BROOKLYN, N.Y. - The Northeast Conference (NEC) announced its 2015-16 Winter Team Sportsmanship Award honorees Tuesday morning, with LIU Brooklyn collecting a pair of accolades. The Blackbirds swept the men's and women's indoor track and field awards, while Saint Francis U., St. Francis Brooklyn, Caldwell and Wagner earned the nods for other sports.

Instituted by league Presidents in 2008, the awards are designed to acknowledge the team in each conference sport that, in the opinion of its peers, most closely demonstrates good sportsmanship based on the NEC Principles of Sportsmanship and Standards of Conduct. Voting is conducted at the conclusion of each season by each team and head coach, who rank teams within the conference based on a set of criteria.

"Competing with respect and dignity for the game, your opponents and officials is not only expected by the NEC Council of Presidents, but it's celebrated as well," said Noreen Morris, NEC Commissioner. "Congratulations to the five institutions recognized by their peers as performing at the highest level in terms of respect and sportsmanship."

The LIU track & field teams were outstanding on the track as well; the men's team won their third-straight Northeast Conference championship, and the women's team finished second overall. The Blackbirds won a combined total of 13 individual championships, and earned six major awards, including Coaching Staff of the Year on the men's side.

2015-16 Northeast Conference Winter Team Sportsmanship Award Winners
Men's Basketball - Saint Francis U
Women's Basketball - St. Francis Brooklyn
Women's Bowling - Caldwell
Men's Indoor Track & Field - LIU Brooklyn
Women's Indoor Track & Field - LIU Brooklyn
Women's Swimming & Diving - Wagner