ATLANTA, GA | Morehouse College continues to raise the bar in HBCU athletics, earning four prestigious nominations for the 2025 HBCU Sports Awards, presented by HBCU Sports. The annual ceremony, which honors excellence across the HBCU athletic landscape, will be streamed live on July 26 at 3:00 p.m. ET. This year, Morehouse is represented by three exceptional scholar-athletes and coaches whose achievements in the 2024–25 season have elevated the Maroon Tiger legacy. These nominations reflect a banner year for the Maroon Tigers, with standout performances in cross country, track & field, and tennis earning national recognition.
Brian Kemei – Dual Finalist in Distance Running Excellence
Senior distance runner Brian Kemei capped off an outstanding year by being named a finalist in two categories: HBCU Cross Country Runner of the Year and Men's Track & Field Runner of the Year.
Kemei dominated the 2024 cross country season, consistently finishing as Morehouse's top runner and earning individual titles throughout the campaign. He was crowned the 2024 SIAC Cross Country Champion and later qualified for the NCAA Division II National Championships, representing Morehouse on the national stage.
On the track, Kemei's success carried into the spring as he became one of the most decorated athletes in the SIAC. He claimed gold in both the 3000m steeplechase, 5,000-meter and 10,000-meter races at the SIAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships. His tactical speed, endurance, and ability to anchor relays made him a true dual-sport threat and a cornerstone of the Maroon Tigers' success. Set personal bests in the 1500m (4:01.42) and 3000m (8:56.04) while consistently placing in the top three across regional meets. Kemei's versatility and endurance have made him a fixture atop SIAC podiums and a model of consistency for Morehouse athletics.
Coach Willie Hill – Cross Country Coach of the Year Finalist
Legendary head coach Willie Hill earned a well-deserved nomination for HBCU Cross Country Coach of the Year, honoring a career-defining season that added another chapter to his legacy. Under Hill's leadership, the Morehouse cross country program captured the 2024 SIAC Cross Country Championship, their 27th conference title under his watch, including his third consecutive.
With over three decades of coaching excellence at Morehouse, Hill has developed a dynasty in HBCU distance running. His 2024 team not only won the league title but also qualified multiple runners for regional and national competition, a testament to his steady mentorship and elite program-building. Coach Hill's nomination is a testament to his decades-long commitment to Morehouse and his ability to inspire greatness across generations.
Jackson McIlwain – Men's Tennis Player of the Year Finalist
Sophomore standout Jackson McIlwain broke new ground for Morehouse Tennis, earning a nomination for HBCU Men's Tennis Player of the Year. McIlwain posted an impressive five singles wins during the regular season and served as the Maroon Tigers' top-line player. He also contributed significantly in doubles action, forming one of the conference's most reliable tandems. McIlwain earned Freshman of the Year honors in the SIAC.
Beyond his numbers, McIlwain was instrumental in Morehouse's resurgence in the SIAC tennis ranks, helping lead the team to its highest finish in nearly a decade. His technical precision, athleticism, and composure under pressure made him a rising star not only in the SIAC, but across all HBCU programs.
Maroon Tiger Excellence on a National Stage
The 2025 HBCU Sports Awards, which celebrate the best in HBCU athletics, will be held on Saturday, July 26, and streamed live on the HBCU Sports YouTube channel. With Morehouse finalists in four major categories, the Maroon Tigers stand tall among the most successful athletic programs in the country.
"Having our student-athletes and coaches nominated at this level reflects the tradition of excellence we continue to build at Morehouse," said Athletic Director Harold Ellis. "These honors are a direct result of hard work, discipline, and the unique commitment to greatness that defines our program."
Morehouse's presence at the HBCU Sports Awards underscores the institution's growing athletic footprint and continued leadership in the classroom, on the field, and in the community.
These nominations not only honor individual achievement but also reflect Morehouse's enduring commitment to athletic and academic excellence. As the Maroon Tigers prepare for the awards ceremony, the campus community celebrates the impact of these leaders who continue to raise the bar for HBCU athletics.
For the full list of nominees, visit HBCU SPORTS.
Portions of this article courtesy HBCU Sports
