LEWISTON, Maine -- The Bates College athletic program was ranked 34th nationally among more than 350 Division III institutions in the most recent standings of the Sears Directors' Cup.

The award, administered by the National Association of College Athletic Directors (NACDA), honors the best all-around collegiate athletic programs in the nation. Points are awarded on the basis of each institution's placement at NCAA-administered national championships.

"Everyone is extremely proud of the accomplishments of Bates students, both athletic and academic," Director of Athletics Suzanne Coffey said. Top performers include junior Billy McEvila of Hartford, Conn., the indoor track and field national champion in the 35-pound weight throw and senior skier Melissa Leier of Hoyt Lakes, Minn., who was recently named a recipient of a prestigious Fulbright scholarship.

The Bobcats have earned 130 points with placements in the following six championships: eighth place in men's indoor track and field, ninth place in skiing, a tie for ninth place in women's basketball, 15th place in women's cross country, a tie for 24th place in women's soccer and a tie for 51st place in women's swimming and diving.

Six individuals on NCAA teams have earned All-America honors to date this academic year : sophomore Kate O'Malley of Deephaven, Minn., women's soccer; sophomore Matt Twiest of Albuquerque, N.M., cross country and the 1,500-meter run in indoor track and field; senior Justin Freeman of Andover, N.H., cross country running and nordic skiing; sophomore Lucas Adams of Nottingham, N.H., and McEvila in the 35-pound weight throw in indoor track and field; and senior Denby Johnson of Chanhassen, Minn., in the 200-yard freestyle in women's swimming and diving.

Bates is a member of the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), which placed five of its 11 member institutions in the Directors' Cup top 50 at the end of the winter season, third most from any one conference. The Bobcats placed fourth of 11 NESCAC schools and seventh among institutions from New England.

NEW ENGLAND SCHOOLS RANKED IN TOP 50
4. Middlebury (Vt.)		320 points
T8. Williams (Mass.)		240 points
T10. Amherst(Mass.)		220 points
T29. Springfield (Mass.)	140 points
T29. Brandeis (Mass.)		140 points
T29. Wheaton (Mass.)		140 points
34. BATES (Maine)		130 points
49. Colby (Maine)		 90 points