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The Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) announced the first stage of their end of year awards Tuesday by awarding the Commissioner’s Cup, which is “awarded to the institutions that achieve the highest level of athletic success each academic year.” This year, the Norwich Athletic Department claimed the Commissioner’s Cup for men’s athletics for the first time since the 2012-13 academic year.

“Our student-athletes, backed by tirelessly devoted coaches, have long set a high standard in academic and athletic success that has brought great pride to Norwich,” Director of Athletics Ed Hockenbury said.

“Winning this year’s GNAC Commissioner’s Cup for men’s athletics has been a true team effort, highlighting the depth and strength of our athletic department that includes not only athletes and coaches, but also our talented and dedicated support staff. While we witnessed collective triumphs across all of our GNAC sports, two of our teams merit special distinction. Under the continued stalwart leadership of Coach Jennifer Cournoyer, the men’s swimming and diving team successfully defended their GNAC title again this year in very impressive fashion. And, on a more personal note, watching my old high school baseball coach Frank Pecora lead a magical Cadets’ postseason run following his retirement announcement is an unforgettable moment. This award is truly special for Norwich Athletics and for our University, and I am tremendously proud of all those who share in this achievement."

Capturing the Commissioner’s Cup comes on the heels of two of the most successful academic semesters in athletic department history demonstrating the realization of the true student-athlete. The Fall semester saw the Cadets shine with a combined 3.3 grade point average, placed a remarkable 227 student-athletes on the Dean’s List, and an impressive 53 earning President’s List. The academic success continued throughout the Spring as the Cadets showcased their academic prowess with 215 student-athletes placed on the Dean’s List, 51 more on the President’s List, while maintaining a unified 3.23 grade point average. 

According to the GNAC, “Teams will then be ranked based on percentage of possible points earned.” Spearheaded by a second consecutive GNAC title in men’s swimming and diving, and aided by GNAC semifinal berths in men’s basketball, baseball, and tennis; in addition to runner up finishes in golf, cross country and men’s soccer. The well-balanced success gave the Cadets 70% of potential points, beating out second place Saint Joseph’s College of Maine (66.7%).

“What an exciting honor to have the �����԰ Men’s programs receive the Commissioner’s Cup,” said Swimming and Diving Head Coach Jennifer Cournoyer. “Our student-athletes are extraordinary with the work, sacrifice, and balance they bring to their sport, academics, Corps of Cadets, ROTCs, and much more. It is through their dedication to excellence that we can receive this achievement.” 

The GNAC has awarded the Commissioner’s Cup annually since 2007-08 with Norwich claiming the inaugural honor on the women’s side in addition to the 2012-13 honor for men’s athletics.