UW-Whitewater sprints to best finish ever in Directors' Cup
June 07, 2012
Boosted by national championships and strong playoff performances, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater athletic program finished fifth in the 2011-2012 Directors' Cup standings.
The Warhawks' 815.5 points is the most in school and WIAC history. No public university scored higher than UW-Whitewater.
"It's an incredible accomplishment," said Paul Plinske, athletic director. "We aspire to be in the top 15 every year, and placing fifth exemplifies our university's commitment to intercollegiate athletics. Our coaches work hard to put UW-Whitewater on the national map. We continue to attract the best and the brightest student athletes who commit to their teams and academics. They are in a class all their own."
The Directors' Cup, awarded annually by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, honors athletic success in men's and women's college sports in the United States. UW-Whitewater competes in the Division III category, which includes about 450 schools.
The national champion football and men's basketball teams each added 100 points to the Warhawks' point total. Men's indoor track, wrestling, women's soccer, baseball, women's tennis and men's outdoor track also contributed significant points by placing in the top 12 or higher of NCAA competition. UW-Whitewater also scored points in women's volleyball, men's soccer, women's basketball, women's indoor and outdoor track and field and men's tennis.
Plinske noted that UW-Whitewater's three other national championship teams - women's gymnastics and men's and women's wheelchair basketball - did not count in the Directors' Cup standings.
Other WIAC schools finishing in the top 30 include UW-Eau Claire (15), UW-Oshkosh (17) and UW-La Crosse (28).
Last year, UW-Whitewater placed sixth, and has finished in the top 15 every year since the 2007-08 season.
Click here for the complete standings.
Watch videos of our Warhawks succeeding on and off the field by checking out our YouTube channel.