ROMEOVILLE, Ill. — Titletown, USA, may be forever tied to Green Bay, but a new contender for championship prestige is rising just southwest of Chicago. At Lewis University, championships are now becoming an expectation for the Flyers athletics department.

Lewis University has solidified itself as a force across NCAA Division II athletics, and the numbers back it up. For the third consecutive year and fourth time overall, Lewis University has claimed the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Commissioner's Cup, an honor recognizing the top all-around athletic program in the conference.

Lewis totaled 90 points this year across nine GLVC sports — a mark of consistency and depth. The Flyers reached the GLVC Championship Tournament in eight of those nine sports, lifting seven conference titles, including men's and women's cross country, men's soccer, volleyball and indoor and outdoor track and field.

"We strive to be the best version of Lewis Athletics both on and off the fields of play — and there's definite evidence of our success," said John Ashaolu, Assistant Vice President for Athletics. "Our student-athletes are graduating with great memories, championships, and a valuable degree. They're also obtaining gainful employment after their time here is done. That's exactly what the student-athlete experience is all about."

That commitment to excellence goes beyond competition. This spring, 77 student-athletes graduated, and the department recorded a 3.443 GPA — matching the fall's — signaling a sustained academic environment for the Red and White.

But what makes Lewis special isn't just what happens under the lights or in front of crowds. It's the unseen — the grind behind the glory.

"Our coaches and staff work countless, often thankless hours to ensure the success of our student-athletes," Ashaolu added. "Everyone sees the end results — the wins, the trophies — but not everyone sees the facility prep work, the mowing, the cleaning. There's a lot of sweat equity that goes on behind the scenes. That's what makes Lewis special."

And that foundation is built through alignment — between athletics and the university — from a student-athlete's first visit to their final walk across the graduation stage.

"Before our student-athletes step foot onto campus, we want them to know they're going to have a great experience all the way through becoming an alum of Lewis," Ashaolu said.

That championship culture is also deeply rooted in team leadership. Dana Schwarting, head coach of Lewis men's and women's track and field, whose program has delivered multiple GLVC titles, sees the momentum as part of the university's DNA.

"Another banner year for Lewis Athletics," Schwarting said. "We try to set a standard for our teams that a GLVC title is expected each year, and every day they need to work to make that goal happen. With so many teams striving to win titles, it's easy to sell that dream to each and every student-athlete at Lewis."

In Romeoville, the trophies continue to grow, and that's the way Lewis likes it.