At this very moment, Aquinas once again leads in the hunt for the WHAC All Sports Trophy — a title that the College has held eight out of the last 10 years. How did we get here? Here’s a quick look back at another outstanding year in Aquinas athletics.

The men’s cross country team was once again on the cusp of a national title, holding the second place NAIA ranking the entire season and eventually finishing sixth in the national championship. The team was anchored by the performances of two seniors — Chris Robertz and Scott Assenmacher. Meanwhile, the women’s team turned in another solid season earning yet another at-large bid to the national championship back in November. They were led by the quick step of junior Amanda Strouse.

Also in the fall, the soccer teams ran into a somewhat unexpected success. The men’s soccer team, led by first-team seniors Ryan Robleski and Levi Swaney, more than doubled their previous season’s win total and upset a host of favorites to win the WHAC title and earn a trip to regionals.

The women’s team began with an explosive 11 win start that eventually propelled them to their first regular season WHAC title since 1999 and a conference tournament championship as well. The Saints were led by three first team juniors — goalkeeper Kristina Gladstone, midfielder Jessica Greaney and offensive player of the year forward Bri Hill.

To finish out the fall, the golf teams also ran into quite a bit of success. The men ended the fall season in second place behind the stellar golfing of senior Brian Hayward. The women’s team, behind senior Jessica Morse, came in first in the inaugural season of WHAC golf.

The winter always heats up with the start of the basketball season. This year brought new highs and few unexpected lows for both teams. After struggling during the regular season with injuries, he women’s team could not pull together a regular season championship, but still believing a national tournament was within grasp, the Saints came alive to win the WHAC Tournament and earn a bid to the big dance.

No one was sure how a young men’s team would cope without Aquinas legend Jeff Jayson, but those uncertainties were quickly forgotten as the regular season champion Saints surpassed 20 wins for the fifth consecutive year and broke the school’s season wins record by winning their first ever victory in the national tournament. The men’s team was led by the impressive play of junior center Pedja Lazic and sophomore guard John Lierman.

If the spring proves to be as successful as the winter and fall, the Saints will be well on their way to an 11th All Sports title.