BAY CITY, Mich. - Grand Valley State University claimed the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) 2008-2009 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 11th consecutive year the Lakers have claimed the prize increasing their overall total to 16, a league high.
Grand Valley State compiled a grand score of 170.5, outscoring second place Ashland University by nearly 50 points. GVSU recorded first place finishes in men's cross country, football, golf, and baseball while the Lady Lakers claimed the league crowns in cross country, soccer, volleyball, swimming, indoor and outdoor track & field, and golf. Along with these 11 championships GVSU also recorded five second place finishes.
For the fourth consecutive year Ashland University placed second in the standings. The Eagle's total score of 121.0 resulted from two GLIAC championships and four runner-up finishes. Both indoor and outdoor men's track & field teams recorded first place, finishes while football, women's indoor and outdoor track & field, and women's golf placed second in the conference.
Saginaw Valley State University finished third with a total of 97.0 points. SVSU claimed the GLIAC championship in women's softball and placed second in women's volleyball.
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 2008-2009 Presidents' Trophy standings