July 30, 2001

The Washburn Ichabods were picked sixth in the MIAA in the annual coaches poll announced at the Football Media day at the Arrowhead Club in Kansas City. The sixth-place pick is the highest the Ichabods have been in the preseason poll under eighth-year head coach Tony DeMeo.

The Ichabods are returning eight starters on offense and six on defense and 33 lettermen overall from 2000's 5-6 squad that finished the conference slate 3-6 dropping its last four games after winning five of its first seven.

The Ichabods open the 2001 season on the road at Wisconsin-LaCrosse on Sept. 1. The Ichaobds lead the series 2-0 after winning last season's opening game 26-6 in Moore Bowl. The Ichabods also topped LaCrosse 24-21 to open the 1999 campaign.

The home-opener for the Ichabods is on Sept. 8 against former MIAA member Lincoln University at 6 p.m. The Ichabods thumped the Blue Tigers 63-21 last season in Jefferson City, Mo.

2001 MIAA Coaches Preseason Poll
First place votes in parenthesis

Northwest Missouri (7)	78
Pittsburg State (3)	74
Missouri Western	66
Central Missouri	58
Truman	47
Washburn	40
Emporia State	35
Missouri Southern	26
Southwest Baptist	15
Missouri-Rolla	11