The Central State University trivia team is heading to Los Angeles to compete in the 36th Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC) National Championship Tournament, a premier academic competition for HBCU students. After a strong performance at the National Qualifying Tournament (NQT) in Alabama, Central State secured a spot among the “Thrilling 32” teams competing for the championship title and a share of more than $500,000 in institutional grants from Honda.

This marks the team’s third consecutive year advancing to the national contest. Members of the team include:

• Nya Brunson (captain), a senior majoring in Journalism and Digital Media from Glenwood, Illinois;
• Avnaly Alceres, a sophomore majoring in Computer Science from Freeport, Bahamas;
• Nkem Utomi, a junior majoring in Graphic Design from Vandalia, Ohio;
• Brihel Moore, a freshman majoring in Chemistry from Freeport; and
• Aliyah Ferguson, a freshman majoring in Computer Science from Nassau, Bahamas.

Despite helping the team qualify, Utomi cannot attend the national championship due to another commitment. Ferguson will serve as the team’s alternate in his place.

Dr. Sarah Armstrong-Jones, Assistant Executive Director of the Central State University Honors College and the team’s coach, attributes their success to the players’ dedication and teamwork.

“My role is to work with the students during practices, helping them understand the game, recognize their strengths, and identify areas for improvement,” she explained.

“We strategize by assigning players to categories where they excel, which gives us a competitive edge during the tournament.”

The HCASC follows an intense quiz-bowl format, with three main Face-Off rounds and a high-stakes Ultimate Challenge round, where any team can stage a dramatic comeback and claim victory.

“You could be trailing the whole game and still come back to win in the Ultimate Challenge,” Dr. Armstrong-Jones noted.

“We’ve done it before — it’s a thrilling part of the competition.”

While winning is the goal, Dr. Armstrong-Jones prioritizes making the experience memorable and enriching for the students. “I want them to have fun, see new places, and enjoy the camaraderie,” she said. She incorporates memorable stops during road trips to NQTs.

The event is a celebration of Black excellence and academic achievement. The students will participate in social events, networking opportunities, and visits to local attractions, including Disneyland. The contest also offers significant rewards: the winning team earns $100,000 for their University, and individual players have the chance to receive scholarship stipends based on their performance.

CSU’s trivia team comprises passionate and dedicated students who invest significant time and effort into their preparation. Alceres, a first-year team member, described the rigorous practice schedule.

“The team and I meet weekly to practice HCASC games and do a lot of general knowledge trivia,” she said.

“On my own time, I stay up to date with current news and read obscure random facts.”

Alceres found her first NQT experience both exciting and rewarding. “It didn’t feel like a competition but an opportunity to display the wealth of knowledge each person possessed,” she said.

Looking ahead, her goal is to sharpen her buzzer skills. “I want to improve my response time. As a team, we’re aiming to maximize our individual strengths to allow us to progress as far as possible in the competition.”

For team captain Brunson, this year marks her fourth and final HCASC appearance before she graduates in May. With three years of experience, she brings seasoned leadership to the team.

Brunson is hopeful for the team’s performance in LA. “We’ve made it to the top 16 the past few years, but I’m aiming for the top 8 this time — and hopefully even a championship win,” she said.

Beyond the game, she values the connections made through HCASC. “The motto is ‘Friends for Life,’ and I’m excited to see some of the wonderful people we’ve met in the past.”

Both Alceres and Brunson encourage other CSU students to get involved with the trivia team. “HCASC is a great way to display your knowledge, develop teamwork and communication skills, and represent our University in a unique and exciting way. I look forward to seeing our HCASC team grow,” Alceres said.

Brunson added, “Don’t be afraid to get it wrong sometimes, and don’t second-guess yourself. It can be easier than you think.”

Since the HCASC began in 1989, Central State University has competed in 33 seasons, establishing a strong legacy in the tournament. This year marks the 21st time the CSU trivia team has qualified for the national championship and its ninth appearance in the campus qualifier. In 2024, the team earned $8,500 in grants. Full historical statistics, including the names of past players, can be found in the HCASC School History.

Since its launch, the contest has supported over 175,000 HBCU students, providing more than $14 million in grants toward HBCU education programs and facilities improvements, according to a press release from Honda.

“Now in its fourth decade, Honda Campus All-Star Challenge has showcased the brilliance and vibrant culture of HBCU students across generations, helping drive the powerful legacy of HBCUs,” said Jasmine Cockfield, HCASC project lead at American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

“Honda is thrilled to champion and inspire the next generation of leaders, empowering HBCU students with the resources and experiences to help turn their dreams into reality.”

Beyond the competition, HCASC offers students valuable mentorship, career development seminars, and networking opportunities with Honda associates and alumni. More than 90% of HCASC participants say they form lifelong friendships through the program, making it a truly transformative experience.

Led by Alceres, Brunson, Moore, and Ferguson, CSU’s trivia team is ready to showcase their knowledge and build a legacy of excellence on the national stage. Fans can watch the HCASC finals on April 17 at 6 p.m. EST/3 p.m. PDT on the HCASC NCT YouTube channel.

Additionally, CSU alums in the Los Angeles area are encouraged to cheer on the Marauders in person on April 13 at Torrance Marriott-South Bay, 3635 Fashion Way, Torrance, CA 90503.

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