Press Release

Feb. 2, 2012

Bearcats tabbed seventh in MIAA

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Defending MIAA Champion Central Missouri was the unanimous No. 1 pick Thursday in the preseason baseball coaches’ poll as announced by the league office.  Northwest Missouri State was picked to finish seventh as voted by league coaches.

Central Missouri received nine of the 11 first-place votes, with Emporia State receiving the other two and was picked to finish second.  The Bearcats finished 20-30 last season and 19-25 in MIAA play, just one game shy of making the MIAA tournament. Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own team.

Northwest begins the 2012 season on Feb. 17 in Oklahoma as the Bearcats will face the University of Central Oklahoma, a future MIAA foe. The Bearcats will open with their first 16 games of the season on the road before making their home debut on March 16th when they host Central Missouri.

2012 MIAA Baseball Preseason Coaches’ Poll
1. Central Missouri (9) – 99 pts.
2. Emporia State (2) – 92 pts.
3. Missouri Western – 74 pts.
4. Fort Hays State – 73 pts.
5. Missouri Southern – 63 pts.
6. Washburn – 56 pts.
7. Northwest Missouri – 49 pts.
8. Pittsburg State – 37 pts.
9. Truman– 31 pts.
10. Lincoln – 19 pts.
11. Southwest Baptist – 12 pts.