John A. Logan College has been awarded the Great Rivers Athletic Conference All Sports trophy for the 2008-2009 school year, edging out last year’s winner, Southwestern Illinois College, and third-place Kaskaskia College.

The Volunteers amassed 82 points compared to SWIC’s 74 and Kaskaskia’s 70. Schools are awarded 18 points for a first-place league finish in a given sport; 16 for second place; 14 for third; 12 for fourth; 10 for fifth; eight for sixth; six for seventh; four for eighth; two for ninth or zero if the college does not field a team in a given sport.

The Logan women’s volleyball and men’s golf teams each placed first in the conference this past school year. Other sports that figure into the total score are: baseball, softball and men’s and women’s basketball.

JALC Athletic Director Jerry Halstead said winning the All Sports trophy “indicates the quality of the overall athletic program at the college” and embodies the hard work and dedication of the student-athletes and coaches.

“We’re very happy to have the honor bestowed upon us,” Halstead said. “This is the third time we’ve won the award this decade (2000-2001 and 2005-2006 were the other years) and we have won it a few other times, too, over the years.”

Halstead said the administration and board of education are also to thank.

“Without their full support, we couldn’t be as successful and have achieved all that we have,” he said.

Vice President for Administration Dr. Tim Daugherty said College officials are indeed “proud of the athletic department’s accomplishments” and noted that Logan has a “long history of success” on the hardwood and playing fields.

Longtime Board of Trustees member Jake Rendleman, who serves on the board’s Athletic Advisory Committee, said the College’s athletic program is well respected throughout the region.

“Through Jerry’s leadership, the athletic department recruits outstanding student-athletes who perform well both on the field and in the classroom. They represent the college well in our community.”