In 2018, SEMO Athletics developed a comprehensive five-year strategic plan which included a significant goal related to Competition: “Win the OVC Commissioner's Cup within the next five years and compete annually thereafter."
Three years later, mission accomplished.
SEMO Athletics' is officially OVC Commissioner’s Cup Champions for the 2020-21 school year, capping off the most successful school year in the programs Division I history.
SEMO accumulated a total of 119 points, 7.5 points ahead of second-place Belmont (111.5). While competing in the middle of a COVID-19 pandemic, the Redhawks celebrated a dominating spring season bolstered by championships in women's tennis, women's track & field, softball and baseball, and a second-place finish in men's track & field. The Redhawks also posted third-place finishes in women's basketball, soccer and volleyball.
The award is given to one school in the OVC each year with the best overall athletics program. The point system awards points for every program that competes in the OVC based on the finish in the standings.
Last year, the Redhawks were leading the Commissioner’s Cup standings when the season was cancelled due to the pandemic, and the OVC opted not to award the honor. Prior to this school year, SEMO finished no higher than third in the OVC Commissioner's Cup standings.
Since the start of the 2019 calendar year, the Redhawks have won 11 conference championships, most in the OVC.
Follow SEMO Athletics on Twitter, now at @SEMORedhawks.
