The Master’s University’s ability to run gave it a leg up on its Golden State Athletic Conference counterparts Thursday when the initial standings for a prominent, multi-sport competition were released.

On the strength of its men’s and women’s cross country teams finishing in the top 20 of their respective NAIA National Championships, TMU was ranked in a tie for 12th in the initial Learfield Directors’ Cup NAIA Fall standings, the highest mark of any GSAC school.

Westmont was the next highest GSAC program, in 38th place.

“Our cross country programs continue to be a key component of our Athletic Department’s success,” said Master’s Athletic Director Steve Waldeck. “What has been established over the past decade under the leadership of Coach Zach Schroeder is truly a ‘tradition of quality athletics.’ We are looking forward to the next Fall Director’s Cup standings which will include the success that our women’s soccer team had by reaching the national tournament.”

The Learfield Directors’ Cup was developed as a joint effort between the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics and USA Today. Points are awarded based on each institution’s finish in championships across myriad sports.

For finishing 12th at cross country nationals, the TMU women, led by All-Americans Mikala Fairchild and Abigail Frankian, earned 64.5 points; while the men, 19th, earned 55 points behind the effort of All-American Skyler Mikesell.

The next NAIA fall standings will be released on Dec. 14.

See the full standings [here].