‘Bama State Sports brings seventh SWAC Commissioners Cup home
June 5, 2023
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.- The Alabama State University Athletics Department claimed the 2022-23 Southwestern Athletic Conference James Frank Commissioner’s Cup.
This year’s James Frank Commissioner’s Cup award is Alabama State University’s seventh cup in the last nine years. On the way to capturing the Commissioner’s Cup, Alabama State won six SWAC championships claiming league titles in the sports of Volleyball (regular season), Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track and Field, Men’s Outdoor Track and Field, and Men’s Tennis (regular season/tournament).
The James Frank Commissioner’s Cup award is awarded to the conference’s best overall athletic program in league sponsored sports.
Athletic Director Jason Cable stated, “The support from President Ross and the campus community created a pathway to return the Commissioner’s Cup to Bama State. Upon my arrival at ASU, one of our areas of focus has been to bring home the Commissioner’s Cup to the city of Montgomery. I sincerely thank the ASU community, administration, athletic staff, coaches, and most of all, our student-athletes for their unwavering commitment to SWARMAS1.”
A complete listing of final standings and individual program point totals for the three awards can be found below.
2022-23 SWAC Commissioner’s Cup
- Alabama State- 163.0
- Jackson State- 157.5
- Prairie View A&M- 132.5
- Southern- 122.5
- Texas Southern- 119.5
- Grambling State- 112.5
- Florida A&M- 104.5
- Bethune-Cookman- 101.5
- Alcorn State- 94.0
- Alabama A&M- 91.5
- Arkansas-Pine Bluff- 81.0
- Mississippi Valley State- 35.0
About the Dr. James Frank Commissioner’s Cup Award
The Commissioner’s Cup, named for former league commissioner James Frank who led the SWAC from 1983 through 1998, is awarded to the university compiling the highest combined total of men’s and women’s all-sport points.
From 1983 until his retirement in 1998, Dr. Frank served as Commissioner of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). He returned to the position as Interim Commissioner in April 2001, where he served for 20 months. During his guidance, the conference evolved to rank among the elite in the nation.
Dr. James Frank was one of a few individuals who elevated through the collegiate ranks as a student-athlete, coach, educator, college president, and conference commissioner. During a long and distinguished career of over 50 years, Frank’s efforts and influential leadership touched the lives of countless people and resulted in positive changes in the many organizations he served.