PROVO -- The BYU athletics department earned the highest ranking among Mountain West Conference and non-BCS schools in the latest 2004-05 Sports Academy Director's Division I Standings. The Cougars, now ranked No. 24, moved up four spots from their No. 28 ranking in January.
The men's and women's track teams earned points for BYU due to impressive showings at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships. The women's team placed sixth while the men were 15th.
Schools earn points based on the institution's finish in up to 20 sports -- 10 men's and 10 women's. The Cougars earned points in the fall thanks to strong showings by the men's and women's cross country teams. The men finished fifth in the nation, their best showing since 1993 when they placed second. The women came in eighth at the championships.
BYU's 273.75 points were the most among MWC schools. New Mexico was next, tied with Oklahoma at No. 32 with 234.5 points. In-state rival Utah was the third conference team in the standings with 167.5 points, good enough for No. 52. These rankings are midseason and unofficial. Official standings will be released upon the completion of the spring season.