Lebanon, IL – McKendree University has had a vast run of athletic successes over the course of the academic year, and that was made even more evident on Thursday morning, when the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) announced its latest round of standings for the Division II Learfield Directors' Cup. The Bearcats currently sit in 11^th place with 359.5 total points, good for second among Great Lakes Valley Conference institutions.

After a 50-point fall, the winter season garnered 309.5 points for McKendree, including 100 points for Women's Wrestling's historic National Championship, along with 85 points for Men's Wrestling's National 3^rd Place finish, 72 points for Men's Swim/Dive, and 52.5 points for Women's Swim/Dive.

When it comes to separate teams, Women's Wrestling (1^st), Men's Wrestling (3^rd), and Men's Swim/Dive (6^th) all placed within the Top 10 of their sport-specific standings.
It's been a year that has McKendree Director of Athletics Anthony Francis ecstatic to see this recognition for the Bearcat student-athletes roll in.

"It is such an honor and a privilege to be on this prestigious list with so many other successful institutions throughout the nation. I am so proud of all of our student-athletes, coaching staff, and admin staff for their continued commitment to excellence. This university has always supported our Athletics department, which allows our programs to succeed on and off the field. Glad to see those efforts show up in these standings. I look forward to taking this winning mentality into the spring championship season," Francis said. 

The NACDA will release another round of standings after spring sports conclude, with the new list expected on Tuesday, June 9^th.  

Full Top 25:

1. Grand Valley State | 790.5 points
2. Colorado School of Mines | 550.0 points
3. Wingate | 538.5 points
4. Colorado Mesa | 529.5 points
5. UIndy | 488.5 points
6. Minnesota State | 448.8 points
7. Adams State | 410.5 points
8. Pittsburg State | 388.0 points
9. West Texas A&M | 368.3 points
10. Gannon | 366.0 points
11. McKENDREE | 359.5 POINTS
12. Catawba | 347.0 points
13. Colorado-Colorado Springs | 339.5 points
14. Lenoir-Rhyne | 336.0 points
15. Washburn | 330.0 points
16. Northern Michigan | 326.5 points
17. Tampa | 322.0 points
18. Nova Southeastern | 321.0 points
19. Nebraska-Kearney | 319.5 points
20. Central Missouri | 311.5 points
21. West Florida | 308.0 points
22. Findlay | 306.5 points
23. Cal Poly-Pomona | 303.5 points
24. St. Cloud State | 302.5 points
25. East Stroudsburg | 297.5 points