they displayed helped them win this national championship title.”

The seven remaining finalists that qualified for this year’s Elite Eight included: Alabama State, Benedict College, Chicago State University, Morehouse College, North Carolina Central University, Oakwood University and Spelman College.

“Honda is pleased to congratulate Florida A&M University on its eighth championship title, and we applaud each of the nearly 200 extraordinary students who participated in this year’s Honda Campus All-Star Challenge National Championship Tournament,” said Steve Morikawa, Vice President of Corporate Relations and Social Responsibility, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “We also thank the volunteers and alumni who helped make this year’s tournament a success and who support our mission to celebrate and promote student achievement.”

HCASC 2016 Highlights

The 2016 coach of the year was Dr. James White, Jr. of University of Maryland, Eastern Shore. Courtney Jenkins of Chicago State University was named the Earnest L. Jones Sportsperson of the Year.

This year’s divisional all-stars included: Dominique Berry of Florida A&M, Deja S. Body of Alabama State, William Sutherland Dula of Morehouse College, Greg T. Edouard of Oakwood University, Zuri Malik Gurganious of North Carolina Central, Marcus Dewayne Jones of Clark Atlanta, Carroll Reed of Bowie State and Jonathan D. Wheeler of Maryland Eastern Shore.

In addition to taking home the national championship trophy, Florida A&M University secured the top prize of $75,000 in university grants. Runner-up Chicago State University won $30,000, while third and fourth place finishers – Morehouse College and North Carolina Central University – earned $20,000 each.

“This has been a lot of fun and I’ve loved playing with this team,” said Kimberlyn Elliott, Florida A&M University team captain. “This competition is full of incredibly talented people and I’m proud of my team and our coach for earning this eighth win for Florida A&M!”

More than 100 volunteers, including nearly 40 Honda associates, helped produce the National Championship Tournament, serving as game officials, conducting registration and hosting the students.

For pictures, videos and more information on the 2016 HCASC competition, including a full list of the 48 teams that qualified, visit www.hcasc.com.

Connect with HCASC via social media for updates on Facebook (www.facebook.com/HCASC) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/HCASC) using #HCASC.

Source: Honda, Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC)