The Siena Heights football team was rated third on the Mid-States Football Association Mideast League preseason coaches poll as announced by the league.

SHU rates behind only fellow defending MSFA Mideast champ Indiana Wesleyan and area rival Concrodia. IWU was an NAIA quarterfinalist a year ago.

SHU received 17 points on the poll while IWU had 24 points, with four first-place votes, and CUAA had 19, with two first-placers.

Last year, Siena Heights ended with a 6-4 record while going 4-3 in conference play for its third straight winning MSFA Mideast record. SHU returns four All-MSFA Mideast performers: defensive back Shamar Askin (First Team), offensive lineman Walter Baughman (Second Team), linebacker Clarke Hamilton (Second Team) and wide receiver Credell Prather (Honorable Mention).

Siena Heights is set to open its season at home on Aug. 29 when Taylor visits O'Laughlin Stadium for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

MSFA Mideast Preseason Poll
1. Indiana Wesleyan 24 (4 first-place votes)
2. Concordia 19 (2)
3. Siena Heights 17
4. Taylor 14
5. Lawrence Tech 11
6. Madonna 5