SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) revealed its final 2023-24 Kruse Award standings in an announcement Thursday, and UWS claimed its third title in as many years.
 
First awarded in the 1996-97 season, the trophy is named after Jerome Kruse, longtime athletic director at Martin Luther and Northwestern. The trophy recognizes the top athletics department throughout the circuit each season.
 
UW-Superior collected 115.5 points during the 2023-24 season, collecting a conference-leading 12 championships in men's and women's cross country, men's and women's soccer, men's golf, women's basketball, men's and women's indoor track and field, men's and women's tennis, and men's and women's outdoor track and field.
 
Northwestern finished in second place with 91 points, earning championships in volleyball and women's golf. Taking third place with titles in men's basketball, baseball and softball was Bethany Lutheran with 78.5 points.
 
Martin Luther finished fourth with 70 points before Minnesota Morris grabbed fifth with 66 points, earning the top spot in football and softball. Crown ended the campaign in sixth with 65.5 points.
 
The Kruse Trophy standings are rounded out with North Central and Northland with 34.5 and 25 points, respectively.