CLEVELAND, Ohio – In the final fall standings released last week for the LEARFIELD Director's Cup, University of Portland Athletics ranked 47
th out of 205 teams. That ranking is second among WCC teams and among schools without Division I football as well as eighth among both WCC and Pac-12 schools combined.
The LEARFIELD Director's Cup is an annual award given to the university or college with the most success in collegiate athletics. The award is a joint effort between the National Association of Collegiate Athletic Directors (NACDA) and USA Today. Points are awarded to teams based on their finish in the NCAA Championships.
The Pilots' fall was highlighted by strong showings from the men's cross country team and men's soccer, who each competed in postseason competition for their respective sports. Women's cross country also earned points for Portland despite not qualifying for the NCAA Championships. Women's took fifth as a team at the NCAA West Regional and had two runners -- Anna Pataki and Laura Pellicoro -- earn All-West Region honors.
Men's cross country took 16
th at the NCAA Cross Country Championships. They made their 22
nd showing at the championships since head coach Rob Conner took the helm. It was the 18
th time one of his teams has finished in the top 20. The Pilots entered the race ranked 22
nd in the nation. The Pilots also took third at the NCAA West Regional and had four Pilots -- Zak Kirk, Jonas Gertsen, Stan Niesten and Jacob Klemz -- earn All-West Region honors with Top-25 individual finishes.
Meanwhile, men's soccer made the NCAA Tournament for the 17
th time in program history, advancing to the second round after earning a 3-2 victory over the Seattle U Redhawks at home in the opening round. It was the third time since 2009 that they've advanced to the second round. The Pilots finished the season ranked 25
th in TopDrawerSoccer's final rankings.
For the full LEARFIELD Director's Cup fall standings, click on the link below.
LEARFIELD Director's Cup Fall Standings
