SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference announced today that Mercyhurst College has been selected to finish seventh in the annual PSAC Western Division Coaches' Poll.

Reigning divisional champion California (Pa.) is the preseason favorite with seven first-place votes, followed by Indiana (Pa.) and Clarion. Edinboro, with one first-place vote, ties with Gannon for a fourth-place finish while Slippery Rock and Lock Haven round out the West. 

In the East, coaches predict West Chester to take home the divisional title. Bloomsburg follows with one first-place vote while C.W Post, reigning league champion Shippensburg and East Stroudsburg round out the top five. C.W. Post and Shippensburg each collected three first-place votes from coaches. Kutztown, Millersville and Cheyney close out the selections in the Eastern Division. 

2010 PSAC Preseason Coaches' Poll
Western Division 
1. California (7)
2. IUP
3. Clarion
T4. Edinboro (1)
T4. Gannon
6. Slippery Rock
7. Mercyhurst
8. Lock Haven

Eastern Division 
1. West Chester
2. Bloomsburg (1)
3. C.W. Post (3)
4. Shippensburg (3)
5. East Stroudsburg (1)
6. Kutztown
7. Millersville
8. Cheyney

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Celebrating its 30th year of football, Mercyhurst College hopes to steady its course in 2010 after two very different seasons in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference since becoming a full-time member two years ago.

In its inaugural season in 2008, the Lakers posted a 7-4 overall record and went 5-2 in the Western division, finishing just one game away from the divisional title. In 2009, the team sputtered on the road, winning just once in six tries while closing out the season with four straight losses to end the campaign with a 4-7 overall mark, 3-4 in the PSAC West. It has been an up and down road both offensively and defensively for Mercyhurst in each of the last two years. 

In 2008, the Lakers had a breakout offensive season, posting their best totals in over a decade in several categories with the rushing offense ranking sixth among league teams (179.5 ypg) and the passing offense 10th (324.5 ypg). A year later, the Lakers ranked 13th in the PSAC in rushing (120.7 ypg) and 11th in passing (157.2 ypg). The Mercyhurst defense was a huge catalyst for the Lakers success in 2008, holding opponents to 18.0 points per game (4th – PSAC) while allowing just 130.3 yards per game rushing (5th - PSAC) and 153.6 yards per game passing (1st- PSAC). In 2009, the Lakers continued to dominate against the run, limiting teams to 118.5 yards per game (T3rd – PSAC). However, an undersized secondary remained a target, allowing 204.5 yards per game (13th – PSAC).

This season, the Lakers are hopeful that an experienced group of 12 returning starters, including seven on defense, will stabilize a burgeoning roster that boasts talent but features a surplus of youth as Mercyhurst looks to solidify its place as a regular contender in the PSAC. Leading the charge will be five returning All-PSAC West selections, with first-team honorees Fred Hale (defensive end) and Tim Herbener (linebacker) highlighting the group in addition to second-team members Bryan Boyce (linebacker), Ian Wild (defensive back) and Julius McCormick (defensive back).

Mercyhurst's mix of leadership, experience and youth will be tested early and often as the Lakers open the 2010 campaign with six of their first seven games on the road. After opening the season at first-year NCAA program Notre Dame College on Aug. 28, the Lakers open the league-mandated schedule with a crossover contest at Kutztown on Sept. 11 before taking another trip across the state to New York in a Sept. 18 battle at C.W. Post. Mercyhurst finally returns home for the divisional opener and Homecoming against Lock Haven on Sept. 25 after nearly 2,000 miles on the road. In October, the Lakers close out the away portion of their schedule with three straight to nearby Gannon, Indiana (Pa.) and Edinboro, respectively, before wrapping up the year with four consecutive home games against California, Slippery Rock, Clarion and Shippensburg.