William Penn 11th in Preseason Poll

William Penn University Athletics

by Wade Steinlage

Oskaloosa–The Statesmen baseball team will look to surprise the masses this spring after being picked near the bottom of the standings as the Heart of America Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches’ Poll was released Wednesday.

The Heart’s 13 coaches placed WPU (15-30 last year, 8-22 Heart) in 11th with 37 points.

Central Methodist, last year’s regular season champion, is first with 153 points and nine first-place votes, while Clarke, the 2018 Heart Tournament winner, is right behind the Eagles in second with 147 points and the final three first-place votes.

Grand View and Peru State are tied for third with 118 points apiece, while MidAmerica Nazarene rounds out the top five at 113. Mount Mercy (93), Evangel (77), Benedictine (70), Baker (61), and Culver-Stockton (61) are also ahead of WPU. Graceland (28) and Missouri Valley (16) round out the ranking.

William Penn will open the campaign on February 1-2, traveling to Moore, Okla. to face Randall in four non-conference games.

2019 Heart Baseball Coaches’ Poll
(Number in parentheses in first-place votes)
1. Central Methodist–153 (9)
2. Clarke–147 (3)
3. Grand View–118
3. Peru State–118
5. MidAmerica Nazarene–113
6. Mount Mercy–93
7. Evangel–77
8. Benedictine–70
9. Baker–61
9. Culver-Stockton–61
11. William Penn–37
12. Graceland–28
13. Missouri Valley—16