Kent State just keeps on winning.

After finishing first in the MAC with standout performances from the men’s baseball, golf and basketball teams and having four baseball players taken in the recent Major League Baseball Draft, the athletic department has enjoyed a successful year.

This success was recognized when Kent State won the Reese Trophy for excellence in men’s athletics at the MAC league meetings in Chicago on May 31.

The Kent State women’s sports program was runner-up for the Jacoby Trophy, which is given to the top women’s program in the MAC.

Both trophies are handed out annually, and Kent State is no stranger to either award. The men won the Reese Trophy in 2000 and 2002, and the women have either won or finished second in points for the Jacoby Trophy every year since 1996, according to kentstatesports.com.

“The award represents the comprehensive success of the athletic programs,” Athletic Director Laing Kennedy said. “It speaks to the overall success of Kent State.”

The Reese and Jacoby trophies are awarded on a points basis. Each school in the MAC is awarded points based on where a particular sport has finished in the conference. The Kent State men had first or second place finishes in five of seven sports, while the women had two first place finishes in field hockey and golf, along with a second place finish in softball. The men’s program finished with 66.5 points, edging out Miami, while the women’s program took second to Western Michigan.

Though the award was won because of the efforts of the athletes on the field, golf team coach Herb Page said the Kent State athletics program has Kennedy to thank for its continued success.

“It starts at the top,” Page said. “Mr. Kennedy’s commitment to each and every sport, coach and athlete is incredible, and he is an excellent athletic director.”

For full points standings and school rankings, visit www.kentstatesports.com.

Contact general assignment reporter Ben Plassard at [email protected].