The
National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics Directors' Cup is a program that honors institutions maintaining a broad-based program, achieving success in many sports, both men's and women's. Began in 1993-94 for Division I by NACDA and USA Today, it was expanded in 1995-96 to include Division II, III and the NAIA.
Each institution is awarded points in a pre-determined number of sports for men and women. The overall champion is the institution that records the highest number of points in their division's Sports Academy Directors' Cup standings. The winner receives a crystal trophy.
In the 2008-09 academic year, the Cardinals ranked 30th among all NCAA Division III institutions in the final Directors' Cup standings. North Central tallied points in men's cross country (90 points for placing second at the Division III National Championships), football team (53 points for advancing to the second round of the playoffs), women's track and field (73.5 points for placing sixth at the Indoor National Championships and 55.5 points for finishing 18th at the outdoor championships), men's track and field (72 points for placing seventh at the Indoor National Championships and 42 points for placing 29th at the outdoor championships), and wrestling (61.5 points for placing 14th at the National Championships).
Note: Points for track and field are awarded for the season in which the highest finish is gained.
North Central year-by-year standings
1995-96: 76th (147 points)
1996-97: 61st (172 points)
1997-98: 13th (290 points)
1998-99: 22nd (210 points)
1999-00: 37th (281 points)
2000-01: 39th (296 points)
2001-02: 30th (324 points)
2002-03: 94th (153.25 points)
2003-04: 51st (252.5 points)
2004-05: 37th (298.5 points)
2005-06: 38th (312.875 points)
2006-07: 31st (412.25 points)
2007-08: 45th (346.75 points)
2008-09: 30th (447.5 points)