NORFOLK, Va. - U.S. Marines partnered with the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference for the 2019 MEAC Basketball Tournament in Norfolk, Virginia, March 12-16, 2019.
For the eighth year, the Marine Corps and MEAC worked together to create lasting relationships with community leaders, key leaders, coaches, students and attendees. The Marines shared their cores values of honor, courage and commitment with all in attendance.
“The Marine Corps and MEAC are two great outfits that are linked by common values,” said Maj. Gen. James Bierman, commanding general of Marine Corps Recruiting Command. “Both are people organizations.”
MEAC is a collegiate athletic conference, founded in 1970, whose members include student athletes from historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) in the Southeastern and the Mid-Atlantic United States.
During the event, Marines recognized a male and female athlete from each of the 13 HBCUs for their outstanding leadership in athletics, in the classroom and in their community.
Marines also hosted a Battles Won Symposium, a college fair, a morning wake up and work out session and an on-court presentation.
“Marines are really big on teamwork and leadership,” said Jamese Scott, a junior at Savannah State University. “I really want to bring the leadership traits I was taught back to my teammates.”
Throughout the tournament, the student athletes endured leadership exercises and learned about Marine Corps values and skills.
“Marines are really a treasure for our country,” said Dr. Dennis E. Thomas, the commissioner of MEAC. “Marine values are analogous to MEAC values in terms of leadership.”
The winning men’s and women’s basketball teams automatically qualified to play post-season in the NCAA tournament.
The winners of the 2019 MEAC basketball tournament were from North Carolina Central University.
“We really appreciate the opportunity to showcase the pride, professionalism, history and the culture of your United States Marine Corps,” Bierman said.