Findlay, Ohio - With the fall season officially complete, the initial Learfield Directors' Cup standings have been released and the University of Findlay athletic department is ranked 19th in the country with 174.0 points. It marks the highest fall ranking in department history, surpassing the previous best of 26th which happened in the fall of 2003. Points are awarded based on each institution's finish in Division II competition. Teams must make NCAA postseason play to be awarded points.

"Our ranking in the fall standings of the Learfield Directors' Cup is a testament to the commitment and excellence of our entire athletic program, but specifically our fall athletes, coaches, strength staff, and athletic trainers", said Director of Athletics Jim Givens.  "This was as successful of a fall as I can remember here at UF and marks a historic milestone for us, and we look forward to building on this success through the winter and spring seasons."

The first sports to accumulate points was the Oilers' men's cross country team which earned a national championship appearance, the first in program history. A 28th place finish in that event secured 46 points towards the Directors' Cup.

Men's soccer was next, winning a Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) Championship and earning an automatic qualifier into the NCAA Regional. The Oilers earned a Sweet 16 trip and secured 64 points.

Findlay's final NCAA appearance came from the volleyball team which also earned a G-MAC Championship and automatic bid to the regional. The team went on a short but magical run in the tournament, falling just short in the Sweet 16 against the #1 team in the country, also earning 64 points towards the department total.

The Oilers are the highest ranked team in the G-MAC with Ashland being second in the league at 41st in the country. Findlay ranks second among schools that make up the traditional Midwest Region (GLIAC, GLVC, G-MAC), trailing only Grand Valley State who leads in the standings.

Every year since 1995, the Learfield Sports Directors' Cup has been given awarded to the year's best athletic institution and with 300 schools vying for position, a top finish requires success across all competing teams.