Conference

2012 NCBWA PRESEASON POLLS (PDF)  //  2012 NCBWA PRESEASON TEAMS (PDF)

EMPORIA, Kan. – In addition to their other preseason national recognition, Harding University and Southern Arkansas University has received votes in the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Preseason Top 25 Poll. Both teams, in additon to three others in the Great American Conference, also earned recognition in the preseason regional poll from the NCBWA.

Southern Arkansas, the preseason Great American Conference coaches poll favorite, led the league in the national race with 21 poll points, the highest among un-ranked squads. Harding follows close behind with 20 points. However, the Bisons edged the Muleriders in the South Central regional poll, earning 39 poll points to earn the No. 5 spot. SAU earned 38 poll points to start the season ranked sixth in the region.

The Muleriders were also ranked No. 12 in the College Baseball Lineup Preseason Top 30, as well as No. 22 in the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper preseason poll. The Bisons will start the year ranked No. 28 in the CBN poll.

Southeastern Oklahoma State came in eighth in the preseason regional poll, while Southwestern Oklahoma State and Arkansas Tech also received votes to finalize the GAC representation.

In addition to the preseason rankings, the GAC was also represented with eight players selected to either the NCBWA preseason All-America or all-region squads.

Southeastern Oklahoma State senior catcher Brad Shankle highlights the GAC honorees with a spot on the preseason All-America second team. Arkansas Tech junior outfielder Madison Beaird and Southeastern senior outfielder Blake Gentry (pictured) earned honorable mentions for the All-America squads.

Shankle, Beaird and Gentry were joined by Southern Arkansas senior startingpitcher Ziggie Vanderwall on the All-South Central first team.

Four others were selected to the all-region second team – Harding junior third baseman Billy Ninemire, Harding senior second baseman Chase Presley, Southern Arkansas senior outfielder Gavin McCauley and Arkansas Tech senior utility player Nate Wilder.