William Penn Remains 8th in Preseason Poll

William Penn University Athletics

Oskaloosa–As the Statesmen gridiron squad opens camp this week, it is quickly reminded that the eyes of the NAIA nation will be watching its progress closely as the Association’s preseason top-25 poll was released Monday.

The Statesmen, who were 10-1 last fall and shared the Midwest League title at 6-1, continue to hold the #8 position with 225 points.

The rest of the top eight also remains the same since the spring with defending national champion Carroll at #1 with 314 points and all 14 first-place votes. Saint Xavier (Ill.) is second, while MidAmerica Nazarene (Kan.), St. Francis (Ind.), and Morningside round out the top five. Marian (Ind.) and Dickinson State (N.D.) are also ahead of the Statesmen in the rating.

A total of 13 of the 16 playoff teams from a year ago are in the top 25, while the MWL covets three top-25 spots with St. Francis (Ill.) at #24 and Grand View at #25 as well. St. Ambrose gives the league four teams in the overall poll, sitting at #31.

The Statesmen remain the second-highest team from the state of Iowa behind #5 Morningside. #14 Northwestern also represents the state.

William Penn opens its 2011 season on Saturday, August 27 by hosting Iowa Wesleyan in MWL action at 6 p.m.