Xavier wins GCAC all-sports award for 4th straight 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 fourth 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 was boosted by GCAC championships in men's cross country, women's cross country, women's volleyball (regular season and tournament), men's basketball (regular season), women's basketball (tournament) and women's outdoor track and field. Xavier's women's tennis team, ranked No. 1 in the NAIA, won an unaffiliated group championship.

Xavier scored 48 points to match its highest total of the last 10 seasons. Edward Waters was second with 39 1/2 points, and SUNO was third with 29 1/2. The 1-2-3 order is the same as a year ago.

"We are excited to win the award for the fourth consecutive year," XU athletics director Jason Horn said. "This achievement recognizes the collective hard work and determination of the Xavier student-athletes, coaches and staff.  We have a solid program across the board, and I applaud all of the Gold Rush and Gold Nugget coaches and student-athletes for their successes -- not only in competition but also in the classroom and the community."

It is the fourth time that Xavier has won the award. The athletics department finished in the top three each of the past 10 seasons. Xavier is the second school in GCAC history to win the all-sports award at least four consecutive times. Former member Mobile had Howell Cup streaks of 12 and five seasons.

Xavier has won 54 conference/group championships and earned 39 team berths in NAIA national championships during the past nine seasons.

Xavier is one of 38 U.S. colleges listed as a "Best Buy School" in the 2014 edition of the Fiske Guide to Colleges.

The 2013-14 GCAC all-sports standings:

1. Xavier, 48 points
2. Edward Waters, 39 1/2 points
3. SUNO, 29 1/2 points
4. Talladega, 28 1/2 points
5. Dillard, 26 points
6. (tie) Philander Smith, 16 1/2 points
6. (tie) Tougaloo, 16 1/2 points
8. Fisk, 14 1/2 points
9. Voorhees, 13 points

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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