WESTFIELD, Mass. -- Following the completion of the winter sports season, Westfield State has taken the lead  in the 2021-22 Howard C. Smith Cup standings. The Smith Cup is awarded annually to the member institution which compiles the most points based on the placement of each of its programs competing in the league championship sports. 

The Smith Cup is named in honor of former Massachusetts State College Trustee Howard C. Smith, who in 1970, urged the athletic directors of the eight State institutions to hold a series of meetings to discuss the possibility of forming an intercollegiate conference. In June of 1971, Smith’s dream became a reality as an affirmative agreement was reached and the MASCAC was created.

The Owls took over the first place spot with 77 points (68.75 percent) out of a possible 112. after finishing tied for first in men’s basketball, third in women’s basketball and tied for third in men’s ice hockey. 
 

Close behind in second place is Worcester State with 76 points (67.86 percent) out of 112 available. The Lancers came in second in men’s ice hockey, third in men’s basketball and fourth in women’s basketball at the end of the winter season.

Salem State is next in third with 52 points (61.90 percent) out of 84 possible points. The Vikings tied for first in men’s basketball, tied for third in men’s ice hockey and fifth in women’s basketball.

Framingham State jumps to fourth with 64.5 points (57.59 percent) out of 112 available. The Rams claimed the top spot in women’s basketball, fifth in hockey and seventh in men’s basketball.

Coming in a close fifth is Bridgewater State with 63.50 points (56.70 percent) out of 112 possible.  The Bears ended the winter regular season second in women’s basketball and sixth in men’s basketball. 

Sitting in sixth is Fitchburg State is with 43 points (38.39 percent) out of 112 available points. The Falcons came in second in men’s ice hockey, fifth in men’s basketball and tied for sixth in women’s basketball. 

Rounding out the fall Howard C. Smith Cup standings are Massachusetts Maritime and MCLA in seventh and eighth, respectively. The Buccaneers had 19 points (29.69 percent) out of 64 possible. The Buccaneers do not compete in winter sports due to their sea term for school. For the Trailblazers, they collected 21 points (27.63 percent) out of 76 available. They ended the winter fourth in men’s basketball and tied for sixth in women’s basketball.