CCIW Improves on Directors' Cup standings in 2006-07

NAPERVILLE -- For the third straight season, the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) improved on its standings in the United States Sports Academy Directors' Cup coordinated by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA).

In 2006-07, the CCIW had five teams earn a spot in the top 50 out of 308 NCAA Division III institutions. Illinois Wesleyan finished first amongst conference schools at No. 30, while North Central finished 31st. Augustana was 38th, while Wheaton was 39th and Carthage was 43rd. In 2005-06, the CCIW had five institutions in the top 60, while in 2004-05, there were five CCIW institutions in the top 75. Each time was a new best for the conference.

"The continued improvement of CCIW schools in the Directors' Cup standings are a testament to the hard work that our coaches, student-athletes and administrators continue to put forth," CCIW commissioner Chris Martin said. "The CCIW has continued to offer broad-based athletics programs and I am confident that we will improve yet again on our standings in 2007-08."

Each institution is awarded points in a pre-determined number of sports for men and women. There are 18 sports, nine men’s and nine women’s, considered for this award in Division III including men’s & women’s cross country, field hockey, football, men’s & women’s soccer, women’s volleyball, men’s & women’s basketball, men’s & women’s swimming, men’s & women’s indoor track and field, wrestling, baseball, men’s & women’s golf, men’s & women’s lacrosse, women’s rowing, softball, men’s & women’s tennis and men’s & women’s outdoor track and field.

The overall champion is the institution that records the highest number of points in their division’s Directors’ Cup standings. Williams (MA) has won the last 11 Division III titles. The scoring formula uses a formula of team and individual scoring with selected sports only counting as 50 percent.

The Sports Academy Directors' Cup was developed as a joint effort between NACDA and USA Today. The United States Sports Academy is the program sponsor.

For a complete list of the United States Academy Directors' Cup, visit the NACDA website at www.nacda.com.