NACDA Cup: KSC Tops All N.E. Div.III Public Teams

KEENE, N.H. 6/21/05 - Keene State College finished 34th with 301 points in the final 2004-05 National Association of Collegiate Director of Athletics (NACDA) rankings released on Tuesday. With its ranking, Keene State finished as the top New England Division III public institution for the sixth time in the last eight years. It was also the second highest finish by KSC in the rankings since moving to Division III in the 1997-98 season. The Owls placed 25th overall with 343.25 points in the 2002-03 season.

“Once again, I have to credit our student athletes and our coaching staff for another great season,” said John Ratliff, KSC’s Director of Athletics and Recreation. “We feel our athletic program is one of the best in the country and the rankings prove that point. Our goal is to finish among the top programs on a consistent basis and I think we’re striving to do just that.”

Developed as a joint effort between USA TODAY and NACDA, the Sports Academy Directors’ Cup program is the only all-sports competition that recognizes the institution in each of the four categories (Div. I, II, III and NAIA) with the best overall athletics program. Keene State sent a program-best six teams (men’s and women’s soccer, field hockey, men’s cross country and lacrosse, and softball) to NCAA championship tournaments this past season. The Owl softball squad advanced to the New England Region finals, while the men’s lacrosse team made its first-ever appearance in the tournament. KSC also received points in indoor and outdoor track competition, where Dave Bridgewater placed third respectively in the 1,500-meter races.

Williams College captured its ninth NACDA Director’s Cup in the past 10 years with 1,068 points.