By Morehouse College
Morehouse College, the nation’s only college dedicated to educating and developing men of color, emerged as the national champions of the 33rd Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC), the premier academic competition for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and one of Honda’s largest and longest running philanthropic initiatives in the United States. The final round win against Kentucky State University and earn Morehouse the top prize of a $75,000 institutional grant. The Morehouse team bested more than 300 students representing 64 HBCUs from across the country in this year’s challenge, bringing the College’s total HCASC championship titles to five since first competing in 1990. Since its establishment in 1989, Morehouse College has qualified for the HCASC National Championship Tournament every year.
“Men of Morehouse continue to boldly, bravely, and unapologetically demonstrate the competence and confidence men of color bring to the pursuit of intellectual excellence,” said Dr. David A. Thomas, Morehouse College president. “This win continues to prove what Morehouse has long stood for — young Black men who are both nurtured and challenged to reach the highest of expectations can compete with anyone on any global stage.”
The four-student Morehouse team demonstrated exceptional skills and teamwork during the fast-paced gameplay, answering questions ranging from history and science to literature and pop culture. Coached for the eighth consecutive year by Robert Myrick ’13, the championship team includes team captain Stephen Agyepong ’22 (Biology, Silver Spring, Md.); Andre Brown ‘23 (Biomedical Engineering, Atlanta, Ga.); Isaiah Thompson ’22 (Economics, Stone Mountain, Ga.); Kendall Wood ’23 (Biology, Cleveland, Ohio). The team was also supported by assistant coach William Dula ’17, Calvin Bell ’24, Marlon Scott Jr. ’24, and Naazir Stafford ‘23.
“Congratulations to the winning scholars from Morehouse who symbolize our mission to power HBCU minds and help students achieve their dreams,” said Yvette Hunsicker, vice president of Corporate Social Responsibility and Inclusion & Diversity at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “On behalf of everyone at Honda, we appreciate the tremendous efforts from all of students participating in this year’s competition and we want to offer special thanks to the many volunteers and HBCU alumni who make HCASC possible.”
Honda recognized Coach Myrick as “Coach of the Year” due to his enthusiasm, generosity, and consistent leadership that has maintained Morehouse’s rank among the top HCASC teams.
“I am honored to have played a part in the men of Morehouse winning our fifth HCASC national championship,” said Myrick. “The journey wasn’t easy as our final team didn’t come together until March, but Stephen’s resilience partnered with Isaiah’s resolve, Andre’s diligence, and Kendall’s emergence ultimately drove us to this championship. It feels great to finally add our names to the storied legacy of Morehouse Quiz Bowl champions.”
