Taking place on the evening of Tuesday March 18 and throughout Wednesday March 19, the prestigious event welcomed over 2,000 student-athletes, coaches, and support staff as they competed in 57 Championship, Trophy and Vase finals across 16 different sports.
Around 2,500 spectators roared on their respective university teams across Loughborough’s enviable sporting facilities.
Hosting the event for the second successive year, over 100 student volunteers from Loughborough’s Coach and Volunteer Academy (CVA) also played a crucial role in delivering a first-class competition.
On a perfect spring day in the East Midlands, Loughborough athletes produced some thrilling moments, securing 14 pieces of silverware out of a possible 20:
National Championship titles – 5
National Trophy titles – 7
National Vase titles – 2
Football Men's 1's celebrate with the crowd. Image provided by Pete Simmons (5or6 Creative).
Highlights included a dramatic 73-72 victory for Women’s 2’s basketball over Northumbria University at a sold-out Sir David Wallace Arena. In hockey, the Men’s 3’s were crowned National Trophy champions after defeating the University of Nottingham, 3-2.
Basketball Men’s 1’s are now also 3 x National Championship title holders after dispatching Nottingham Trent University in the final.
Netball Women’s 1’s also secured a third consecutive title after beating Bath, 65-43.
There was further success for the hosts in Tennis (Women’s 1s), Water Polo (Men’s 1’s), Volleyball (Men’s 1’s), Football (Women’s 2’s, Men’s 1’s), Rugby Union (Men’s 2’s), Badminton (Men’s 1’s, Men’s 2’s, Women’s 2’s), Basketball (Men’s 1’s), Hockey (Women's 2's) and more.
Liv Murphy, Acting Director of Sport at Loughborough University, reflected on an incredible day:
“Big Wednesday is a huge date on the student sport calendar, and we’re thrilled to have partnered with BUCS to deliver such an incredible showcase of university sport.
“Across all matches, we witnessed some incredible moments that will undoubtedly live long in the memory of those involved. The day’s success is testament to the dedication of all the athletes, coaches, staff, officials, and volunteers. We’re already looking forward to hosting again next year.”
For more information on sport at Loughborough, visit: www.lboro.ac.uk/sport.