SALINA, Kan. – The Southwestern College football team has been picked to finish seventh in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference by members of the media at the annual KCAC Football Media Day in Salina, Kan. The Moundbuilders were picked to finish ninth in the pre-season coaches poll.

"We'll bring in about 45 new players, and we return about 55," Southwestern head coach Ken Crandall said. "Some of the best defensive players we've ever had are coming back. A lot of them have seen a lot of playing time. They may not necessarily be big names, but it's a lot of experience."

Southwestern's special teams will be anchored by Lorenzo Fouts, who returns after establishing himself as the leading returner in the KCAC in 2011.

"We're excited about having Lorenzo back for another season," Crandall said. "We're really excited about where we're going to climb this year."

Ottawa, which won the 2011 KCAC title, was tabbed as the pre-season favorite by both the coaches and the media in attendance.
Southwestern opens its 2012 campaign on Aug. 30 with a trip to Orange City, Iowa to face the Northwestern College Red Raiders. Kick-off is slated for 6 p.m. at De Valois Stadium.

KCAC Pre-Season Football Coaches Poll
1. Ottawa: 90 (9 First Place)
2. Bethany: 75
3. Friends: 71 (1 First Place)
T-4. Kansas Wesleyan: 60
T-4. Saint Mary: 60
6. Sterling: 48
T-7. Tabor: 40
T-7. McPherson: 40
9. Southwestern: 38
10. Bethel: 18

KCAC Pre-Season Football Media Poll
1. Ottawa: 158 (15 First Place)
2. Friends: 130 (1 First Place)
3. Bethany: 119
4. Saint Mary: 114
5. Kansas Wesleyan: 98
6. Tabor: 72
7. Southwestern: 70
8. Sterling: 54
9. McPherson: 46
10. Bethel: 19

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