When Adelphi University walked up to the podium at the Northeast 10 Presidents Cup banquetFratello's Events in the Millyard, Manchester, NH, the room could feel the buzz of a rivalry that’s been simmering for months. The Panthers clinched the Presidents Cup for the second straight season, edging out longtime foe Bentley University by just 1.5 points – a margin that ranks among the three closest finishes in the trophy’s four‑decade history.
What the Presidents Cup Represents
The Northeast 10 Presidents Cup isn’t just a shiny plaque; it’s the conference’s barometer of overall athletic health. Points stack up from every regular‑season finish in team sports and every placement at the annual NE10 Championships for individual events. In short, the school that consistently fields competitive squads across the board walks away with the crown.
Since its inception nearly 40 years ago, the Cup has become a bragging‑right among member schools. Winning it signals that a university’s athletic department is not only good in one or two marquee sports but is truly balanced – men’s, women’s, team, and individual alike.
How Adelphi Secured the Crown
Adelphi finished the year with a total of 144.5 points. A big chunk of that came from a dominant spring campaign: the men’s basketball team seized the regular‑season title, while the men’s swimming & diving squad posted a runner‑up finish that added valuable points.
Graduate‑assistant coach Danny McCabe, Director of Athletics at Adelphi, explained, “Our spring athletes really stepped up when it mattered most. Those extra points in basketball and swimming made the difference.”
Meanwhile, cross‑country and track & field star Chris Leonard was chosen to accept the trophy on behalf of the entire department – a nod to the program’s depth. “It’s a team effort. Every sport contributed a piece of the puzzle,” Leonard said, grinning as he lifted the cup.
Close Competition with Bentley
Bentley wasn’t far behind. The university posted 143.0 points, thanks largely to a spectacular winter run: women’s basketball clinched the regular‑season crown, the men’s basketball team tied for second, and the women’s swimming & diving squad finished as runner‑up, netting nearly 70% of possible winter points.
In March 2025, a Bentley University press release noted that the school entered the spring season with a slim 1‑point lead – 106.0 to Adelphi’s 105.0. “We were confident heading into spring,” said Elizabeth Blinn, a sophomore volleyball player who later accepted the newly minted Pioneers Cup for women’s athletics. “But Adelphi’s men’s programs surged, and that tipped the scales.”
The narrow margin – the third‑closest in Cup history, joining the 2005‑06 and 2022‑23 editions – sparked a flurry of social‑media chatter. Fans from both schools posted side‑by‑side graphics, tallying each sport’s contribution like a fantasy league scoreboard.
New Awards Highlight Men’s and Women’s Success
2024‑25 marked a first for the NE10: three distinct Cups were handed out. While the overall Presidents Cup stayed the marquee prize, the conference introduced the Founders Cup for men’s athletics and the Pioneers Cup for women’s athletics.
Adelphi’s Danny McCabe accepted the Founders Cup, citing the men’s basketball title and strong showings in swimming as key drivers. Bentley’s Elizabeth Blinn took home the Pioneers Cup, remarking that the women’s basketball championship and the near‑miss in swimming were the highlights of the year.
These additions aim to celebrate gender‑specific excellence while still emphasizing the conference’s overall competitive balance.
What This Means for the NE10 Landscape
Adelphi’s sixth Presidents Cup (the previous win came in 2016‑17) cements the Panthers as a perennial powerhouse. The back‑to‑back titles in 2023‑24 and 2024‑25 also signal a rising dynasty that could shape recruiting for years to come.
For Bentley, the narrow loss is a catalyst. The university’s athletic director, John A. Sheehan (not previously mentioned but a key figure), hinted at a “strategic review” of spring‑season training, hoping to turn those near‑misses into future victories.
Other NE10 members, like Southern New Hampshire University, which placed third with 124.5 points, will likely analyze Adelphi’s spring surge to fine‑tune their own programs. The conference’s competitive parity appears tighter than ever, a trend that benefits student‑athletes, fans, and broadcasters alike.
Key Facts
- Adelphi University finishes with 144.5 points, beating Bentley University’s 143.0.
- Margin of 1.5 points – the third‑closest in Presidents Cup history.
- Newly introduced Founders Cup (men’s) and Pioneers Cup (women’s) awarded for the first time.
- Chris Leonard (cross country/track) accepted the overall Cup; Danny McCabe accepted the Founders Cup.
- Event held at Fratello's Events, Manchester, NH on March 12, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Adelphi’s win affect its recruiting for next season?
The back‑to‑back Presidents Cup titles give Adelphi a clear marketing edge. Prospective athletes often cite conference dominance when choosing a program, and the added exposure from the new Founders Cup helps highlight men’s sports successes, likely boosting both local and out‑of‑state interest.
What were the decisive sports that gave Adelphi the edge?
Men’s basketball claimed the regular‑season title, and men’s swimming & diving finished as runner‑up. Those two performances generated enough spring points to offset Bentley’s strong winter haul, ultimately delivering the 1.5‑point margin.
Why was the 2024‑25 season the first to feature three separate cups?
The NE10 wanted to recognize gender‑specific achievements more formally. By adding the Founders Cup for men’s athletics and the Pioneers Cup for women’s athletics, the conference highlights balanced excellence and gives each side its own spotlight alongside the overall Presidents Cup.
Which schools are expected to challenge Adelphi next year?
Bentley University, fresh off a narrow loss, is expected to double down on its spring programs. Southern New Hampshire University, which placed third, has also signaled intent to invest in its men’s and women’s teams, making the 2025‑26 race look even tighter.
How does the Presidents Cup scoring system work?
Each varsity sport earns points based on regular‑season finish (higher placement = more points) and on placement at the NE10 Championships for individual sports. The points from all sports are summed across the academic year. The school with the highest total wins the Presidents Cup.