Mount Union is top pick in OAC football

Staff report

COLUMBUS

In the least surprising event of the college football preseason, Mount Union was the overwhelming choice to win the Ohio Athletic Conference championship at the league’s media day on Wednesday.

The Purple Raiders, the preseason No. 1 pick in the nation by USA Today, went 14-1 last season, winning the OAC championship and advancing to the Stagg Bowl for the fifth straight season.

Mount Union has won 18 consecutive OAC titles and 21 of the last 26.

“We appreciate the respect that coaches and the media in the OAC have for our program,” said Mount Union coach Larry Kehres.

“We also know that playing in this conference is a tremendous challenge week in and week out.”

Presidents’ Athletic Conference

LATROBE, Pa.

Thomas More was selected to repeat as champion in the Presidents’ Athletic Conference in a poll of coaches, sports information directors, and media.

The Saints of coach Jim Hilvert earned 22 of 30 first-place votes, followed by Washington & Jefferson, Waynesburg, Grove City, Westminster, Thiel, Bethany and Saint Vincent.

“It’s a credit to our past and present players to be picked number one. We will embrace it and use it for motivation,” said Hilvert.

Geneva is not eligible for the PAC championship until the school is granted active membership in Division III by the NCAA at the conclusion of their provisional membership period, tentatively scheduled for summer 2011.