Final Standings |
Messiah's All-Time Learfield Cup FinishesCleveland, OH – For the 15th-straight season Messiah College Athletics finished in the top-35 of the annual NCAA Division III Learfield Sports Directors' Cup standings. The Falcons scored 493.5 points across nine sport categories, and once again Messiah was the highest earner for all of the state of Pennsylvania.
The Directors' Cup was developed as a joint effort between the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and
USA Today, with points being awarded based on each institution's finish in up to 18 sports—nine women's and nine men's. Learfield Sports, a Dallas-based sports marketing organizations, is in its sixth year as the program's sponsor.
Messiah's 493.25 points was its highest since eclipsing the 500-point mark in 2011 (541.5), an ironic accomplishment considering the Falcons did not win a National Championship in any of its sports this year. Still, the Falcons' impressive competitive balance was on full display, as nine sports contributed to the final standing.
Golf collected a program-record 55 points thanks to a best-ever 19th place at the NCAA Championships in mid-May. Women's lacrosse (50 points), track & field (28.5), and men's tennis (25) also competed in their respective NCAA Tournaments to collect points.
Track & Field (62.25) also scored big in the winter season, and wrestling's sixth-place finish at the NCAA Championships in Hershey, Pa., contributed 73.5 points.
Back in the fall season, both men's and women's soccer came within a single a game of the Final Four, good for 73 points apiece. Field hockey collected 53 points thanks to an appearance in the Second Round.
As mentioned, Messiah was once again the leader for all schools in Pennsylvania. They were also well in front of their nearest Middle Atlantic Conference opponent, Stevenson (No. 73).
Complete standings and scoring structure can be found
here on NACDA's website.
