BUZZARDS BAY — Westfield State University has taken a narrow lead in the 2012-13 Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference Howard C. Smith Cup standings at the conclusion of the winter sports seasons.
Westfield State has captured 75.89 percent (85 points) of a possible 112 points to date and leads second place and defending Smith Cup champion Bridgewater State University, which has claimed 75.00 percent (75 points) of a possible 100 points, by .89 percent, as Westfield’s Owls are looking for their fifth Smith Cup in the last seven years.
The Smith Cup is awarded annually to the member institution which compiles the most points based on the placement of each of its programs competing in the 15 league championship sports.
The Smith Cup is named in honor of former Massachusetts State College Trustee Howard C. Smith, who in 1970, urged the athletic directors of the eight State institutions 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.
Framingham State University is in third place with 55.96 percent (62.67 points) of a possible 112 points, while Worcester State University is next in fourth place after garnering 54.46 percent (61 points) of a possible 112 points to date. Salem State University follows in fifth place at 49.17 percent, while Fitchburg State University (43.17 percent), MCLA (32.89 percent) and the Massachusetts Maritime Academy (25.00
percent) follow in sixth, seventh and eighth place, respectively.
Salem State has won 19 of the 40 Smith Cups overall, while Bridgewater State has won or shared 12 Smith Cup crowns overall, including eight over the last 15 years. Westfield State has won or shared 10 Smith Cup titles, copping back-to-back titles in both the 2009-10 and 2010-11 academic years before Bridgewater State ended that string last year.
The Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference, the nation’s oldest Division III men’s and women’s playing conference, has a rich and storied tradition of competitive success while celebrating excellence in the classroom. MASCAC member schools include Bridgewater State University, Fitchburg State University, Framingham State University, MCLA, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Salem State University, Westfield State University and Worcester State University.
Two other institutions, the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and Plymouth State University, are affiliate members of the conference in the sports of football and men’s ice hockey, while Western Connecticut State University will join the conference as an affiliate member in the sport of football for the 2013-14 academic year.
