Sioux City, Iowa – The Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) held their 17th annual football media day on Tuesday, August 2, at the Marina Inn in South Sioux City, Nebraska. The day featured comments from all nine of the league’s football coaches in preparation for the 2016 season.
One of the highlights of the day is the release of the preseason coaches’ poll. Morningside is the preseason pick to win the GPAC championship. The Mustangs totaled 81 points and nine (9) first place votes. Doane was picked second with 53 points and Concordia third with 50 points and one (1) first place vote. Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own team.
2016 GPAC Preseason Football Coaches’ Poll:
1. Morningside – 64 (8)
2. Doane – 53
3. Concordia – 50 (1)
4. Dakota Wesleyan – 42
5. Northwestern – 39
6. Hastings – 29
7. Midlan – 21
8. Briar Cliff – 15
9. Dordt – 11
For the fourth year a media poll was conducted among those present at the press conference. Morningside was tabbed in the media poll to win the GPAC with 81 points and all nine (9) first place votes, while Doane second with 68 points. Dakota Wesleyan was picked third by the GPAC media with 62 points.
2016 GPAC Preseason Football Media Poll:
1. Morningside – 81 (9)
2. Doane – 68
3. Dakota Wesleyan – 62
4. Northwestern – 54
5. Concordia – 45
6. Hastings – 40
7. Briar Cliff – 25
8. Midland – 18
9. Dordt – 12
Games for the 2016 season kick off on Friday, August 26, with Dakota Wesleyan hosting Dakota State at 7 PM. Also in action on opening weekend are Briar Cliff and Midland who host Waldorf and Olivet Nazarene respectively on August 27 in non-conference play. The GPAC schedule will consist of eight games in the conference. League games will being on September 17.
