June 29, 2007

Cleveland, Ohio - The University of Northern Iowa athletics program ended the 2006-07 year ranked 86th nationally in the U.S. Sports Academy Standings.

UNI has now ranked in the top 90 of the rankings in six of the past eight seasons, and its 226 points accumulated this year is its second-highest total ever. Only in 2001-02, when UNI finished 67th nationally, have the Panthers garnered more points (264.5). Among schools that sponsor Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) football, UNI placed ninth. The Panthers were also second among Missouri Valley Conference and Gateway Football Conference schools.

"I am so proud of our great student-athletes and coaches, who continue to perform at an amazing level," Hartzell said. "What is being accomplished in UNI athletics is a testimony to passion, perseverance and an endless effort to strive for success. We will continue this effort in search of excellence, aspiring to be the very best FCS program of our kind in the nation."

The U.S. Sports Academy Directors' Cup was developed in 1993 as a joint effort between the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and USA Today. It honors institutions that maintain a broad-based athletics program, achieving success in many sports, both men's and women's.

A total of six UNI athletic teams advanced to postseason play this past year, earning points in the U.S. Sports Academy standings. Last fall, UNI's volleyball team advanced to the second round of the NCAA tournament. During the winter, the Panther men's track and field team finished a program-best ninth at the NCAA Indoor Championships, while the women's track team finished 41st. The wrestling team, which won its 22nd straight NCAA West Regional title, placed 34th at the NCAAs. In the spring, UNI's men's outdoor track and field team finished 40th at the NCAA Championships, while the women's track and field team placed 67th.

The United States Sports Academy, based in Daphne, Ala., is the program sponsor. Points are awarded based on each institution's postseason finish in up to 20 sports - 10 women's and 10 men's.