CALIFORNIA (June 19) – California University of Pennsylvania finished ninth in the nation in the final standings of the 2008-09 Learfield Sports Directors' Cup, announced the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) on Friday. The Director's Cup annually honors institutions maintaining a broad-based program in both men's and women's sports.

The Vulcans finished ninth in the country with 583.25 points and were the only Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) institution to rank in the top 20 nationally.

“The standings show we were one of the better athletic programs in the country last year. Anytime the institution ranks in the Top 10, it's a tremendous accomplishment,” said Athletic Director Dr. Tom Pucci. “This is a direct reflection on the leadership of President Angelo Armenti, Jr. and the hard work done by our coaches and student-athletes.”

The Vulcans won four NCAA Regional championships during the 2008-09 season and have posted back-to-back top-10 performances in the Director's Cup standings. Last year, Cal U finished a school-best eighth in the national standings.

Cal U, who won its first PSAC Dixon Trophy in the 2008-09, compiled its highest point total in the spring (218.25) after receiving points from NCAA post-season appearances by men's and women's golf, softball, tennis, and men's track & field.

In addition to their performances in the field of competition, the Vulcans also excelled in the classroom as two student-athletes were selected ESPN The Magazine Academic All-Americans and seven others received academic all-district honors.

Grand Valley State (Mich.) won the Director's Cup for the sixth-straight season with 1,014.50 points, followed by Minnesota State Mankato (800.25) and Central Missouri (776.00).