CLEVELAND (Duhawks.com) - After receiving points in both men's and women's track and field at the 2016 NCAA Division III Championships, Loras College concluded the 2015–16 athletic season with its best finish in the Learfield Sports Directors' Cup standings. With a total of 337 points, the Duhawks finished the year ranked 54th and third out of the eight Iowa Conference schools.

The Learfield Sports Directors' Cup was developed as a joint effort between the National Association of College Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and USA Today. Points are awarded based on institution's finish in up to 18 sports, nine men's and nine women's.

"Congratulations to our student-athletes, coaches and support staff that is a part of the Loras Athletics family for a successful and fun-filled year," Director of Athletics Denise Udelhofen said. "Their hard work has paid off and shines through with our department's finish in the Learfield Cup standings."

Prior to the 2015–16 season, Loras' previous best finish came two seasons ago when the Duhawks ended the year in 64th place, highlighted by a run to the Final Four in men's soccer for the fourth time in school history. Other sports that contributed to the finish were men's cross country, women's soccer, women's basketball, wrestling and men's track and field.

"The time and dedication that our staff provides to our student-athletes and campus community is greatly appreciated," Vice President for Student Development Dr. Art Sunleaf said. "It is great to see the culmination of their efforts and our varsity athletic programs moving towards even greater success in the future."