To say that expectations are high this fall is an understatement for the Baker University football and men’s soccer teams. Both programs were selected a preseason ranking of No. 12 in the NAIA Coaches’ Poll.
Not only were the Wildcats of the men’s soccer team selected 12th in the nation, but they were also picked to finish first in the HAAC, just in front of rival MidAmerica Nazarene University. The Pioneers join BU as the only other conference school in the Top 25, at No. 19.
Head coach Nate Houser said the preseason title reflects the hard work his team has demonstrated and the success it’s had.
“It’s not only about us, but we’re carrying the torch for our conference,” Houser said. “So at least, the way I look at it, we have to perform and let everyone know that indeed they’re playing against one of the top conferences in the country.”
The last time the ‘Cats had reigned preseason recognition was in 2005, at No. 15, under former coach Alan Koch.
For the BU football squad, “finally” hasn’t came so fast. Head coach Mike Grossner said before last season’s playoff appearance, the ‘Cats hadn’t appeared in a conference championship or playoff game since 1993. Grossner said the ranking is an honor and is well deserved.
“Hopefully we’re not staring at the No. 12 or worrying about it either way,” Grossner said. “We know we have 10 shots at it and every one counts the same. We’ve been preparing hard to play a real tough opponent right off the bat in Missouri Valley (College).”
The ‘Cats will travel a tough path to its hopeful postseason appearance as three other HAAC teams appear in the NAIA Top 25 Coaches’ Poll. These include: Lindenwood University (No. 3), MidAmerica Nazarene (No. 8) and Missouri Valley (No. 16).
Senior Brad Fawcett said he senses the team does not feel as much pressure as anticipated.
“I would say yes if we hadn’t gone through three years of building our team,” Fawcett said. “If we came in our freshman year and we were really good and expectations are high, we probably would. But we’ve had three years to work with each other so really, no, there’s not.”
After three years of waiting, “finally” is finally here for Fawcett.
“Finally Baker University gets some recognition. Finally Baker University is back on track to where it used to be,” he said. “It took us three years, so we’re finally there, and it’s good.”
<br/>&#160;