UMES qualified to compete at the 2017 Honda Campus All-Star Challenge National Championship Tournament on April 8-11 in Torrance, Calif.
The national tournament is “a prestigious competition that showcases the academic prowess of the brightest students from America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities.”
After seven qualifying tournaments held in early February, 48 of 76 teams emerged from the group, earning the opportunity to compete for the title of “National Champion” and a $75,000 institutional grant from Honda.
UMES finished second in its game room and fourth overall at a Feb. 4 qualifying event involving 10 regional teams at the University of the District of Columbia.
“After graduating four seniors from the 2016 team, two of whom were the top scorers in last year’s qualifying tournament, and one (Jonathan Wheeler) in the National Championship Tournament, we are rebuilding this year,” said Dr. James White Jr., associate vice president for student affairs.
In the 2016 National Championship Tournament, UMES competed in the quarter-final round—the first time for that accomplishment in 10 years, White said. “This team is poised to accept the challenge, building upon last year, and to compete as Hawks.”
The final round of the 2017 National Championship Tournament will be streamed live April 10, at noon ET on HCASC.com.
“Earning a seat at the National Championship Tournament is no easy feat, and we congratulate each and every student for displaying the drive and determination necessary to do so,” said Steve Morikawa, vice president, corporate relations and social responsibility, American Honda.
For more information on the 2017 HCASC, visit www.hcasc.com. Connect with HCASC via social media using #HCASC.
