Feb. 4, 2011

Bethune-Cookman is best again in MEAC preseason poll

Defending champion Bethune-Cookman was the unanimous pick as the top team in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, in voting by the league’s head coaches and sports information directors and released by the conference office.

The Wildcats received all 14 first-place votes and 196 points. Bethune-Cookman won its fifth straight MEAC title in 2010 and did not lose a conference contest during the regular-season.

North Carolina A&T came in second with 134 points. The Aggies were 15-3 in league play a season ago and reached last year’s tournament championship game.

Norfolk State was third with 128 points, followed by Delaware State, Florida A&M, Maryland-Eastern Shore and Coppin State.

The 2011 season starts on Friday, Feb. 18. The MEAC Championship will be held May 19-21 at Jackie Robinson Stadium in Daytona Beach, Fla., the home of Bethune-Cookman.

MEAC Preseason Poll

Team, Points (First Place) (2010 MEAC, Overall Records)

1. Bethune-Cookman, 196 (14) (18-0, 35-22)

2. North Carolina A&T, 134 (15-3, 31-26)

3. Norfolk State, 128 (9-9, 21-29-1)

4. Delaware State, 100 (8-10, 13-36)

5. Florida A&M, 60 (3-15, 10-31-1)

6. Maryland-Eastern Shore, 46 (3-15, 8-43)

7. Coppin State, 36 (7-11, 14-33)