Scholars vie to return next year as they finish Honda Campus All-Star Challenge

HCASC is America’s premier academic competition among HBCUs, bringing together more than 300 HBCU students, coaches, presidents and institutional representatives annually for a tournament that uniquely combines educational and personal development experiences beyond the classroom. This is the 29th year UDC has participated in HCASC 33 year history.

“Our team did an amazing job getting to the quarter-finals,” said UDC President Ronald Mason Jr. “They went up against some tough schools, which shows that they are incredibly talented. We are all proud of what they achieved and look forward to what they will accomplish in the future.”

Team members include Demario Asquitt, a senior majoring in computer science from Port Antonio, Jamaica; Bailey Garfield, a junior majoring in electrical engineering and math from Salem, OR; Breanna M. Champion, a senior majoring in psychology from Chicago, IL and Spencer Reynolds, a senior majoring in English from Nashville, TN. Andreas Levar Smith is the team coach.

“I am most proud of their dedication,” Smith said. “They worked tirelessly to come together, learn, bond and excel. They sacrificed early mornings, nearly all weekends and some evenings, all while keeping up with their classes and other obligations.”

Smith is also thankful to others who have supported the team over the years.

“Professor  Willie Faye Garrett, college of arts and sciences, was involved for 32 years and Dr. Trelaunda Beckett-Jones, special assistant to the chief student development and success officer, has been a huge supporter for decades,” he said. “Assistant Coach Clarence Stevens has been with us for seven years. They encourage and motivate us, and regardless of what happens, are never disappointed.”

Team UDC vies to return in 2023 to compete in the academic bowl, although four players will graduate in May. Smith plans to do heavy recruiting and training to rebuild the team. He notes good candidates are history buffs, sports enthusiasts, or those who enjoy watching shows like Jeopardy for fun.

“I look forward to next year. Bailey Garfield will be our team captain and we are going to renew our group,” Smith said. “This year’s journey will forever be inspirational because these scholars modeled sportsmanship, enthusiasm, firebird pride, resolute drive, selflessness and a unique brilliance of spirit that will take them anywhere in life.”

Read more about UDC’s participation in this year’s HCASC National Championship Tournament here.

If students are interested in being on next year’s team of scholars, please contact Coach Smith at Andreas.Smith1128@gmail.com.