The Big Ten was well represented in the final Division I Spring Sears Directors' Cup standings, with seven schools ranked among the top 32, a total that ties for the lead among all conferences with the Pac-10.

Three Big Ten teams were rated in the top ten, including No. 4 Michigan, No. 6 Ohio State and No. 10 Penn State. Michigan ended the year as the Big Ten's highest-ranked team for the fifth time in the eight-year history of the Sears Directors' Cup, as the Wolverines totaled 864.5 points to claim fourth place, the school's second-highest final rating ever.

Michigan led the Conference in 1999-2000 with a third-place ranking, equaling Penn State's No. 3 ranking in 1998-99 as the highest final rating in League history. The Wolverines were boosted in the final rankings by top 10 finishes in women's rowing (second) and softball (seventh).

Ohio State compiled 861 total points to claim the sixth spot, surpassing the school's previous best ranking when the Buckeyes tied for eighth place in 1996-97. OSU collected one of the Big Ten's two national championships this season, earning the title in men's gymnastics, and finished the spring season with two more top 10 finishes in women's rowing (fourth) and men's volleyball (T-third). Minnesota, who ended the year rated 23rd, posted the Conference's other national crown, winning the wrestling championship in

March. Penn State recorded its sixth top 10 finish in the Sears Directors' Cup by ranking tenth with 774.5 points, thanks to a pair of top 10 finishes in the spring in men's volleyball (T-third) and women's lacrosse (ninth).

The Sears Directors' Cup was developed as a joint effort between the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and USA Today. Points are awarded based on each institution's finish in up to 20 sports, 10 for men and 10 for women, and each national champion receives 100 points.

Purdue, which notched its highest finish ever by placing 31st, won Big Ten titles in the past year in football, women's basketball and women's indoor track and field. The Boilermakers' previous high finish was No. 36 in 1998-99.

Here's a look at where each Big Ten placed in the final standings:

4. Michigan 864.5

6. Ohio State 861

10. Penn State 774.5

19. Wisconsin 671.5

23. Minnesota 639.5

31. Purdue 484.5

32. Indiana 481.5

39. Michigan State 446.5

44. Iowa 397.5

45. Illinois 396

67. Northwestern 255.5