June 16, 2008

BRYANT UNIVERSITY PLACES 17^TH IN FINAL U.S. SPORTS ACADEMY DIRECTORS' CUP STANDINGS
Highest Finish Ever For Bulldogs

SMITHFIELD, RI - While many accomplishments rolled in during the 2007-08 sports season, Bryant University can now add a top-20 finish in the U.S. Sports Academy Directors' Cup to the list. After an incredible year, arguably the best-ever in school history, Bryant finished 17^th in the final standings with 482.00 total points.   

The U.S. Sports Academy Directors' Cup was developed as a joint effort between the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and USA Today. The United States Sports Academy, based in Daphne, Alabama, is the program's sponsor. Bryant's previous best finish in the standings was 24^th in 2003-04.  But following

Bryant sent 16 teams to various NCAA Division II Championships this past season, including six teams during the spring season reflected by the 268 total points garnered in the Directors' Cup standings. 

The Bulldogs earned points this spring with baseball, men's golf, men's lacrosse, softball, and men's & women's tennis all earning trips to respective NCAA Championships.  Grand Valley State captured the Directors' Cup once again with Abilene Christian finishing second.  Bryant was the top finishing school in the Northeast Region.   

2007-08 U.S. Sports Academy Directors' Cup - Final Standings
1. Grand Valley State
2. Abilene Christian
3. Minnesota State Mankato
4. UC San Diego
5. Tampa
6. Adams State
7. Nebraska Omaha
8. California PA
9. Ashland
10. North Dakota
11. Emporia State
12. West Chester
13. South Dakota
14. Southern Illinois
15. Indianapolis
16. Nebraska Kearney
17. Bryant University

 Others

29. CW Post
33. UMass Lowell
43. Franklin Pierce
46. Southern Connecticut
79. Bentley