SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) released a winter update to the 2023-24 Kruse Award standings in an announcement Thursday, and the Yellowjackets have maintained their spot in first place.
 
First awarded in the 1996-97 season, the trophy is named after Jerome Kruse, athletic director at Martin Luther and Northwestern. The trophy recognizes the top athletics department throughout the circuit each season.
 
After scoring 52 points in the fall semester, the Yellowjackets have increased their lead at 80.5 points.
 
UW-Superior holds a 15-point lead over Northwestern, sitting in second place with 65.5. Bethany Lutheran jumped into third with 51 points, who holds a 2.5-point lead over fourth place Martin Luther at 48.5. Crown sits right behind the Knights at 48 points.
 
The conference is rounded out with Minnesota Morris in sixth place with 45.5 points, North Central with 27.5 points and Northland with 23.5.
 
The Yellowjackets secured the Kruse All-Sport Trophy for the first time in 2021-22 and repeated in the 2022-23 season.