June 15, 1999

Truman Finishes Ninth In Division II Sears Directors' Cup Race

Truman State University has earned its highest finish ever in the Sears Directors' Cup race, taking ninth-place in the final results that were announced at the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics convention.

Truman finished with 250 points to take ninth place. The Bulldogs' final point total was just 90 points off the pace set by Adams State (Colo.) University, which captured the coveted Sears Directors' Cup in the closest race in history. Adams State finished with 340 points to claim the Waterford Crystal, followed by Abilene Christian (Texas) and California-Davis, which tied for second with 330 points each. Florida Southern and North Dakota State tied for fourth with 320 apiece.

This year marks the first time that Truman has finished in the top 10 for the Sears Directors' Cup. Truman's previous best finish was a tie for 16th in 1997-98. The Bulldogs have never finished lower than 35th since the Sears Directors' Cup was expanded to include all divisions of competition in 1995-96.

Truman had the highest finish of any Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association institution this year. Northwest Missouri State was tied for 22nd with 160 points, while Emporia State (Kan.) and Pittsburg State (Kan.) were in a tie for 31st with 150 points. Central Missouri State tallied 110 points to tie for 45th.

In the fall season, Truman scored 20 points in men's soccer for its fifth-place finish.

The winter season vaulted Truman into the top 10 as the Bulldogs collected third-place finishes (60 points each) in both men's basketball and women's swimming. Truman was awarded 30 points for a ninth-place finish in women's basketball, 20 points for a ninth-place finish in men's swimming and 10 points for a 19th-place finish in wrestling.

This spring, the Bulldogs tallied 20 points for a ninth-place finish in softball, 20 points for a 27th-place finish in women's tennis, and 10 points for a 34th-place finish in women's track.

The Sears Directors Cup is presented annually by NACDA to the top institution in each NCAA category (Division I, II, and III) and NAIA. Of the 267 eligible Division II institutions, 196, or 73 percent, accumulated points. Established as a joint effort between the USA Today and NACDA, the Sears Directors' Cup is the only all-sports competition that recognizes the institutions in each of the four categories with the best overall athletic program.

Sears Directors' Cup Standings | Sears Directors' Cup Summary | Truman Athletics