XU wins GCAC all-sports trophy for 2nd consecutive year

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana is the winner of the Thomas Howell Cup, the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference's all-sports award, for the second consecutive year.

The Thomas Howell Cup, named for the GCAC's longtime commissioner, is awarded annually to the school with the most points based on order of finish in various sports. Xavier, boosted by GCAC championships in men's cross country, women's cross country, women's volleyball, women's basketball and men's basketball, finished the year with 44½ points. SUNO was second with 33 points, and Edward Waters was third with 30½.

It's the second time that Xavier has won the award. The athletics department finished in the top three for the past eight seasons.

Xavier has won 36 conference/group team championships and earned 27 berths in NAIA national championships during the past seven seasons. Xavier suspended intercollegiate athletics in 2005-06 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. In six seasons since then, the Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets have combined for 32 conference/group team championships and 24 berths in NAIA national championships.

Thomas Howell Cup 2011-12 Standings

No. School Points

1. Xavier 44½

2. SUNO 33

3. Edward Waters 30½

4. Dillard 30

5. Tougaloo 27½

6. Talladega 27

7. Fisk 12

8. Philander Smith 8½

Thomas Howell Cup winners School Year Cup Winner Points XU Finish XU Points 2011-12 Xavier 44½ 1st 44½ 2010-11 Xavier 31 1st 31 2009-10 Belhaven 49 3rd 40 2008-09 Mobile 42 3rd 34½ 2007-08 Mobile 56½ 3rd 37 2006-07 Mobile 43 3rd 37½ 2005-06 No cup awarded because of Hurricane Katrina 2004-05 Mobile 47 3rd 40½ 2003-04 Mobile 51 2nd 48 2002-03 Spring Hill 2001-02 Spring Hill 2000-01 Mobile

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director

VISIT: XULAATHLETICS

VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA