WPU Chosen to Again Defend Crown
William Penn University Athletics
by Wade Steinlage
Oskaloosa–The three-time defending Statesmen men’s basketball team is at the top of the league mountain as the Heart of America Athletic Conference Coaches’ Poll was released Thursday.
The Heart’s 13 coaches put WPU (23-9 last year, 15-4 Heart) at #1 with 144 points and 12 first-place votes.
Central Methodist claimed the final first-place nod en route to 123 points and the runner-up position. MidAmerica Nazarene was a bit further down the line in third with 109 points, while Peru State was fourth with 105 points.
Grand View held the fifth spot with 93 points, while Graceland took sixth with 90 points. The rest of the rating included Missouri Valley (71), Mount Mercy (67), Benedictine (66), Culver-Stockton (50), Baker (45), Clarke (32), and Evangel (19).
William Penn begins the campaign Saturday by hosting Association Free Lutheran Bible School at 3 p.m.
2018-2019 Heart Men’s Basketball Coaches’ Poll
(Number in parentheses is first-place votes)
1. William Penn–144 (12)
2. Central Methodist–123 (1)
3. MidAmerica Nazarene–109
4. Peru State–105
5. Grand View–93
6. Graceland–90
7. Missouri Valley–71
8. Mount Mercy–67
9. Benedictine–66
10. Culver-Stockton–50
11. Baker–45
12. Clarke–32
13. Evangel–19
