Both Union Pines and Pinecrest High Schools have captured their respective Wachovia Conference Cups for the second consecutive year.

The Wachovia Conference Cup, formerly known as the Wachovia trophy, is a companion to the Wachovia Cup, a statewide award given to schools with the best overall interscholastic athletic performance in each of the four classifications. In most conferences, points are awarded based on participation and standings in conference play. Each conference determines its own method of awarding points.

Union Pines’ program was the top in the 3A Cape Fear Valley Conference, while Pinecrest was the best in the 4A Southeastern Conference.

The honor was the third in four years for Union Pines. Athletic director Bobby Purvis stressed the importance of having a strong, all-around program, which the school has achieved.

“Obviously, to win a Wachovia (Conference) Cup is a highlight of any sports season,” he said. “It’s a shared honor for our entire Union Pines athletic family. The players on the field deserve the top credit because they’re the ones playing the games and winning championships. Also, you have to tip your hat to our coaches, who prepare them well.”

Conference titles in softball, girls’ soccer, boys’ golf and boys’ tennis helped the Vikings push past Western Harnett to win their cup. W.H. finished second, while Southern Lee moved into third place thanks to its conference crown in baseball. Union Pines finished with 123 points, Western Harnett with 113.5 and Southern Lee with 88.

Girls’ tennis, boys’ cross-country, girls’ swimming and the wrestling teams also won conference championships this year. The Lady Viking basketball team won the CFVC conference tournament title. Purvis and other school officials believe the eight CFVC players of the year the school had this year is a school record.

It was also a dominant year for the Patriot program, which brough home 11 conference titles.

Pinecrest beat out Scotland, capturing league titles in baseball, boys’ golf, girls’ soccer and boys’ track and field this spring. Scotland secured championships in softball, boys’ tennis and girls’ track and field to finish second. Richmond Senior moved up a spot to take third.

Pinecrest also won championships in boys’ and girls’ cross-country, boys’ basketball, wrestling, boys’ soccer, and girls’ golf. Pinecrest finished with 88 points, Scotland with 74.5 and Richmond with 56.

“It’s a tremendous a honor to win the cup," athletic director Ernie Purnsley said. “It just shows the commitment by our coaches, players and the administration.”

North Moore finished fifth in the Yadkin Valley Conference standings with 585 points. Albemarle was the winner with 707.5.