Best finish ever for Warhawk Athletics
June 10, 2013
Warhawk athletics had an exhilarating year in 2012-13, from basketball buzzer-beaters to record-breaking swimming performances.
By one measure, it's also the most successful sports year in school history.
With 895 points, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater athletic program finished fourth in the 2012-13 Directors' Cup standings.
Awarded annually by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, the Directors' Cup 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.
"Placing fourth in the Directors' Cup standings is an outstanding accomplishment," said Paul Plinske, athletic director. "This historical mark is symbolic of total program success in national competition. I'm hopeful this success brings our alumni and fans great pride as we continue to proclaim that we are 'powered by tradition.' I couldn't be more proud."
The Warhawks' 895 points is the most in school and WIAC history. No public university scored higher.
The Warhawks scored points in 15 sports, led by the women's basketball team's national runner-up performance. Wrestling took third in its national meet; men's track and field took fourth in both the indoor and outdoor national competitions; and women's track and field placed seventh in the outdoor meet in May.
Other sports contributing to UW-Whitewater's point total were baseball, bowling, men's basketball, men's swimming, men's tennis, women's soccer, softball, women's swimming and diving, women's tennis and volleyball.
National championships in gymnastics and women's wheelchair basketball did not count toward the point total, as those sports are not NCAA-affiliated.
Other WIAC schools finishing in the top 25 include UW-Eau Claire (14), UW-La Crosse (16) and UW-Oshkosh (21).
Last year, UW-Whitewater placed fifth, and has finished in the top 15 every year since the 2007-08 season.
Watch videos of our Warhawks succeeding on and off the field by checking out our YouTube channel.