Eastern wins Big Sky men’s All-Sports title

Eastern Washington University has captured the 2005-06 Big Sky Conference men’s All-Sports Trophy.

The honor was the first for the Eagles, members of the conference since 1987-88. EWU edged past Montana for the title after a third-place finish at the Big Sky Track and Field Championships. Their previous best finish in the men’s trophy competition was third.

Eastern finished sixth in the women’s All-Sports competition and was fourth in the combined men’s and women’s programs.

“We are very proud of this honor, particularly because it was clinched with a terrific performance at an event our institution hosted,” said interim EWU Athletic Director Pamela Parks. “A lot of hard work by many, many people associated with our program contributed greatly to this achievement. But our student-athletes deserve the greatest accolades.”

With points awarded based on how teams do during the course of the Big Sky’s regular season or tournament competition, Eastern averaged 11.08 points per sport. Montana was second at 10.83 points per sport, followed by Montana State at 10.25.

Eastern’s season was highlighted by a co-football championship, a third-place finish in men’s basketball, and a third-place finish at the outdoor track and field championships.

“Our coaches and student-athletes continue to set the bar higher and higher for our program,” added Parks. “As our university continues to grow and prosper, so will our athletic programs and the honors that come as a result of that growth.”

The Northern Arizona women captured the 2005-06 Women’s All-Sports Trophy, ending Weber State’s five-year reign.

Northern Arizona’s campaign was highlighted by Big Sky championships in cross country, and indoor and outdoor track and field. NAU averaged 11.5 points per sport, followed by Sacramento State with 9.62.

Northern Arizona finished as the overall winner at 10.78 points per sport.