Cleveland, Ohio – After capturing its first Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship since 2014, Missouri State earned the top spot in the MAC men's swimming and diving preseason poll, as announced by the league Friday.

The Bears tallied four first-place votes from coaches around the league for a score of 24 points. Miami (Ohio) received one first-place selection and finished three points shy of the Bears with 21 points. Southern Illinois rounded out the top three with 15 points, followed by Ball State and Evansville with nine and six points, respectively.

Missouri State brought home its 20^th conference title after garnering 857.5 points at the MAC Championships last season. The Bears will return six all-MAC first team members from last year's squad including Artur Osvath, who was named co-outstanding swimmer in 2018. Osvath won the 100 fly and 200 IM, while taking the runner-up position in 200 breast.

"We are focused in on what we need to do well each day and the areas we need to improve to have even more success this season," said head coach Dave Collins. "I am excited with the leadership roles many of our upperclassman have taken as we continue to elevate our swimming and diving program."

Missouri State will continue its 2018-19 campaign Friday, Oct. 12 through Saturday, Oct. 13 as the men will face South Dakota in a duel beginning at 5 p.m.

For the latest information on the Missouri State swimming and diving team, visit missouristatebears.com or follow @MoStateSwim on Twitter.
 
Preseason Poll Results
1. Missouri State (4) - 24
2. Miami (1) - 21
3. Southern Illinois - 15
4. Ball State – 9 
5. Evansville - 6