University of Idaho had historic year. This award affirms Vandals’ success
University of Idaho athletic teams made history during the 2024-25 school year.
The Vandals were awarded the Big Sky Conference Presidents’ Cup on Sunday during the annual Big Sky Kickoff for football at Northern Quest Resort & Casino in Spokane, Washington.
The trophy was created prior to the 2002-03 season and is awarded annually to the Big Sky school that excels academically and athletically throughout the year. This is the first time Idaho has won the award.
“I can’t tell you how excited and proud I am that our student-athletes, coaches and teams have been honored with this award,” Idaho Athletic Director Terry Gawlik said in a news release.
“Vandal Nation should be extremely proud to capture the Big Sky Conference Presidents’ Cup this year. Go Vandals!”
Schools receive points based on the final regular-season standings in eight of the conference’s 14 sports. Points also are given in men’s and women’s cross country, indoor and outdoor track, and golf according to where teams rank after the Big Sky Championships. Teams receive an average point total per sport and then get ranked accordingly.
The Vandals finished in the top three in the Big Sky in football, soccer, women’s basketball and women’s tennis in 2024-25.
Each school’s academic progress rate (APR) from the previous year and grade-point average for each team for the current year also are taken into consideration. There were 166 Vandals named to all-academic teams, including women’s golfer Jenna Bruggeman and football player Tommy McCormick being named Idaho’s Big Sky Scholar Athletes of the Year.
Idaho will retain the traveling trophy throughout the 2025-26 season.
2024-25 Big Sky Presidents’ Cup standings
1. Idaho
2. Northern Arizona
3. Weber State
4. Montana State
5. Idaho State
t6. Eastern Washington
t6. Northern Colorado
8. Montana
9. Sacramento State
10. Portland State
Presidents’ Cup winners
2002-03: Weber State
2003-04: Weber State
2004-05: Montana State
2005-06: Northern Arizona
2006-07: Montana
2007-08: Weber State
2008-09: Weber State
2009-10: Eastern Washington
2010-11: Montana
2011-12: Montana State
2012-13: Northern Arizona
2013-14: Northern Arizona
2014-15: Eastern Washington
2015-16: Eastern Washington
2016-17: North Dakota
2017-18: Eastern Washington
2018-19: Weber State
2019-20: Not Awarded (COVID)
2020-21: Northern Arizona
2021-22: Northern Arizona
2022-23: Montana State
2023-24: Weber State
2024-25: Idaho
