FORT WORTH, Texas – A&M-Commerce has been picked to finish seventh in the Lone Star Conference preseason poll, announced today at the 2013 Lone Star Conference Football Media Day in Fort Worth. The annual gathering was held at the Embassy Suites Downtown in Fort Worth, kicking off the 2013 LSC football season.
"It's where we expected to be, and gives us something to focus on," said head coach Colby Carthel. "We haven't proven anything yet, but then again, neither has the first place team. Championships are won on the field, not on paper, and it's an old cliché, but its not where you start but where you finish, and we're looking forward to the season."
2013 LSC Media Day Photo Gallery
The Lions received 34 points in the poll, voted on by the LSC's head coaches, sports information directors and media representatives. A&M-Commerce finished five points back of sixth-place Eastern New Mexico and 35 points behind fifth-place Angelo State.
West Texas A&M was the runaway favorite as the preseason number one, garnering 16 out of the possible 21 first place votes and 141 total points, finishing ahead of Midwestern State with three first-place votes and 124 total points. Tarleton State came in third with 99 points followed by Texas A&M-Kingsville at 82 points as both the Texans and Javelinas notched a first-place vote.
The preseason poll was released in conjunction with the conference's annual football media day as all seven of the LSC's head coaches were on hand to talk about their upcoming seasons. Carthel took to the podium along with senior nose tackle Tevin Moore as the duo looked ahead to the 2013 slate.
"We're ready to go," Moore said. "It's been a good spring and has definitely been a change of pace. Coach Carthel has brought some passion to the team and has made sure the guys on the field truly want to be there. Its an exciting schedule, and we're ready to get going."
A handful of announcements were also made during the LSC Media Day festivities, including the addition of McMurry as the eighth football school beginning the 2014 season. The move completes the LSC's previously announced plans of having a two-week playoff to finish the season as the Warhawks will round out the necessary eight teams.
A&M-Commerce opens up the season in just under six weeks, hosting Sul Ross State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 7. Season tickets are now on sale, which includes all five Lion home games against Sul Ross State, Midwestern State, McMurry, Angelo State and Eastern New Mexico. Contact the A&M-Commerce Athletic Department at (903) 886-5558 to order your tickets and be a part of a new era in Lion football!
2013 LSC Preseason Football Poll
1. West Texas A&M – 141 pts. (16 first-place)
2. Midwestern State – 124 pts. (3)
3. Tarleton State – 99 pts. (1)
4. Texas A&M-Kingsville – 82 pts. (1)
5. Angelo State – 69 pts.
6. Eastern New Mexico – 39 pts.
7. A&M-Commerce – 34 pts.
LSC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Dustin Vaughan, West Texas A&M
LSC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Ethan Westbrooks, West Texas A&M
