ASU sweeps SIAC Commissioner’s Cup awards

ALBANY — The Albany State athletics department received confirmation Friday that the performance of its teams during the 2017-18 academic year was the best in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

The Golden Rams swept the Commissioner’s Cup awards for the achievements of both their women’s and men’s athletics programs. This is the first time ASU has won both awards in the same year.

The Commissioner’s Cup is an all-sports award presented at the end of each academic year to the conference’s top performing school. The award, one for men and another for women, is based on a point system, reflecting the finish of each team in conference play.

“I am beyond thrilled that the SIAC has honored Albany State with the esteemed Commissioner’s Cup for both our men’s and women’s programs,” Albany State athletics director Sherie Gordon said in a news release. “It was a banner year for our institution, and this award is a testament to the dedication of our student-athletes and staff. Our alumni, the Albany area community and fans should feel proud because each of our student-athletes are leading with pride, and they deserve to be recognized for their great work. It’s a great day to be a Golden Ram.”

Albany State claimed the Commissioner’s Cup on the men’s side for the second straight year and was awarded the honor for women’s programs for the first time since 2013-14.

There were a number of historic wins for Albany State during the academic year, starting with the football program’s season-opening win over Valdosta State, something the Rams hadn’t accomplished in more than a decade. The men’s golf team defended its conference title this spring, and the baseball and softball teams went on to win SIAC Championships, as well.

Not bad for the first full year as the “New ASU,” according to Gordon.

“People forget that this was our first year, July 1, functioning as a consolidated institution. For this to set the foundation is incredible. I’m just happy for our coaches and our student-athletes,” she said after the baseball team won the conference title.

The scoring system is as follows: 10 points for conference titles, seven points for second-place finishes, and four points for third place. This past season, the Rams earned 10 points for women’s cross country, men’s golf, baseball and softball and were runner-up for the title in men’s cross country.

“I am extremely proud of the achievements of our student-athletes, both on and off the field,” ASU interim president Marion Fedrick said in a news release. “This accomplishment speaks volumes to the commitment of our men’s and women’s teams, as well as their coaches, throughout the year. They have represented our university well, and it is an honor to celebrate this win with them.”