Morehouse College Secures Four Nominations at 2025 HBCU Sports Awards, Atlanta Falcons Enhance Football Safety with Helmet Donation
Atlanta, GA — Morehouse College is making headlines in HBCU athletics with four prestigious nominations at the 2025 HBCU Sports Awards, solidifying its reputation as a rising powerhouse in Black college sports. These nominations highlight exceptional performances in cross country, track & field, and tennis by Morehouse scholar-athletes during the 2024-25 season. The awards ceremony, celebrating excellence across HBCU athletics, will be streamed live on July 26.
Senior distance runner Brian Kemei stands out as a dual finalist, recognized both as HBCU Cross Country Runner of the Year and Men’s Track & Field Runner of the Year. Kemei’s 2024 season was remarkable; he dominated the SIAC Cross Country Championship and qualified for the NCAA Division II National Championships, a testament to his elite status on the national stage. His consistent top finishes have elevated Morehouse’s track program and brought significant attention to the school’s competitive stature.
Additional nominations reflect the breadth of Morehouse’s athletic talent, including achievements in tennis and other track events. These honors underscore the college’s commitment to fostering scholar-athletes who excel academically and athletically, consistent with Morehouse’s historic legacy of producing leaders in every field.
Beyond competitive success, Morehouse College also benefits from recent support aimed at improving athlete safety. The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, in partnership with the Atlanta Falcons, awarded Morehouse and Clark Atlanta University new state-of-the-art football helmets equipped with the latest technology. This donation, timed for the upcoming 2025 season, demonstrates a growing commitment to player health in HBCU football programs—a critical enhancement given the physical demands of the sport.
Harold Ellis, Director of Athletics at Morehouse, expressed gratitude for the partnership, stating that the helmets will provide “the highest level of protection” for Maroon Tiger players and support the program’s focus on athlete well-being alongside athletic achievement. Chris Millman of the Blank Foundation emphasized that player health and safety are paramount and noted the impressive advances in helmet technology over recent years.
These developments come amid a broader resurgence of attention and investment in HBCU sports. From historic player signings to expanding media coverage through initiatives like the HBCU Sports Awards, the landscape is evolving rapidly. Morehouse’s multiple nominations and enhanced safety gear highlight both the competitive edge and institutional support that are key to the continued growth of HBCU athletics.
Looking ahead, Morehouse approaches the 2025-26 season with momentum and optimism. The Maroon Tigers aim to build on their recent successes with strong recruiting, deeper community engagement, and harnessing the recognition these nominations bring. For Brian Kemei and his teammates, the spotlight will inspire even greater performances as they face stiff competition within the SIAC and on the national Division II stage.
Upcoming games promise exciting matchups as Morehouse showcases its flourishing programs across multiple sports. Fans can anticipate high-caliber competition in cross country, track meets, tennis events, and of course, football with the added confidence that player safety measures have been significantly upgraded.
Morehouse College’s story exemplifies the dynamic intersection of athletic excellence, cultural significance, and community support that defines HBCU sports. Their 2025 Sports Awards nominations and collaboration with the Atlanta Falcons signal a promising future, not only for the Maroon Tigers but also for the broader HBCU athletic ecosystem.
By securing national recognition for exceptional individual and team performances while enhancing player safety, Morehouse College is charting a course that honors its storied past and pushes boldly into the future of Black college athletics.