Oct. 1, 2015

MAC Release | Schedule | Follow @MoStateSwim

CLEVELAND - The Missouri State men's swimming and diving team has been picked to finish second in the Mid-American Conference preseason coaches' poll, announced by the league Thursday, Oct. 1.

Behind a roster that returns 13 letterwinners and six all-conference performers with the addition of seven newcomers, the Bears received two first-place votes and were picked ahead of MAC members Buffalo, Southern Illinois, Miami, Ball State and Evansville.

Eastern Michigan received five first-place votes and was selected as the preseason favorite to win the MAC Championship.

"It is a nice honor for our men's program to be recognized by the other coaches of the MAC and get two first-place votes," head coach Dave Collins said. "That being said, the preseason poll is more of a compliment to last year's team performance. We are excited for the start of a new season with new student-athletes, new challenges and new goals."

The Bears earned 757.50 points at last year's MAC championships, while conference champion Eastern Michigan finished with 777.50. MSU won 10 of the 20 events at the MAC meet. Uvis Kalnins broke records in the 200 IM and 400 IM, Isaac Springer set the MAC 100 breaststroke record and the Bears shattered three of the five previous conference relay times at the conference championships.

The Bears begin their 2015-16 season at 3 p.m. Friday in the Show-Me Showdown at the Mizzou Aquatics Center in Columbia, Mo. The Bears make their Hammons Student Center debut at 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, versus Evansville followed by a home dual against Southern Illinois at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10.

Men's Preseason Poll
1. Eastern Michigan (5)
2. Missouri State (2)
3. Buffalo
4. SIU
5. Miami
6. Ball State
7. Evansville

#MSUBears