By: Jake Renie, Assistant Director of Athletics Communications
CLEVELAND – The National Association of College Directors of Athletics released its Learfield Cup standings for the 2021-22 academic year on Thursday. The standings measure total athletic program success through the academic year, and Centre ranked 48th out of the nearly 450 NCAA Division III institutions with a total of 379 points.
"Centre is a special place, and as an alumnus, it has been transformational in my life. The work that our coaches and student-athletes put in, day in and day out, and the way they passionately pursue excellence is inspiring – and that never gets old." praised Director of Athletics and Recreation Brad Fields, "To have come out of COVID, with exciting days still ahead of us, but to have set a record finishing in the top 50 of the most competitive division in the NCAA, makes me proud of our team – and of this College. These young people, and the dedicated coaches that mentor them, define resilience in our world today."
The Colonels' point total of 379 marks the highest the department has ever achieved, surpassing their 333.75 benchmark originally set in the 2010-11 academic year. In the Director of Athletics and Recreation Brad Fields' ninth season as the department's leader, the Gold and White took home six Southern Athletic Association (SAA) titles, two NCAA DIII Sweet 16 runs, two NCAA DIII national championship honors, 12 NCAA DIII All-Americans and a NCAA DIII Player of the Year award.
"I came here in 2020 because I also saw it as a place with unlimited potential." explained Centre's Deputy of Atheltics
Aly Lilley, "Our Learfield Directors Cup finish is a direct byproduct of the College's and AD Brad Fields' investment in the personal development of administrators like me, our coaches, and our student athletes, and coupled with a strong commitment to providing resources and facilities at the highest level for our Colonels, we are set up for many years of future wins both in and out of competitions. I am grateful and excited to be a part of it."
Centre's finished was not only a notable mark in their personal growth, but also for the SAA. The Gold and White were the top-ranked institution in the conference, Sewanee ending the year at 78th and Berry finishing 86th overall to round out the conference's appearances in the top 100.
