May 30, 2007

Chicago, Ill. - For the second time in school history, the University of Illinois at Chicago Athletic Department has captured the James J. McCafferty Trophy, recognizing the Horizon League's all-sports champion. In the first-ever tie, the Flames shared the league's top honor with Butler as both schools were presented with the award on Wednesday night at the Executive Council meeting in Lake Geneva, Wis.

UIC last won the McCafferty Trophy in 1999-2000 in what was then the closest finish in the all-sports standings with the Flames besting UW-Milwaukee and Butler by a single point.

UIC and Butler each earned 49 points this season. UW-Milwaukee, winner of the previous three McCafferty trophies, finished third in this year's competition with 46 points, followed by UW-Green Bay with 32.5 points. Loyola (32) was fifth, followed by Wright State (31), Cleveland State (27.5), Detroit (17.5) and Youngstown State (13.5).

The Flames claimed league titles this season in men's soccer, baseball and women's tennis with all three programs making NCAA postseason appearances. UIC placed second in men's cross country, men's outdoor track and field and men's tennis, while the volleyball team also took runner-up honors at the postseason tournament.

UIC's success on the men's side paved the way to a sole first-place standing for the Men's All-Sports Trophy, finishing four points ahead of Butler.

Butler claimed four league championships during the 2006-07 year, winning tournament titles in men's and women's cross country, men's tennis and women's golf. The Bulldogs also shared the regular-season crown in men's basketball, while finishing second in women's basketball and women's tennis.

Seven of the Horizon League's nine member schools won at least one team championship in 2006-07.

The symbol of a successful broad-based athletic program, the McCafferty Trophy is awarded annually by the Horizon League to the member institution compiling the greatest number of performance points. Schools earn points based on their finish in all 19 championship sports sponsored by the League. For the sports of men's and women's soccer, volleyball, men's and women's basketball, baseball and softball, points are awarded based on combined regular-season and championship finishes. In the sports of men's and women's cross country, men's and women's indoor and outdoor track and field, men's and women's swimming, men's and women's golf and men's and women's tennis, points are based on performance in the League championship.