For the third time in four years, Saint Leo University finished in the top 10 of the Division II Learfield Directors’ Cup. It earned fourth place out of 268 schools in the 2017-18 final standings that were released June 14 by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA).
The Lions totaled 695.25 points, scoring in seven of the spring championships, including a runner-up finish in men’s lacrosse and third place in softball.
Saint Leo tallied 428.75 points in the spring from men’s lacrosse (90), softball (83), men’s golf (72.75), women’s golf (51), men’s tennis (50), women’s tennis (50) and women’s track (32).
The Lions added their spring points to their 119.50 winter points and 147.00 fall points.
This marked the 17th Directors’ Cup standings (Sears, NACDA, US Sports Academy or Learfield) in which the Lions have ranked. It was the second-highest finish in school history.
“We have an incredible staff and student-athletes who strive for excellence,” Saint Leo athletic director Francis X. Reidy said, in a release. “Our five-year run of great finishes is a remarkable feat when you consider where Saint Leo was just a short time ago. We are proud of our two top-five finishes over the last three years, as we strive to be one of the best all-around programs in Division II.”
Saint Leo’s Directors’ Cup mark also is tops in the Sunshine State Conference, ahead of fifth-place finisher Florida Southern (673.35 points).
California Baptist University, in Riverside California, won the Directors’ Cup title, with 905 points.
The Learfield Directors’ Cup was developed as a joint effort between the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and USA Today. Points are awarded based on each institution’s finish in NCAA Championships.
Division II Learfield Directors’ Cup final standings
Top 5
California Baptist — 905 points
Grand Valley (Michigan) State — 834.75
West Texas A&M — 772.50
Saint Leo — 695.25
Florida Southern — 673.25
