Excitement is building at Alabama State University as the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC) student team prepares for a thrilling day of competition this Sunday (Feb. 23).
ASU’s John Garrick Hardy Student Center ballrooms will be the battleground where teams from various Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will face off in the HCASC National Qualifying Tournament (NQT).
Under the guidance of HCASC coach, Dr. Ivon Alcime, the ASU team has been diligently studying a broad range of subjects, including geography, history, religion and current events. Their goal is to earn a spot at the national competition in California.
“The team this year is one of the best prepared we have had, “Dr. Alcime shared. “Last year’s team made it to the national competition, and this year’s students are eager to bring home the victory for ASU. We have a strong chance this Sunday, but we know the competition will be tough. It promises to be an exciting day.”
The community is invited to join in the excitement, with rounds of competition starting at 9:30 a.m. and the awards ceremony wrapping up the day at 6 p.m.
This event is particularly special for ASU, as it has been several years since the University last hosted the NQT.
Dr. Alcime explained how ASU was chosen to host this year.
“After competing at the NQT in Nashville last year, we felt ASU would be a fantastic location for the event," he said. “We are delighted that our proposal to host was accepted. Organizing such a prestigious event is a significant effort, but it is incredibly rewarding to provide these opportunities for our students and to highlight our beautiful ASU campus.”
Universities traveling to ASU for the competition include Alcorn State University, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Oakwood University, Tennessee State University and Tuskegee University.
The top two teams will advance to the national tournament, where they will compete for the distinguished title, awards and financial incentives. This summer, the best teams from each NQT site will gather for the national tournament, celebrating the 36th year of this Honda-sponsored competition for HBCUs.
Sunday is set to be a day filled with knowledge, teamwork and spirited competition. Be sure to come out and support ASU students and this incredible event.