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