Ichabods tabbed 6th in MIAA Coaches Poll

For immediate release - July 29, 2003

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Washburn Ichabods were picked sixth in the annual preseason coaches poll released today at the MIAA Media Day held at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. The Ichabods open the 2003 season on the road in Guthrie, Okla. against Langston University on Sept. 6.

Northwest Missouri State, which in 2002 won the MIAA title for the sixth time in seven seasons, is the coaches choice to win the conference crown. The Bearcats advanced to the NCAA Division II national quarterfinals last season.

The Bearcats picked up six of a possible nine first-place votes (coaches are not allowed to vote for their own teams), and collected 76 of a possible 81 points in the poll.

Pittsburg State, the 2001 conference champ, was just two points behind Northwest with four first-place votes and 74 points. Central Missouri State was third in the poll with 67 points after making its first national playoff appearance in 2002.

Defending Mineral Water Bowl champion Emporia State is fourth with 59 points, followed by Missouri Western in fifth with 57 points. Truman and Washburn tied for sixth with 36 points each, while Missouri Southern was eighth with 23 points - one point better than Southwest Baptist at No. 9. Missouri-Rolla, with nine points, rounds out the ranking.

2003 MIAA Football Preseason Coaches Poll

             1. Northwest Missouri State (6).. 76
             2. Pittsburg State (4)........... 74
             3. Central Missouri State........ 67
             4. Emporia State................. 59
             5. Missouri Western.............. 57
             6. Truman........................ 36
                Washburn.................. 36
             8. Missouri Southern............. 23
             9. Southwest Baptist............. 22
             10. Missouri-Rolla................ 9