KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Defending National Champion Nebraska-Kearney will sit atop the MIAA preseason wrestling poll entering the 2013-14 season. Nebraska-Kearney will be looking to defend their MIAA Tournament Championship while regular season dual champion Central Oklahoma is picked to finish second just three points behind the Lopers.

Nebraska-Kearney had two national champions and seven total All-American while Central Oklahoma had one individual national champion and six total All-Americans. Nebraska-Kearney went 8-2 overall in duals in 2012-13 and finished 4-1 in league duals while the Bronchos where 11-0 in duals and went a perfect 5-0 in league meetings.

Fort Hays State, who finished fourth at last year at the MIAA Championships, is picked to finish third in this season’s preseason poll. The Tigers went 8-7 in duals last season and finished 2-3 overall in league play.

Lindenwood is picked to finish fourth in the league this season just one point behind the Tigers of Fort Hays State. They went 2-7 in duals last year and were 1-4 against MIAA squads.

Central Missouri is picked to finish fifth by the coaches after going 6-6 overall in duals and finishing 2-3 against league opponents. Truman, who had an All-American at the 2012-13 National Championships is picked to finish fourth. The Bulldogs were 6-6 overall in duals and went 1-4 in league play.

Newman, the league newcomer, is picked to finish seventh after going 3-9 last season in duals. The Jets went 1-1 in matches against teams that are currently in the MIAA in duals last season.

The majority of the MIAA teams will take to the mat on either Nov. 2-3 or Nov. 9-10 with most taking part in early season tournaments. The league matches are slated to fire up at the first of the new year.

2013-14 MIAA Preseason Coaches Poll
1. Nebraska-Kearney (5) 35
2. Central Oklahoma (2) 32
3. Fort Hays State 23
4. Lindenwood 22
5. Central Missouri 14
6. Truman State 11
7. Newman 10

— MIAA Media Relations —