RUSSELLVILLE, Arkansas – Following the school's best year ever in terms of athletic success among all teams, Ouachita Baptist University has posted its highest ever finish in the Great American Conference all-sports trophy races.
The Tigers wrap up the year in second place in the GAC President's Trophy standings and fourth place in the GAC Commissioner's Cup race.
Ouachita earned 80.5 points in the commissioner's cup race, which equates to 65.98 percent of the points available. The commissioner's cup awards points based on where each team finished in the conference standings. The president's cup is based on the highest percentage of available points in each sport.
"What an outstanding year," exclaimed Ouachita Director of Athletics David Sharp. "I want to commend all of our coaches, student-athletes, and support staff that work so hard and go above-and-beyond to compete at a high level and represent our great university so well. I'm thrilled for them and excited to see what's to come."
During the successful 2024-25 campaign, the Tigers won GAC regular season titles in women's soccer and football with the men's basketball team just one game away for a runner-up finish. The Tiger women's cross country team won the GAC championship meet for its second title in the past three years. Although tournament performances do not factor into the GAC all-sports races, the Ouachita women's soccer and volleyball teams added conference tournament championships to Ouachita's list of accolades for the year.
The Tiger volleyball, baseball, women's track & field, and men's cross country teams also contributed to Ouachita's high marks with top five finishes in their respective sports. Ouachita volleyball swept through the GAC tournament to earn the program's first ever bid to the NCAA tournament. The women's track & field team sent the program's first ever nationals qualifier to Colorado in May to compete in the 3,000-meter steeplechase.
In addition to Ouachita's success in the GAC during the 2024-25 year, the Ouachita wrestling, swimming & diving, and men's tennis teams also turned in high marks competing in other conferences. The men's swimming & diving team completed an undefeated season and won the New South Intercollegiate Swim Conference championship. The men's and women's swimming & diving teams had individuals qualify for the NCAA nationals event in Indianapolis. The men's tennis team won the MIAA/GAC South Division championship this season and made it to the NCAA national championship tournament in Florida. The wrestling squad sent one to nationals this year, also in Indianapolis.
