The Central Methodist Department of Athletics concluded the 2022-23 academic year ranked No. 16 in the final release of the NAIA Learfield Director’s Cup standings. 

It marks the highest finish for the Eagles in school history. Central totaled 608.25 points this year, including 139 in the fall, 285.50 in the winter, and 183.75 in the spring. The only Heart school ahead of CMU in the national standings is No. 11 Grand View (648.50 points). 

The Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup was developed as a joint effort between the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and USA Today. Points are awarded based on each institution’s finish in up to 13 sports, four of which must be men’s basketball, men’s soccer, women’s basketball, and women’s volleyball. The next nine sports for each institution, regardless of gender, are used in the scoring.

Softball led the way for Central during the spring with 73 points, followed by women’s track & field with (60.75 points).

Overall, Central tallied seven Heart of America Athletic Conference Championships, including sweeps of the regular season and tournament titles in men’s soccer, women’s soccer, women’s basketball, and softball. Baseball, women’s indoor track and field, and women’s outdoor track & field also brought home Heart Championships.