The University of Denver capped its second-finest year in NCAA Division I history by finishing No. 54 in the Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup, the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics announced June 29th.
The Pioneers sent 11 sports programs to NCAA postseason competition and finished with 396.50 points. DU also finished first among Front Range schools for the second consecutive season, followed by Colorado (No. 69), Air Force (No. 105), Colorado State (No. 127), Wyoming (No. 192) and Northern Colorado (No. 271).
DU was also the highest ranked Sun Belt Conference institution, outdistancing No. 76 Middle Tennessee by more than 135 points. In addition, the Pioneers were the highest ranked I-AAA school for the second consecutive season by topping No. 65 UC Irvine by over 80 points.
“We are once again honored to represent the Front Range as Denver’s University,” says Peg Bradley-Doppes, DU vice chancellor for athletics and recreation and Ritchie Center operations. “We are growing into a consistent contender on the national scene of Division I athletics. We still have a lot of work to do, but we are proud of this year’s accomplishments.”
The Pioneers earned 100 points for their 20th NCAA skiing championship, 75 for a fifth-place NCAA finish in women’s golf and 52.5 for gymnastics’ 19th-place finish at NCAA nationals.
In addition, Blake Worsley earned DU 47 points for his performance at the NCAA men’s swimming & diving championships. DU also earned 25 points each from men’s soccer, women’s soccer, hockey and women’s tennis. The men’s golf team chipped in 22 points with its seventh consecutive NCAA appearance.
Complete standings and the scoring structure can be found at www.directorscup.org.