OU earns another Top-25 Learfield Director’s Cup finish

NORMAN — The University of Oklahoma earned another top-25 finish in the 2022-23 Division I Learfield Director’s Cup standings, placing 23rd nationally and second among Big 12 schools with 813.75 points, it was announced last Wednesday. The Sooners have finished in the top 25 of the Director’s Cup in 20 of the last 23 years.

Women’s gymnastics and softball led the way for OU, each earning 100 points for winning NCAA championships in April and June, respectively.

Women’s gymnastics finished the 2023 season 28-2 overall, claiming its second consecutive NCAA title and sixth in the last nine years. The Sooners, who were ranked No. 1 the entire season, posted a 198.3875 score in the NCAA finals, tied for their highest ever at the NCAA Championships. They registered a nation-leading 10 meet scores of at least 198, tied for the most in NCAA history.

Softball claimed its third straight national championship, finishing with a 61-1 record (its .984 winning percentage is the best in Division I history) and winning its seventh NCAA title. The Sooners won their last 53 games, good for the longest winning streak in NCAA annals, and have won five of the last seven national crowns.

Men’s gymnastics earned 80 points by advancing to its 23rd consecutive NCAA Championships Finals and finishing in fourth place. The Sooners registered the second-highest team score in the qualifying round.

Women’s track and field added 122.25 points for its combined efforts during the indoor (58.5 points for 16th place) and outdoor (63.75; 12th place) seasons. The men’s program added 95 total points during the indoor (44 points for 29th place) and outdoor (51 points; 22nd place) campaigns.

After earning a share of the Big 12 regular season title, women’s basketball won its first-round NCAA Tournament game to earn 50 points. The Sooners were victors in their opening NCAA contest against Portland, marking back-to-back seasons they won a game in the Big Dance.

Following its second straight Big 12 regular season title, women’s tennis hosted its second consecutive NCAA Regional and advanced to the round of 16 with victories over Hawaii and Washington to net 64 points.

The men’s golf team also notched its second straight Big 12 title and earned 57 points by qualifying for the NCAA Championships for the 12th consecutive season.

Men’s tennis added 50 points by advancing to the NCAA Athens Regional and beating first-round foe NC State.

Baseball made its second straight NCAA Regional, competing in Charlottesville, Va., to tally 37.5 points.

Wrestling added 33 points after sending eight Sooners to the NCAA Championships, tied for the 10th most individuals at nationals.

Football competed in the 2022 Cheez-It Bowl and earned 25 points.