The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC) team has earned an invitation to the National Qualifying Tournament, following a weekend of competition hosted by Winston Salem State University, according to a March 10 announcement. FAMU will compete with 31 other historically black colleges and universities for the national championship trophy and a $100,000 institutional grant at the American Honda Motors corporate headquarters in Torrance, California in April.
The advancement is significant as it highlights academic achievement among HBCUs and provides opportunities for scholarships and institutional support. The HCASC is recognized as one of American Honda’s major philanthropic events, supporting higher education through grants and recognition.
President Marva Johnson said, “Congratulations to the Florida A&M University Honda Campus All-Star Challenge Team for advancing to the national qualifying tournament. Their knowledge, teamwork, and competitive spirit exemplify the excellence of FAMU scholars, and we are proud to see them keep the Rattlers in contention for a ninth national championship.” Johnson also said, “I commend American Honda Motor Company for its continued commitment to showcasing academic excellence at HBCUs.”
During qualifying rounds, FAMU’s team demonstrated expertise across subjects such as history, current events, science, literature, religion, and pop culture. This year’s team members include Kenneth D. Smith (Captain), Jordyn Williams, Cadence Smith, and Elijah Sorunmu. Coach Vivian L. Hobbs said, “I have never been so impressed with a group of students who have never played HCASC before, and I am looking forward to seeing how they measure up against the other 31 finalists in California.”
Founded in 1989 by American Honda Motor Company, HCASC has provided more than $9 million in grants over 36 years for scholarships and facility upgrades at HBCUs. Since its inception at FAMU in 1991 under President Frederick S. Humphries and Col. Bernard Hendricks—and led by Coach Hobbs—the university’s team has won eight national championships and nearly one million dollars in grants.
More information about the competition can be found at https://www.hcasc.com/.
