HILLSBORO, Ore. – Whitworth University has claimed the 2025-26 Northwest Conference McIlroy-Lewis All-Sports trophy, according to the final standings released by the conference today.
Whitworth secured the conference honor with 271 total points, 58 more than second place George Fox for the largest margin of victory since the Pirates won by 65 points in 2016. The win was the Bucs' third consecutive and 16th overall, overtaking Pacific Lutheran for the most in NWC history.
The 2025-26 academic year was highlighted by seven conference championships, each earning 18 points. Football and volleyball earned titles to begin the year in the fall. The Pirates dominated the winter months with championships in women's swimming, men's swimming, and men's basketball. Baseball and women's track & field capped the year with titles in the spring. Men's track & field, women's golf, men's cross country, women's cross country, men's tennis, and women's tennis contributed significantly with second place finishes.
The Northwest Conference All-Sports Trophy recognizes athletic excellence among Northwest Conference institutions across all fields of competition. It is named in honor of John Lewis, the baseball coach (1947-72), basketball coach (1947-67) and athletics director (1952- 72) at Willamette University; and Jane McIlroy, Linfield College's women's athletics director and physical education professor from 1950- 82 who also coached field hockey (1952-81), basketball, volleyball, softball and tennis. It has been awarded annually since the 1985-86 school year.
Pacific Lutheran won 15 of the first 17 trophies. Whitworth won its first trophy in 2005 and then in 2008 began a string of 12 straight victories. The Pirates returned to the top of the standings in 2023-24 and have remained there since.
