The Missouri Western State University Griffons were ranked No. 16 in the Beyond Sports College Network Preseason Division II Poll which was released on Tuesday. Missouri Western opens the season on Thursday, Aug. 30 against the University of Central Missouri at 6 p.m. in Spratt Stadium. The Griffons were ranked No. 18 in the AFCA Preseason Poll which was released Monday.

The Griffons finished the 2011 season tying a school-record nine wins going 9-3 hosting their first ever NCAA Playoff game on November 19th against rival Northwest Missouri State University . The Griffons finished the regular season tying a school record with seven straight victories.

Defending national champion Pittsburg State was picked 1st while Northwest Missouri was picked No. 3. The Washburn Ichabods were picked 18th while Griffons week one opponent Central Missouri finished 23rd in the rankings.

— MWSU Sports Information —