Portsmouth, VA – The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum is pleased to honor the University of Virginia as the recipient of the 2012 Division 1 Achievement Award. This is the Cavaliers’ ninth Achievement Award in the 17 years since its inception.

Since 1996, the Hall of Fame has presented the Achievement Award to the university that has achieved the highest overall winning percentage in intercollegiate athletics in the commonwealth.

The University of Virginia won .65 percent of its intercollegiate athletic contests in 2011-12. Teams or individuals in 22 of Virginia’s 25 sports advanced to postseason competition in 2011-12 highlighted by the rowing team’s second NCAA Championship in three years. It’s the fourth NCAA Championship for the Virginia athletics program in the last three years. A total of 20 of the program’s 25 sports were ranked nationally in the Top 25 during their respective seasons. Virginia won four Atlantic Coast Conference Championships in 2011-12 and has now won 51 ACC Championships in the last 10 years. Also, three Virginia coaches earned ACC Coach of the Year Awards in 2011-12.

Virginia Sports Hall of Fame President Eddie Webb will present the award to Athletic Director Craig Littlepage when the Cavaliers host the Deacons of Wake Forest University on Saturday, October 20.

About the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum

Since 1972, the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum has been proud to honor Virginia’s contributions to the world of sports.  We are the Commonwealth’s official hall of fame, and one of only 16 throughout the nation.  Our mission is to honor athletic excellence and serve as a nonprofit educational resource centered on health, math, science and character development programs, while inspiring visitors through sports history and interactive entertainment.  For more information, go to www.vshfm.com.

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The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum is located at 206 High Street in Portsmouth. Fall and Winter hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday – Friday, Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. The museum is closed Mondays after Labor Day until Memorial Day and on select winter holidays. Admission is $7 per person; $6 military; $6 seniors 65 and older and free for ages 2 and under. Parking is located behind the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum in the Middle Street Parking Garage. FREE parking is available on weekends and after 6 p.m. on weekdays.