Football

Chadron State, Nebraska-Kearney Make Appearances
in AFCA Pre-Season Poll

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- August 21, 2007 -- The American Football Coaches Association released its 2007 Division II coaches pre-season poll today. Chadron State College received 484 points to place fifth in the top 25 poll. While the University of Nebraska at Kearney did not make the top 25, they did receive 12 points.

The 2006 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference champions, Chadron State ended their season last year in the NCAA quarterfinals with a loss to Northwest Missouri State, 28-21. The Eagles, who finished 12-1 overall last year and 8-0 in league games, return last year's Harlon Hill award winner Danny Woodhead (senior, running back). Seven more Eagles were named to the 2007 RMAC Pre-Season Football Team: Joe McLain (junior, quarterback), John Strand (senior, offensive line), Josh Knouse (sophomore, defensive tackle), Austin Bailey (junior, inside linebacker), Paul Schweger (senior, defensive back), Beau Wendling (senior, defensive back), and Micah Smith (junior, punt returner).

The Eagles open their season Aug. 25 at Washburn. Washburn is ranked 25th overall in the AFCA pre-season poll.

Nebraska-Kearney finished third in the league last year with a 5-3 conference record and a 6-4 overall mark. Cory Sleeth (senior, wide receiver), Jack Hiett (sophomore, offensive line), Nate Reicks (junior, defensive end), and Nick Oberle (senior, outside linebacker), were all featured on the 2007 RMAC Pre-Season Football Team. The Lopers open their season at home against 13th ranked Nebraska-Omaha on Sept. 1.

Grand Valley State, last year's NCAA Division II champion, leads the AFCA pre-season poll. They received 694 points after finishing last year undefeated at 15-0.

For the complete AFCA poll, go to www.afca.com/.

-- Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference --