The 2021-22 season for the Stevens Athletics Department was truly one for the books. With an outstanding 13 teams winning Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Freedom Titles, 13 teams advancing to the NCAA Tournament, and a strong 309-135-7 record across all team sports, this past season proved to be extremely rewarding for the Stevens Ducks. All this success brought even more recognition — a 10th place finish of 326 Division III institutions ranked in the final Learfield Directors’ Cup.
The Learfield Directors’ Cup is a joint program between the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics and USA Today. The final DIII standings consider 18 sports, and four must be men’s and women’s soccer and men’s and women’s basketball. The following 14 highest sports from each institution are scored without regard to gender. Points are awarded based on the team’s finish and success while in-season, such as conference championships and participation in the NCAA Tournament.
The fall season provided the Ducks with a strong footing — a 35th place ranking in the final fall standings. Four fall sports teams made it to the NCAA Tournament. Men’s soccer, field hockey, and women’s volleyball won their respective MAC Freedom titles and women’s soccer secured an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament from the NCAA selection committee as a result of their impressive season.
During the winter season, the Ducks rose to 29th in the final standings. Men’s basketball, men’s swimming, and wrestling each won a MAC Freedom title. The women’s indoor track & field team made many strides with various team and individual awards. The wrestling team had a tremendously successful season with a huge contribution to the standings. Graduate student Brett Kaliner won a national championship — the first in Steven’s history — and three All-American wrestlers were honored. The wrestling team secured an amazing fifth-place finish in the nation.
The Ducks grew even more in the spring season and totaled 439 points, which was third in Division III standings. Each of the seven spring sports reached the NCAA Tournament, with men’s volleyball even making it to the NCAA semifinals. Men’s and women’s tennis and men’s and women’s lacrosse each won an NCAA match. Golf and softball also each won MAC Freedom titles. Baseball received an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.
This successful athletic year not only comes from the athletes’ hard work and determination but also from support from everyone on campus. Stevens Director of Athletics Russell Rogers says, “Our student-athletes, coaches, and staff played a tremendous role in making this happen, but the student body and our faculty and staff partners across campus, along with alumni and friends of Stevens, can feel great about being part of an institution that has proven you can excel in both academics and athletics at a very high level!” In addition, Rogers has hopes for the upcoming season: “When you consider all of this, it magnifies how much this type of honor means and I think we are all motivated to continue the momentum into 22-23 and beyond!”
Be First to Comment