Ithaca’s winter sports teams proved their elite status in the Division III sports world with strong performances last weekend.

The women’s track team won its second-straight state title at the New York State Collegiate Track Conference Championship. The men’s track team finished third in the state, while both indoor track teams claimed titles in the Empire 8 Championships. The women’s swimming and diving team continued its decade-long winning streak after claiming an 11th consecutive Empire 8 title and winning the state championship. The men’s team came in third at states and finished second among Empire 8 schools.

The women’s basketball team received an at-large bid to the NCAA Division III playoffs, while its male counterpart will return to the court at the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference playoffs over the weekend. Five members of the wrestling team are on their way to the NCAA championships and five of Ithaca’s gymnasts have been nationally ranked among the top 25.

At a Division III school, players who commit time to sports demonstrate a strong commitment to the sport itself and not just the titles. Unfortunately, some of the college’s athletic events do not tend to draw large crowds to encourage the players. Students are urged to show their Bomber spirit by attending regular and offseason games.

The Ithacan congratulates the winter teams for holding up the Bomber pride and wishes luck to those on their way to nationals.