MARION, Ind. -- On the strength of 10 programs earning trips to NAIA National Championships the Indiana Wesleyan University athletic department earned its highest ever ranking in the 2009-10 Learfield Sports Directors' Cup with a 20th place finish in the NAIA.

During numerous seasons Indiana Wesleyan has finished in the twenties but never as high as 20th place out of nearly 300 institutions in the NAIA. A total of 196 schools placed in the rankings. Indiana Wesleyan was the highest ranking team from the Mid-Central College Conference and out of the state of Indiana.

The 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 at the NAIA National Championships in up to 12 sports - six women's and six men's.

Indiana Wesleyan ended the season with 445 points with both basketball teams capturing the most points.

Women's basketball brought in 83 points following their trip to the national championship semifinals. The men's basketball team advanced to the national championship quarterfinals for 70 points.

Women's soccer (ninth place) scored 53 points, golf (14th) tallied 46.5 points, men's outdoor track and field (31st) took 42 points and women's cross country (18th) earned 38 points. Men's indoor track and field (38th) totaled 33.5 points, women's outdoor track and field recorded 29 points while men's tennis (17th) and women's tennis (17th) each received 25 points.

CLICK HERE for full Leerfield Sports Directors' Cup standings