Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska-Kearney Lopers finished 87th in the race for the 2017-18 Division II
Learfield Sports Directors' Cup.
The Cup is a joint effort between the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and USA Today. Points are awarded based on an institution's finish in up to 14 sports – seven men and seven women – at NCAA Championships.
UNK scored 25 points in the fall, 93 more in the winter and 120 in the spring to be 87 out of 268 scoring-schools. There are just over 300 schools in Division II. UNK's best finish for the Cup came during the 2005-06 year (13th).
The California Baptist Lancers, moving to Division I next year, came in first with 905.00 points. The Grand Valley State (Mich.) Lakers were runners up with 834.75 points, the 17th straight year they've either been first or second.
Also, the MIAA had nine member institutions finish in the top 100 to once again top Division II Conferences with the number of universities ranked in that range.
"We had an outstanding 2017-18 season, highlighted by four different MIAA schools winning five National Championships. The MIAA is considered to be one of the most competitive conferences in all of Division II; to lead the division with nine schools in the top 100, speaks loudly to our overall competitiveness in every sport," stated MIAA Commissioner Mike Racy.
MIAA Schools
19. Central Missouri 449.50
34. Central Oklahoma 401.50
37. Lindenwood 390.50
39. Ft. Hays State 389.25
40. Pittsburg State 388.75
55. Missouri Southern St. 326.75
67. Lincoln 297.50
87. UNK 238.00
99. Northeastern State 201.50
102. Missouri Western St. 198.00
118. Emporia State 164.00
126. Southwest Baptist 155.50
151. Washburn 128.00
190. NW Missouri St. 90.50
