The Pre-Season NAIA Coaches' Poll has been released with defending National Champions Oklahoma Christian beginning the 2011-12 season at No. 1.   The Eagles, who have placed in the top four of the NAIA National Championships for 10-straight seasons, collected 14 of 17 first-place votes and earned 465 total points.

The University of the Cumberlands (UC) golf team has earned and received the recognition they deserve after a successful 2011 season being ranked 7^thoverall with 364 points. 

This ranking comes after an impressive fall season for the Patriots who have won four tournaments out of the five that the team participated in.

"This being our highest ever preseason ranking, we're pleased, but we also know this team can approve a lot," said Coach Chris Kraftick.  "Having spent most of last spring in the #4 spot, this is a very motivated group and their off season effort has been tremendous to this point. We have a great schedule lined up this spring and we are looking forward to competing."

Now looking at the women's side of the competition, Oklahoma City received the number one ranking after earning a fourth place finish in last year's national championship. The Stars earned the number one ranking after receiving 374 points total.

The Patriot women's golf team earned a 12^thplace ranking in the preseason poll after they earned a total of 236 points. The Patriot women won three of the five tournaments they participated in this past fall. 

"This is a really good starting point for our women as this is the highest ranking in the program's documented history," said Kraftick.  "We had a great fall, but this team has a high ceiling. We look at Lee ranked number two and know we have already beaten them. This team has a chance to be special and there is a lot to be done, but these kids are willing to put in the work."

The polls were voted upon by a panel of head coaches representing each of the conferences, independents and unaffiliated groups. The first regular season rating will be announced on March 16, 2012.

Both the men and women's teams begin their spring season in March 5, 2012 when they compete in the Rome News Tribune Invite in Rome, GA.

For more information on the men's golf team and Patriot athletics visit www.cumberlandspatriots.com. 

Article Provided by Sagan King, University of the Cumberlands Multimedia and Athletic Services Graduate Assistant