Spring Break
A&M Retains Lone Star Trophy
Aggies defeat Texas in the Lone Star Showdown Two Years Running
By: David Harris
Issue date: 5/11/09 Section: Sports
With a sweep in both the Big 12 men's and women's outdoor track and field championships, Texas A&M retained the Lone Star Showdown Trophy. A year after winning the contest 10½ to 8½, all the Aggies had to do was accomplish a tie in points at 9½ in order to keep the trophy. And, that is exactly what they did by earning two points in Lubbock on May 17.
The Lone Star Showdown originated in 2004-2005 "in order to highlight the rivalry between the state's two largest public universities in all sports" as written on the showdown's website, lonestarshowdown.net. Points are awarded based on head to head matchups between Texas A&M and Texas. Each sport is given one point total to be earned, and half points are handed out on the occasion of ties or split season series. There are 25 events held and 19 points handed out.
The Longhorns won the first three series, but the Aggies have now held the crown two years running.
The two teams split in soccer, men's basketball, and softball. The Longhorns won a full point in volleyball, football, women's cross country, women's tennis, baseball, women's and men's swimming and diving, and men's indoor track and field. The Aggies countered by taking a full point in men's cross country, women's basketball, men's tennis, and men's and women's golf; all culminating in the sweep of the outdoor track and field championships last week.
With many higher ups asking for changes in the weighting of different sports, the Showdown may take on a different look in the next year. But, until then, Texas A&M athletics can hoist the trophy proudly.
"I am so proud of our Aggie student-athletes and coaches and their combined efforts in keeping the State Farm Showdown Trophy here in Aggieland," said athletic director Bill Byrne on lonestarshowdown.net. "Much like the Ryder Cup, when you have it in your possession, the opposing team has to take it from you."
The Lone Star Showdown originated in 2004-2005 "in order to highlight the rivalry between the state's two largest public universities in all sports" as written on the showdown's website, lonestarshowdown.net. Points are awarded based on head to head matchups between Texas A&M and Texas. Each sport is given one point total to be earned, and half points are handed out on the occasion of ties or split season series. There are 25 events held and 19 points handed out.
The Longhorns won the first three series, but the Aggies have now held the crown two years running.
The two teams split in soccer, men's basketball, and softball. The Longhorns won a full point in volleyball, football, women's cross country, women's tennis, baseball, women's and men's swimming and diving, and men's indoor track and field. The Aggies countered by taking a full point in men's cross country, women's basketball, men's tennis, and men's and women's golf; all culminating in the sweep of the outdoor track and field championships last week.
With many higher ups asking for changes in the weighting of different sports, the Showdown may take on a different look in the next year. But, until then, Texas A&M athletics can hoist the trophy proudly.
"I am so proud of our Aggie student-athletes and coaches and their combined efforts in keeping the State Farm Showdown Trophy here in Aggieland," said athletic director Bill Byrne on lonestarshowdown.net. "Much like the Ryder Cup, when you have it in your possession, the opposing team has to take it from you."
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