The Howard C. Smith Cup is named in honor of former Massachusetts State College Trustee Smith, who in 1970, urged the athletic directors of the eight State Colleges 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.

During the MASCAC’s first year of existence, the eight member Colleges voted to award a Cup annually to the one institution which excelled in the league’s eight championship sports. Thus, the Howard C. Smith Cup was established.

The Smith Cup, which was updated in the summer of 2007, is awarded to the MASCAC institution which compiles the most points based on the placement of each its programs competing in the 17 league championships.

Westfield State re-claimed the Smith Cup following the 2009-10 academic year, as the Owls have won three of the last four cups after Bridgewater State took the title in 2008-09 . Salem State has claimed 19 of 39 Smith Cups overall, while Bridgewater State and Westfield State follow with nine cups each.