WESTFIELD STATE WINS 2007-08 SMITH CUP

WESTFIELD, MA, May 8, 2008 - The highly coveted Smith Cup trophy - emblematic of the top program in the Massachusetts State Athletics Conference (MASCAC) - will remain in the Westfield State trophy case for another year.

Westfield State won the Smith Cup trophy for the second straight year, again edging rival Bridgewater State to claim the Owls' first back-to-back championship in 30 years. Westfield has won the Smith Cup crown three times in the past seven years, and has won or shared the Smith Cup crown eight times since it captured the inaugural Smith Cup crown in 1973.

"The Smith Cup is a wonderful gift to receive in my first semester as president of Westfield," said Evan Dobelle, president of Westfield State. "As a real sports fan, it's a thrill. I am so impressed by the talent and dedication of our coaches and students. Our athletes manage to compete and to excel in both the classroom and in their respective sports. But we're not resting on our laurels. Now we're looking forward to an outstanding fall season."

"This is an outstanding honor for Westfield State College," said third-year athletics director Richard Lenfest. "On behalf of the college, I want to congratulate our student-athletes and coaches for their dedication and success throughout the year. We take great pride in winning the Smith Cup, but another goal is to continue to improve our programs and make more of an impact on the regional and national levels.

"The college and the alumni are very proud of our student-athletes' efforts and accomplishments," added Lenfest. "And the administration has been extremely supportive and believes in the positive impact that athletics plays in the college's educational experience."

The Smith Cup is awarded to the college in the eight-team conference that compiles the most points based on the placement of each of its men's and women's programs competing in the 15 championships. Six points are awarded for first place, four for second place, and two for third place in round-robin team competitions. In the single-day championship competitions (cross country, track and field) three points are awarded for first place, two for second, and one for third.

Westfield State finished with 40 points and was followed by Bridgewater State (31.5) and Worcester State (25). Bridgewater has won or shared nine of the past 14 Smith Cup crowns.

The race for the Smith Cup crown finished in dramatic fashion, as Westfield won its final regular season baseball game vs. Salem State, while Bridgewater State lost its finale to MCLA. If the scores had been reversed, Westfield and Bridgewater would have shared the Smith Cup.

A brilliant effort by the spring sports catapulted Westfield State to the Smith Cup title. For the second straight year, the Owls won conference championships in baseball, men's track and field, women's track and field, and finished second in softball.

Westfield State earned points in 12 of the 15 championships, including seven first places and two co-champions. The Owls also claimed MASCAC crowns in football, women's volleyball, men's cross country, women's cross country, men's indoor track and field, and women's indoor track and field.

The softball team finished second, and field hockey and men's basketball tied for third place.