After winning first place at the 5th annual Black College Quiz Show, Winston-Salem State’s Honda team returned to campus with a trophy almost four feet tall.
WSSU was one of the eight HBCUs invited to the show Dec. 10-12 at Tennessee State in Nashville.
The team beat Florida A&M in the first round with a score of 460, and N.C. Central in the second round with a score of 470. WSSU played against FAMU in the championship round and won with a final score of 1,010 points.
Marilyn Roseboro, the team’s adviser, said she was not surprised that the WSSU team won.
“The students are excellent players, and they enjoy what they do,” Roseboro said.
“They left here believing they could win and the tournament was a confidence booster.”
Along with the first place trophy, the team received a check for $10,000 that will be awarded to the University. Each team member received a certificate for participation.
The team was given the Black College Quiz Study Guide to help them prepare for the tournament. The study guide contained information about African-Americans in categories including literature, military, sports, science, entertainment, government and culinary arts.
“It was easier this time because we were provided with a study guide, so when it was time to answer the questions we were well prepared,” said Krista Brown, a junior sports management major from Winston- Salem.
Stephen Archie, a sophomore computer science major from Shelby, N.C. enjoyed competing in the Black College Quiz Show for the first time.
“It was a fun experience and our hard work paid off,” Archie said.
“I also gained more knowledge in the process.”
Other teammates who participated were KraShaunda Chadwick, a senior exercise science major from Leasburg, N.C., and Ben Stevenson, a senior chemistry major from Pollocksville, N.C.
Terrence Hobbs, who also participated on the team, was a mass communications major from Charlotte who graduated in December.
The Black College Quiz Show provides students from HBCUs across the country a chance to showcase their knowledge of African-American heritage and history in a game show format.
“This competition taught the students that they are strong individually and as a team when they work together,” Roseboro said.
The team will be participating in regional tournaments at N.C. A&T Feb. 5 and Morris College March 26.