BAY CITY, Mich. - Grand Valley State University claimed the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) 2011-12 Presidents' Trophy. The Presidents' Trophy, commonly referred to as the All-Sports Trophy, is awarded at the end of each year of competition to the conference member having demonstrated general excellence in all or most sports.
The Presidents' Trophy is designed to promote well-rounded athletic programs within each member institution. This is the 14th consecutive year the Lakers have claimed the prize increasing their overall total to 19, a league high.
Grand Valley State compiled a total score of 195.0, outscoring second place Ashland University by 25.5 points. GVSU recorded first place finishes in five men's sports; cross country, golf, indoor track & field, baseball, and outdoor track & field. The Lady Lakers claimed the league crowns in six sports; cross country, soccer, indoor track & field, softball, golf, and outdoor track & field. Along with these 11 championships GVSU also recorded three second place finishes.
For the seventh consecutive year Ashland University placed second in the standings. The Eagle's total score of 169.5 resulted from one GLIAC championships and eight runner-up finishes. The women's basketball team recorded a first place finishes, while men's cross country, wrestling, men's indoor track & field, women's indoor track & field, men’s outdoor track & field, women's outdoor track & field, softball, and women's golf placed second in the conference.
Ferris State University finished third with a total of 124.5 points. The Bulldog's claimed a GLIAC co-championship in volleyball with second place finishes in, men's tennis, women's cross country, and women's basketball.
Ferris State University has claimed the second-most Presidents' Trophies with 14. Ashland University and Wayne State University have each claimed three, while Hillsdale College has recorded one.
Click here for the complete 2011-2012 Presidents' Trophy standings