The University of Denver Athletics Department has claimed the Learfield Sports DI-AAA Directors’ Cup for the seventh time in eight years, finishing ahead of all non-football schools in the 2014-15 standings. Denver finished 49th in the overall standings with 508.75 points, marking the second straight year in which the Pioneers have finished in the Top 50.
“It’s been a very productive and rewarding year for DU athletics, and this award is definitely a great way to cap things off,” says Peg Bradley-Doppes, vice chancellor for athletics, recreation and Ritchie Center Operations. “Our division strives for excellence in all aspects of our operation, and winning this trophy for the seventh time in eight years is extremely validating as it demonstrates the commitment to excellence held by our student-athletes, coaches and staff members alike. While we take great pride in being among the nation’s best athletic departments, the exceptionally high caliber of the young men and women who represent the Pioneers with tremendous aplomb, both in competition and in the classroom, is our greatest accomplishment.”
In the DI-AAA standings, DU finished 58.25 points ahead of second-place Providence. Denver captured its 30th national team title last month when the Pioneers defeated Maryland in the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship Game to earn 100 Directors’ Cup points for the program. The Crimson & Gold earned 161.50 points during the spring, 297.25 in the winter and 50.00 during autumn in paving the way to another Learfield Sports DI-AAA Directors’ Cup title, their third in a row.
The Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup was developed as a joint effort between the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and USA Today. Points are awarded based on each institution’s finish in up to 20 sports — 10 women’s and 10 men’s.
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