UW-Oshkosh Finishes in 36th in Learfield Director's Cup
CLEVELAND, Ohio—A fifth place finish from the men's basketball program and men's indoor track and field programs and a top-20 finish from volleyball helped UW-Oshkosh rank 36th in the 2023 Learfield Director's Cup standings.
The competition, which began in 1996, is designed to recognize the best overall NCAA Division III athletics program in the country. Over 323 schools across NCAA Division III were recognized for their efforts throughout the year.
The Titans totaled 471.50 points during the 2022-23 academic year to record their sixth consecutive year in the top-40. The award was not presented in 2020 or 2021 due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The UW-Oshkosh women's gymnastics team's first-place finish at the 2023 National Collegiate Gymnastics Association Championship does not count toward the Learfield Directors' Cup scoring.
The UW-Oshkosh basketball programs made their fourth (women's) and seventh (men's) straight appearance in the NCAA postseason. The Titans' men's basketball squad finished fifth in the nation with 73 points while the women's basketball program finished 17th in the nation with 50 points.
The Titans placed 17th in softball with 50 points, 13th in men's outdoor track and field with 63 points, and 37th in women's outdoor track and field with 34.5 points. The Titans volleyball squad finished in 17th with 50 points. During the indoor track and field season, the Titan men finished in fifth with 75 points while the women finished in 34th with 38.5 points. The Titans claimed a 36th place finish from wrestling with 37.5 points.
UW-Oshkosh achieved Learfield Directors' Cup top-10 finishes in 1996 (third), 1997 (fifth), 2001 (seventh), 2002 (eighth), 2003 (eighth) and 1999 (10th). The Titans other placements were 11th in 1998; 12th in 2007 & 2011; 15th in 2004; 17th in 2009, 2012, 2014 & 2016; 21st in 2008 & 2013; 23rd in 2010; 28th in 2019; 29th in 2000; 31st in 2022; 33rd in 2006; 34th in 2017; 37th in 2018; 38th in 2005; and 44th in 2015.
The Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference was led by UW-Whitewater with an 11th place finish (793.25 points) and UW-La Crosse with a 13th place finish (782.50 points). UW-Eau Claire finished in 37th with 467.50 points to round out the top-4 finishing schools. Other WIAC schools placing the standings include: UW-Stevens Point at 74th with 238 points; UW-Stout at 114th with 149.50; UW-Platteville at 124th with 138.50; and UW-River Falls tied for at 168th with 102.
About the Learfield Director's Cup
Overall, up to 18 total sports may count towards the final Directors' Cup standings, four of which must be men's basketball and soccer, and women's basketball and soccer, leaving the next 14 highest points scored to also be counted. Points are awarded based on each institution's finish in NCAA Championships.
The Learfield Directors' Cup was developed as a joint effort between the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics and USA Today.