Oct. 3, 2014

MAC Release | Schedule | Follow @MoStateSwim

CLEVELAND - The Missouri State men's swimming and diving team has been selected to finish first in the Mid-American Conference preseason coaches' poll, announced Friday, Oct. 3.

Following the Bears' 19th conference championship in 2013-14 - and first as a member of the MAC - MSU was chosen among the conference's head coaches for this year's title, ahead of the likes of Eastern Michigan, Buffalo, Miami, Southern Illinois, Ball State and Evansville.

"It is a nice honor for our men's program to be recognized by the other coaches of the MAC," head coach Dave Collins said. "That being said, the preseason poll is more of a compliment to the achievements of last year's team. We are at the beginning of a new season with new student-athletes, new challenges and new goals. We are look forward to an exciting year!"

The Bears earned 833 points at last year's MAC championships, with runner-up Eastern Michigan finishing 151 points behind MSU. Numerous pool records were broken by the Bears swimmers, with several individual performances that stood out.

Uvis Kalnins was named MAC Outstanding Swimmer of the Year and Garrett Nevels was named MAC Outstanding Diver of the Year for last season's effort.

The Bears begin their 2014-15 season at 3 p.m. today at the Mizzou Aquatics Center in Columbia, Mo. Their first home event at Hammons Student Center is a Thursday, Oct. 16, dual against Drury University.

Men's Preseason Poll
1. Missouri State

2. Eastern Michigan
3. Buffalo
4. Miami
5. SIU
6. Ball State
7. Evansville

#MSUBears