The 3rd Annual Robert S. Shumake Historically Black College & University Challenge took place at the WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC on October 1st. The 5K and 8K races, in partnership with the National Scholastic Sports Foundation [NSSF], were among the featured events at the 
Great American Cross-Country Festival. The Historically Black College & University Challenge is unique in that the invitational draws MEAC, SWAC and CIAA conferences to compete in one neutral setting to determine the best of the best!
The Historically Black College & University Challenge was created by Mr. Shumake in conjunction with NSSF to provide a series of high-level athletic events for HBCU students to showcase their athletic prowess while offering exposure to top coaches and industry pros. The ‘Challenge’ has seen consistent growth each year with participation from more than 30 historically black colleges and universities.
The runners of Norfolk State University and Hampton University have been quite the contenders since the race’s inception. Norfolk won both the men’s and women’s relays in 2009. The men of Norfolk have defended their title ever since, taking the win this year as well as in 2010. The women of Hampton have taken the top seat in past two consecutive races.
The following HBCUs participated in this year’s event: Benedict College, Bowie State University, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, Chowan University , Fayetteville State University, Hampton University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University, Livingstone College, Norfolk State University, North Carolina A&T University, North Carolina State University, North Carolina Central University, St. Augustine’s College, Shaw University, South Carolina State University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, Winston-Salem State University.
Robert S. Shumake, the CEO of Inheritance Capital Group and Founder of the Robert S. Shumake Scholarship Relays (www.shumakerelays.com) and the Robert S. Shumake HBCU College and University Challenge credits much of his success to the lessons he learned as an all-city track star at Detroit’s Denby High School. Understanding the importance of organized teamwork, the Detroit businessman founded the HBCU Challenge to reward academic as well as athletic excellence.
For more on the Robert S Shumake HBCU Challenge please visit us at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Robert-S-Shumake-Historically-Black-College-University-Challenge/135311819838499?v=info&ref=ts
