Kansas City, Missouri — Five-time defending MIAA Champion Northwest Missouri has been selected as preseason No. 1 in both the MIAA coaches poll and media poll, it was announced Monday at MIAA Football Media Day at the Downtown Marriott in Kansas City.
The Bearcats received 78 points with seven of 10 first-place votes in the coaches poll, and 333 points with 23 first-place votes in the media poll to become the preseason pick to win the conference title.
Washburn was picked as preseason No. 2 in both polls, earning three first-place votes and 71 total points in the coaches poll while receiving seven first-place votes and totaling 305 points in the media poll.
Numbers three, four and five were also identical in both polls as Central Missouri, Missouri Western and Pittsburg State, respectfully, held down those spots.
The Mules had a total of 65 points in the coaches poll, while getting five first-place votes and 281 total points in the media poll to rank No. 3. The Griffons earned 58 points in the coaches poll and 252 points in the media poll to rank fourth, while the Gorillas received 51 points in the coaches poll and 219 points in the media poll to stand as preseason No. 5.
