Penn earned 67 points in the spring and grouped with 139 points during the winter, the institution concluded the year in 63rd place in the NAIA. A total of 196 NAIA institutions scored points in the standings, while 290 schools comprise the division.

The finish is the highest for the athletics department since placing a school-record 54th back in 2003-2004.

Thomas claimed runner-up honors at the outdoor track and field national championships in the triple jump to score 38 points for his squad's 35th-place finish, while Burnett race-walked her way to fifth place. Her finish gave Penn 29 points as the Lady Statesmen were 43rd overall in women's outdoor track and field.

Azusa Pacific (Calif.) claimed a record-setting sixth NAIA crown in a row with 820 points, holding off Simon Fraser (B.C.) by three points. The Cougar women scored 501 points in its top six programs, led by an outdoor track and field national championship. The men also brought home national gold in indoor track and field.

Fresno Pacific (Calif.) was third with 801.75 points, while Concordia (Calif.) was fourth with 724.5 points and Lindenwood (Mo.) was fifth with 715.5 points.

Penn ranked second among Midwest Collegiate Conference institutions, while Grand View headed the group in 24th place with 430 points.

Fellow MCC programs St. Ambrose (81st, 163 points), Mount Mercy (113th, 109 points), Iowa Wesleyan (T-142nd, 70 points), Waldorf (T-159th, 50 points), and Ashford (T-174th, 25 points) also scored 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 12 sports-six men's and women's.

For complete standings and the scoring structure, visit the NACDA website at www.nacda.com