BARTLESVILLE, Okla. (10-26-09) – The Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference released the 2009-10 preseason coaches’ basketball polls, with the Oklahoma Wesleyan men taking the top spot, while a young OKWU women’s team comes in 5th.
On the men’s side, it was no surprise the Eagles would begin the season in the top spot, as they enter the upcoming season as defending National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Div. II National Champions. It was also no surprise to see the Eagles rival and championship opponent, College of the Ozarks (Mo.), sitting No. 2 in the preseason poll. Oklahoma Wesleyan finished the 2008-09 season with a 35-2 (11-1 MCAC) record, while the Bobcats of Ozarks were 25-11 (8-4 MCAC)
The other two MCAC tournament qualifiers are Bellevue (Neb.) and Haskell Indian Nations (Kan.), who are No. 3 and 4 respectively in the coaches’ poll. Following the Indians are Central Christian College (Kan.) at 5, York College (Neb.) at 6 and Peru State College (Neb.) round out the poll. All seven teams finished last season in the same position they were voted on this preseason.
On the women’s side of the MCAC, the Ozarks women take the top spot, following their sixth consecutive regular season title last season. The Lady Bobcats were also 2008-09 NAIA Div. II National Semifinal qualifiers.
The Lady Eagles showed up fifth in the coaches’ poll, ahead of Central Christian College at 6, and York College in the final 7 spot.
Somewhat of a surprise team last season, Peru State College comes in just behind the Lady Bobcats, followed by Haskell Indian Nations and College of Saint Mary (Neb.).
Both the Eagles and Lady Eagles will begin the 2009-10 season with a home matchup against Friends University (Kan.) on Nov. 3. The Friends men were picked 4th (Media) and 2nd (Coaches) in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference, while the women were picked 5th (Media) and 3rd (Coaches). Lady Eagles will tipoff at 5:30 p.m. in the Mueller Sports Center, followed by the men at 7:30.
The OKWU teams open up conference play on Jan. 15 in Peru, Neb.