Cleveland, Ohio - The Missouri Southern Athletic Department caps off a historic 2022-23 year with a department record finish at 22nd in the final Learfield Directors' Cup as the National Association of College Directors of Athletics (NACDA) announced the final standings today. Previously, the highest MSSU finish was 32nd during the 2007-08 season. 

"This was a historic year for Missouri Southern Athletics, and this record finish in the Learfield Directors' Cup reflects that," said Director of Athletics Rob Mallory. "We have a tremendous group of student-athletes, coaches, and staff that all played a significant role in our success this year. Seeing them achieve at such a high level has been the most rewarding experience of my career to date. We will look to continue to build on the momentum created by such a successful year."

Schools earn points toward the standings based on NCAA postseason finishes. 

The Lions were led by their track and field teams which provided five of the nine NCAA postseason appearances. The men's track and field team had a program record 4th-place finish in the indoor season, a program record 5th-place finish during the outdoor season, and a 9th-place finish from the men's cross country team. On the women's side, the team placed 15th in the indoor season and 14th in the outdoor season. 

The women's basketball team had a Sweet 16 appearance, playing in the Central Region Championship. Not only did the MSSU baseball and softball teams make the NCAA Tournament, both teams hosted the Central Region Tournament. Only one other NCAA DII school had the same accomplishment this spring. The baseball team advanced to the Central Region Championship. Additionally, the men's golf team made an appearance in the Central/Midwest Super Regional. 

Southern was the third-highest finishing MIAA department, finishing behind Northwest Missouri State who was 13th and Pittsburg State (15th). Central Missouri (24th), Central Oklahoma (33rd), Nebraska Kearney (38th), Washburn (52nd), Fort Hays (87th), Lincoln (100th), Emporia State (118th), Missouri Western (160th), Rogers State (164th), and Northeastern State (192nd) also represented the MIAA for a total of 13 schools from the conference, and nearly half of the League appearing in the top 50.

The complete standings are listed above as part of the story links.