By: by T.J. Greggs
MACON, Ga. - The Atlantic Sun Conference announced today that the Kennesaw State women's programs have claimed the Sherman Day Trophy for the first time in school history. The Owls were able to overtake the two-time defending Sherman Day winners, Jacksonville University, following solid seasons for several of the department's programs.
"With this being our first full year of Division I competition, this is an exceptional accomplishment," added Kennesaw State Athletics Director Dr. Dave Waples. "Tremendous credit goes to our players, coaches and support staff."
The Owls took home the All-Sports title for women's sports on the heels of winning A-Sun regular season and tournament championships in women's soccer, along with solid finishes in all of their other sports, including three runner-up finishes by the women's track and field program (cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field), as well as a second place finish in women's golf.
"We are extremely proud of our student-athletes," said Senior Woman Administrator Dr. Nancy King, "We are especially pleased that our women won their first-ever Sherman Day Trophy. This recognition highlights the outstanding performance of Kennesaw State student-athletes."
In the overall standings for the Bill Bibb All-Sports Trophy, the Owls finished second behind five-time defending Bill Bibb recipients, East Tennessee State University. The Kennesaw State men finished in fourth place, riding the momentum of three conference championships by the men's track and field teams and cross country squad. KSU was the top finisher on the men's side amongst teams not fielding all of the men's sports which are scored in the A-Sun.
Kennesaw State also finished tied for first in conference championships with Jacksonville. The Dolphins replicated KSU's performance in men's track on the women's side, winning the "triple crown" by capturing cross country as well as indoor and outdoor track and field. Jacksonville also shared in the four-way tie for first place in the regular season standings in men's basketball.
In their first season of eligibility for NCAA Division I championships, the Owls were represented in NCAA College Cup for women's soccer, as well as by individuals in men's golf and both men's and women's track and field. Senior high-jumper Jerome McKinzie competed at the NCAA Indoor Championships in March, and also qualified for the outdoor track and field championships this past weekend, and will represent the Owls on June 9 in Eugene, Ore.
