Big Bend Athletes Honored by NWAC with 2017 Presidents Cup

It may be a good idea for the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) to go ahead and brand the President’s Cup with the Big Bend Community College logo. For the third time in five years, the NWAC recognized Viking athletes for their performance in the classroom announcing that BBCC had again won the President’s Cup for the second-consecutive year on Tuesday.

Big Bend Community College President Dr. Terry Leas (right) accepts the Presidents Cup from Northwest Athletic Conference Executive Director Marco Azurdia for the 2015-16 year. The BBCC athletic department and student-athletes have earned this academic honor three of the five years it has been in existence — including the last two

Presented each year to the institution whose student-athletes have the best academic performance, schools accumulate points for athletes who complete 36 credits, 72 credits, and for certificate or degree completion. The amount of points awarded are determined by student-athletes GPA.

BBCC took first place in the NWAC’s Dick McClain Division for schools that compete in seven or fewer sports. Walla Walla Community College took the cup in the Frank Bosone Division for schools that compete in eight or more sports.

Big Bend competes in men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball, and volleyball.

“Winning the President’s Cup for the third time in five years is an example of our institution’s commitment to excellence in teaching and learning. Our coaches really emphasize the first part of ‘student-athlete,’” said Big Bend Community College President, Terry Leas. “This recognition from the NWAC confirms that our student-athletes are students first.”

Big Bend won its first Presidents Cup in 2012-13 and earned the honor again in 2015-16. Big Bend Athletes placed second in 2013-14 and 2014-15.

“As an Athletic Department, we are very pleased with the academic achievement of our student-athletes,” said BBCC Athletic Director Mark Poth. “Our coaches have done an exceptional job in recruiting quality student-athletes and monitoring their academic progress. The consistent success of our student-athletes is built upon a team of coaches, faculty, administration, and staff that have provided all of our students at BBCC with the resources and support needed to be successful. It’s been a pleasure for me to work, for more than 30 years, for an institution that wants all of our students to succeed.”

The Big Bend Athletic Department and its athletes will be honored with the presentation of a banner in a ceremony to be scheduled at a later date.