Athletics Highlights

SFA Captures Third SLC Commissioner’s Cup

After one of the most successful years in program history, SFA claimed its third Southland Conference Commissioner’s Cup last spring. The Commissioner’s Cup is annually awarded to the top overall athletics program in the conference. SFA racked up 177.5 points throughout the 2014-15 season, defeating second-place Lamar University by 20.5 points to claim the title.

It was truly the “Year of the ’Jacks,” as SFA claimed a Southland Conference record 10 conference titles.

In addition, the Ladyjacks won a second-straight Women’s All Sports trophy, defeating Lamar University by 23.5 points. All Sports trophies are awarded annually for men’s and women’s competition based on a 13-point system for all conference sports. Point values are 13 through 1, pending place of finish. Regular-season standings are used for sports that have a conference tournament.

Bowling team runner-up to national title

SFA’s bowling team made quite a name for itself this past April while making a run to the NCAA Championships in St. Louis, Missouri. Reaching its first NCAA tournament appearance in program history, SFA started out strong and earned the No. 1 overall seed heading into the double-elimination bracket.

SFA then advanced to the national championship match, going head-to-head with perennial powerhouse the University of Nebraska on ESPN. After splitting the first four games, the Cornhuskers pulled away in the final two, giving SFA a national runner-up showing.

Stephanie Schwartz was named a first-team National Tenpin Coaches Association All-American and Freshman of the Year, while Amber Lemke was named the NTCA National Coach of the Year.

Track and Field rallies to sweep SLC Championships

The SFA men’s and women’s track and field programs made the Southland Conference Outdoor Championships one for the ages in 2015 after both teams made late charges on the final day to sweep the team titles in dramatic fashion.

Trailing by a large margin with just a few events remaining, the Ladyjacks scored 34 points in the final three events to complete the comeback, while the Lumberjacks got big performances down the stretch from two-time All-American Josh Taylor. Overall, SFA boasted eight event titles to edge Sam Houston State University for first place by 14 points on the men’s side and 4.5 points on the women’s side.

The outdoor team sweep capped a perfect year for head coach Phil Olson’s squad as the ’Jacks also took both SLC titles during the indoor campaign.

Pole Vaulting powerhouse Demi Payne continues winning stride

SFA pole vaulting sensation Demi Payne is poised to compete at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. However, she still has some major hurdles to clear going forward.

Payne will compete at the World Championships in Beijing, China, this fall. She is one of only 16 collegians to qualify for the championships after placing third at the USA Championships in June to make the USA Track and Field team and advance. All eyes will continue to be on Payne as she represents SFA and the United States.