PELLA — Three NCAA top-10 team finishes have lifted Central College to No. 39 in the 2023-24 Learfield Sports Division III Directors’ Cup standings.
It’s Central’s highest finish since placing 37th in 2010-11. The show’s best showing was its 12th in 2000-01. The Dutch were ranked 66th in 2022-23 and have been in the top 100 for 13 consecutive years. There are more than 400 Division III schools and 322 have cracked the Learfield Director’s Cup standings.
The rankings are compiled by the National Association of Collegiate Athletic Directors. Points are awarded at each school’s national completion in up to 18 NCAA Division III sports.
The Dutch were a frequent presence on the national scene in 2023-24 and scored 393 points. Central finished eighth at the NCAA Division III championships in women’s outdoor track and field, ninth in women’s cross country and was credited with a tie for ninth place in softball after advancing to the super regional.
Points were also credited for placing 13th in women’s indoor track and field, 15th in men’s cross country, 38th in men’s indoor track and field and 48th in men’s wrestling.
Central’s individual NCAA finishes were highlighted by a Division III women’s track and field championship in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. Megan Johnson (senior, Parkersburg, Aplington-Parkersburg HS).
“We had some really special performances this year,” said vice president of athletics Eric Van Kley. “We are very proud of our student-athletes and coaches. I know how much hard work and commitment went into these performances and when you combine what they have achieved on a national level with everything they have achieved in the classroom, it is truly remarkable. “
Previously, Central received the American Rivers Conference Women’s Marjorie Giles All-Sports Trophy and placed third in the Elmer Hertel Men’s All-Sports Trophy standings.
Johns Hopkins University (Md.) won the Learfield Cup title for the second year in a row with 1,117.50 points, surpassing Williams College (Mass.), which scored 1,026.08. Emory University (Georgia) came in third place with 1,009.00.
Within the American Rivers, Wartburg College was 17th (707.50), Loras College was 24th (567.08), Coe College was 77th (251.50), the University of Dubuque was 86th (227.60), Nebraska Wesleyan University was 97th (208.25), Luther College was 101st (189.0) and Simpson College tied for 148th (125.0).
