William Penn Heads Coaches’ Poll
William Penn University Athletics
Oskaloosa–For the first time in four years, the Statesmen basketball team enters its season as the team to beat as the Midwest Collegiate Conference preseason coaches’ poll was released yesterday.
William Penn, who was 17-15 last year (12-6 MCC) and advanced to the NAIA Division II National Championships, has been chosen by the coaches as the preseason favorite with 45 points and four first-place votes. It is the first time since the 2008-2009 campaign that the navy and gold are at the top of the list.
The program returns almost its entire roster from a year ago, including all-MCC performers Blake Walker (Jr., Rose Garden, Ga., Physical Education) and Taylor Stoutner (Sr., Keota, Iowa, Physical Education).
Mount Mercy is expected to make a tight two-team race, gathering 44 points and the other three first-place votes.
Defending regular season and tournament champion St. Ambrose is third with 34 points, while Grand View (26), Viterbo (21), Clarke (17), and AIB (9) round out the poll.
William Penn opens its season next Friday by traveling to Sioux City to face Morningside in non-conference action at 7:30 p.m.
2012-2013 MCC Men’s Basketball Preseason Coaches’ Poll
School–Points (First Place Votes)
1. William Penn–45 (4)
2. Mount Mercy–44 (3)
3. St. Ambrose–34
4. Grand View–26
5. Viterbo–21
6. Clarke–17
7. AIB—9
