Coaches Pick Augustana to Defend Football Title

NAPERVILLE, Ill. – The College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) football coaches, in the latest pre-season poll, picked Augustana to win its second straight title. The Vikings achieved a 7-0 record in CCIW play in 2005 (10-2 overall).

Augustana took the top spot in the poll with 46 points, earning four first place votes, while North Central (9-2, 6-1) placed second with 38 points, including two first place votes. Wheaton (7-3, 4-3) placed third with 36 points (one first place vote), while Millikin (5-5, 2-5) and Elmhurst (6-4, 3-4) each tied for fifth with 27 points, with Millikin earning one first place vote.

Rounding out the poll were Illinois Wesleyan (3-7, 2-5) in seventh place with 17 points, while North Park (3-7, 0-7) finished eighth with seven points.

Voting for the pre-season football poll is done by the head football coaches in the CCIW. Each coach votes for the seven other schools in the conference in order of predicted finish. Points are assigned in reverse order of voting (seven points for first, six for second, etc.). Coaches may not vote for their own team.

The CCIW football season begins September 2 with Augustana traveling to McMurray, while Carthage heads to Carroll. Elmhurst hosts Benedictine, while Illinois Wesleyan hosts Coe and Millikin travels to Illinois College .

2006 CCIW Football Pre-season Poll