FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mark Albanese, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324

Complete USTFCCCA Top 25 Rankings

May 23, 2011-- The United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association released its final installment of the National Team Computer Rankings for the 2011 outdoor track & field season on Monday, with the North Central College men's squad earning a No. 3 ranking.

The computer rankings are new for the 2011 season. Mathematical formulae based on current national descending-order lists in all events are used to compile a team's ranking. The purpose of the rankings is to create an index that showcases the teams that have the best potential of achieving the top spots at the NCAA Division III National Championships.

The Cardinals amassed 172.52 in the week eight rankings and were one of two College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin teams to appear in the Top 25. Rival Augustana College is eighth with 91.11 points.

The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh surges up to the top spot, dethroning McMurry University (Texas), who previously held the No. 1 spot for seven consecutive weeks. The Titans compiled 173.88 points while McMurry is a close No. 2 with 173.46. The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is fourth (168.22) with the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (99.94) rounding out the top five.

Six points is all that separates the top four teams while less than two points separates the nation's top three squads.

North Central, the defending indoor and outdoor national champions, heads to this weekend's NCAA Division III Outdoor National Championships hosted by Ohio Wesleyan University with 13 delegates spread across seven events. The Championships get underway on Thursday in Delaware, Ohio and conclude on Saturday.