NEW ORLEANS — For the second consecurive year, Xavier University of Louisiana is the winner of the Thomas Howell Cup, the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference's all-sports award.

The Thomas Howell Cup, named for the GCAC's longtime commissioner, is awarded annually to the school with the most points based on order of finish in various sports. Xavier, boosted by GCAC championships in men's cross country, women's cross country, women's volleyball, women's basketball and men's basketball, finished the year with 44½ points. Southern-New Orleans (SUNO) was second with 33 points, and Edward Waters was third with 30½.

It's the second time that Xavier has won the award. The athletics department finished in the top three for the past eight seasons.

Xavier has won 36 conference/group team championships and earned 27 berths in NAIA national championships during the past seven seasons. Xavier suspended intercollegiate athletics in 2005-06 in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. In six seasons since then, the Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets have combined for 32 conference/group team championships and 24 berths in NAIA national championships.

Thomas Howell Cup 2011-12 Standings