The Virginia High School League has announced the 2025-26 winners of the National Guard Cup, presented by the Virginia Army National Guard for year-long athletic success. Lord Botetourt finished seventh in Class 3 and James River High was 27th in the Class 2.
Familiar faces returned to claim more trophies. Western Albemarle in Class 3 led the way, earning its 11th overall Cup and fifth in a row, while Auburn in Class 1 claimed its eighth consecutive Cup and ninth overall. Atlee in Class 3 earned its third straight Cup, and Robinson in Class 6 earned its third Cup in four years and fifth overall. In Class 5 Kellam earned its second straight Cup while in Class 2, Glenvar claimed a fourth Cup.
First awarded in 1990, the Cup represents 36 seasons of excellence. Six Cups are awarded for academic activities and athletics in each of the VHSL’s six enrollment classifications.
A point system determines the winners based on overall performance in VHSL state championship competitions. In athletics, first place earns 50 points, second place earns 45 points, third place earns 40 points, fourth place earns 35 points, fifth place earns 30 points, sixth place earns 25 points, seventh place earns 20 points, and eighth place earns 15 points. Schools earning the League’s Sportsmanship, Ethics, and Integrity Award earn 50 points each.
Lord Botetourt finished seventh in Class 3 with 252.5 points. The Cavaliers scored 95 points in the spring, sparked by 50 points from the state champion boys’ track team. Botetourt earned 22.5 points each in boys’ soccer and girls’ tennis.
James River tied for 27th in Class 2 with 45 points, all earned in the fall and winter.
