Owls take the lead in Smith Cup standings |
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WESTFIELD — Defending champion Westfield State University holds the lead in the 2011-12 Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Howard C. Smith Cup standings at the conclusion of the fall sports seasons. The Smith Cup is awarded annually to the member institution which compiles the most points based on the placement of each of its programs competing in the 15 league championship sports.
The Smith Cup is named in honor of former Massachusetts State College Trustee Howard C. Smith, who in 1970, urged the athletic directors of the eight state institutions to hold a series of meetings to discuss the possibility of forming an intercollegiate conference. In June of 1971, Smith’s dream became a reality as an affirmative agreement was reached and the MASCAC was created.
Westfield State captured 80.71 percent (61.34 points) of a possible 76 points this fall and leads second place Bridgewater State University, which has claimed 70.18 percent (53.34 points) of a possible 76 points, by over 10 percent, as the Owls are looking for their fifth Smith Cup in the last six years. Worcester State University is in third place with 66.24 percent (50.34 points) of a possible 76 points, while Framingham State University is next in fourth place after garnering 57.89 percent (44.00 points) of a possible 76 points to date. Salem State University follows in fifth place at 46.88 percent, while Fitchburg State University (37.50 percent), MCLA (24.04 percent) and the Massachusetts Maritime Academy (22.66 percent) follow in sixth, seventh and eighth place, respectively.
Salem State has won 19 of the 39 Smith Cups overall, while Bridgewater State has won or shared 11 Smith Cup crowns overall, including eight over the last 14 years. Westfield State, which claimed outright MASCAC regular season titles this fall in men’s cross country, women’s cross country and volleyball while earning tri-champion accolades in women’s soccer, has won or shared 10 Smith Cup titles.
The Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference, the nation’s first Division III men’s and women’s playing conference, has a rich and storied tradition of competitive success while celebrating excellence in the classroom. MASCAC member schools include Bridgewater State University, Fitchburg State University, Framingham State University, MCLA, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Salem State University, Westfield State University and Worcester State University. Two other institutions, the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and Plymouth State University, are affiliate members of the conference in men’s ice hockey.
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