WESTFIELD STATE WINS THE 2006-07 HOWARD C. SMITH CUP

WESTFIELD, MA, May 12, 2007 - The highly coveted Smith Cup trophy -  emblematic of the top program in the Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference (MASCAC) - is Westfield State College's for the 2006-2007 academic year.

In one of the closest competitions in 35 years, Westfield State finished strong to edge perennial power Bridgewater State by 2.5 points, giving the Owls the Smith Cup championship for the second time in five years. Westfield has won or shared the Smith Cup six times since it was the first champion in 1973.

"This is an outstanding honor for Westfield State College," said second-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. The college and the alumni are very proud of their efforts and accomplishments.

"The administration has been extremely supportive and believes in the positive impact that athletics plays in the college's educational experience," added Lenfest.

The Smith Cup signifies athletics excellence in the eight-team conference, and is awarded to the MASCAC institution 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.

The Owls finished with 39 points and were closely followed by Bridgewater State (36.5) and Fitchburg State (27). Bridgewater has won or shared nine of the past 12 Smith Cup crowns.

A brilliant effort by the spring sports catapulted Westfield State to the Smith Cup title. 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. The Owls also claimed MASCAC crowns in men's cross country, women's cross country, men's indoor track and field, and women's indoor track and field.

The race for the Smith Cup crown finished in dramatic fashion as the Westfield needed the Salem State baseball team to win one of two games vs. Bridgewater on the final day of the regular season. Salem swept the doubleheader, bumping Bridgewater into fifth place.

Placing second for the Owls were women's volleyball, softball, and field hockey. Earning points for placing third during the regular season were men's basketball and men's soccer. The men's soccer team did win the conference postseason tournament to earn an NCAA Tournament
berth, while men's basketball finished second in the MASCAC Tournament.

"The athletes and coaches take a lot of pride in winning the Smith Cup," said Lenfest.