Heading into the spring, UAA's athletic program is poised to bag its best finish in the Learfield Sports Director's Cup, which ranks 315 Division II programs across the nation on a point system.
The Seawolves currently sit No. 5 in the nation after four winter sports all contributed points. The ski team's eighth-place finish at nationals, coupled with ninth- and 13th-place national finishes by the men's and women's indoor track and field teams, respectively, and the women's basketball team's NCAA appearance, boosted UAA to the best ranking in school history after the winter sports season.
UAA almost certainly will gain points from both its men's and women's outdoor track and field teams at the national meet.
With 397.5 points, UAA is the top-ranked school among the 36 in the Division II West Region. The Seawolves nationally trail only Grand Valley State of Michigan (718 points), West Texas A&M (451.5), Central Missouri (448) and Adams State of Colorado (425).
The highest the Seawolves had ever been at this point in the college sports season prior to this season was 10th in 2012, when they had accumulated 361 points through the completion of winter sports.
The best UAA has ever finished overall is 16th in 2012. The Seawolves finished 21st last season.
Anchorage Daily News