Morehouse College Crowned National Champion at 17th Annual Honda Campus All-Star Challenge

Heady Mix of Strategy and Brain Power Put Morehouse College On Top

ORLANDO, Fla., April 2 -- In a show of intellectual agility that featured some of the nation's sharpest young minds and steeliest nerves, a team from Morehouse College (Atlanta, Ga.) won the 17th Annual Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC). The academic competition among the best and brightest students from the nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) was held in Orlando, Fla., March 30 through April 2, 2006.

Morehouse College flexed their collective brain power against North Carolina Central University by confidently answering a volley of questions on a variety of topics ranging from world history to popular culture. In addition to the sense of personal satisfaction the Morehouse team gained from winning, they also received a $50,000 grant for their school. The runner-up, North Carolina Central University, took home a $25,000 grant. The remaining 62 teams earned grants ranging from $3,000 to $15,000. Through the program, more than $300,000 in institutional grants are awarded annually to participating schools.

More than 320 college students from 64 HBCUs across the country competed in the four-day tournament. Nearly 100 HBCU presidents, educators, alumni and community volunteers attended the event, themed "Your Challenging Spirit" to support the participating students. The theme speaks to the spirit the students have exhibited to get to this point and may have to call upon throughout their lives. Influential PBS Talk Show Host and radio personality, Tavis Smiley, kicked off the event with a keynote speech at the welcome dinner.

"HCASC is a celebration of the proud academic heritage and contributions the nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities have made to our society," said Eric Conn, assistant vice president of National Advertising for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "Everyone who watches these games and witnesses the intelligence, camaraderie and commitment is moved by the challenging spirit these young people exhibit."

During the four-day tournament, 64 HBCU teams of four students compete in a modified round robin format. The top two teams from each of eight divisions advance to the "Sweet 16," in a single-elimination playoff. The final two teams then compete for the National Champion title in a best 2- out of 3- final series.

"I'm excited about winning this year's HCASC national champion title and I'm proud to have represented Morehouse College on two championship teams," said Jordan A. Harris, captain of the Morehouse team. "HCASC not only brings attention to the strengths and qualities of HBCUs, but it also honors our African American cultural icons, who have made it possible for all of us to be where we are today."

In addition to winning institutional grants, the one-of-a-kind competition gives HCASC students the chance to exercise teamwork and establish long-term relationships through unique networking forums.

The Morehouse team included: captain Jordan A. Harris (Senior, Economics), and players Mark A. Bernard (Senior, Chemistry), Anthony Christopher Smith (Senior, Political Science & Pre-Law), John Ramsey Clarke (Senior, Economics) and Alvin McNair (Freshman, Undeclared). They were coached by Dr. Anderson Cornelius Williams (Professor; Elberton, Ga.).

The Honda Campus All-Star Challenge is the only competition of its kind and was established by American Honda Motor Co., Inc., in 1989. Since the inception of the program, more than 50,000 HBCU students have participated, and Honda has awarded more than $5 million in grants to HBCUs to improve campus life through facility improvements and increasing academic resources.

  2006 Honda Campus All-Star Challenge
  Sweet 16 Playoff Teams

   1. Alabama State University

   2. Benedict College

   3. Central State University

   4. Clark Atlanta University

   5. Elizabeth City State University

   6. Florida A&M University

   7. Harris-Stowe State University

   8. Howard University

   9. Mississippi Valley State University

  10. Morehouse College

  11. Morgan State University

  12. Norfolk State University

  13. North Carolina Central University

  14. Spelman College

  15. Tennessee State University

  16. University of Maryland Eastern Shore