May 14, 1998
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – For the second consecutive year, Notre Dame has captured the 1997-98 BIG EAST Conference Commissioner’s Trophy for both men’s and women’s athletics. It is the second consecutive year that the Irish have earned both trophies and its the third consecutive title for the Notre Dame men since the University’s athletic teams began competing in the league in 1995-96.
The Notre Dame men were paced by first-place finishes in golf and cross country, and second-place showings in indoor track & field, tennis and baseball. The Irish men also placed third in outdoor track & field. The women claimed four first-place finishes in soccer, volleyball, swimming and softball and were second in tennis.
This marks the fifth time that the same school has garnered both the men’s and women’s trophies. Notre Dame, however, is the second school to earn the distinction. Villanova won both titles in 1982-83, 1983-84 and 1986-87.
On the men’s side, Notre Dame finished 19.5 points ahead of St. John’s, while the Irish women finished nine points in front of second-place Villanova.
The men’s trophy was first awarded in 1979-80, the league’s inaugural year, while the women’s trophy was first awarded in 1982-83. Point totals for each sport are based upon regular season finish when the BIG EAST conducts round-robin competition (field hockey, soccer, volleyball, baseball and softball) or on championship finish when there is no in-season play. In sports where divisional play is in place (basketball, softball and baseball), point totals are awarded based on overall league winning percentage at the conclusion of the regular season.
1997-98 BIG EAST Commissioner’s Trophy Final Standings
Men Points Women PointsNotre Dame 88 Notre Dame 83.5St. John's 68.5 Villanova 74.5Connecticut 67 Connecticut 66Georgetown 63.5 Miami 63Villanova 60.5 Syracuse 61Seton Hall 59 Rutgers 59.5Miami 54.4 Georgetown 55.5West Virginia 54 Boston College 54.5Rutgers 49.5 West Virginia 53Providence 42.5 Seton Hall 51.5Syracuse 38 Pittsburgh 49.5Pittsburgh 34 Providence 45.5Boston College 31 St. John's 42