St. Gregory’s is coming off its first ever trip to the NAIA Fab Four and has been tabbed the preseason favorite in the Sooner Athletic Conference.
The Cavaliers got 91 points and grabbed five first-place votes in the poll of the league’s 10 coaches.
SGU won in the NAIA tournament for the first time in school history and followed up with two more tournament victories. Â The Cavaliers finished 24-10 and 12 SAC wins, both school records.
St. Gregory’s coach John Martin said the result of the poll was not unexpected for his team.
“Bringing back as many seniors and guys with experience, it’s not really as much of a surprise to them,” Martin said. Â “They think we should be No. 1 and they’re ready to battle and take on all challenges at this point.”
Wayland Baptist was second in the poll and received two first-place votes. Â Oklahoma Baptist, Oklahoma City and Southwestern Assembles of God each garnered one first-place vote.
Mid-America Christian is the first SAC school to open its season, hosting former league rival Oklahoma Christian on Oct. 30.
St. Gregory’s hosts Evangel College and USAO travels to Bacone on Oct. 31.
| Preseason rank | School | Points (First place) | 2013-2014 record (SAC record) |
| 1. | St. Gregory’s | 91 (5) | 24-10 (12-8) |
| 2. | Wayland Baptist | 77 (2) | 23-11 (12-8) |
| 3. | Oklahoma Baptist | 75 (1) | 19-16 (9-11) |
| 4. | Oklahoma City | 73 (1) | 16-12 (12-8) |
| 5. | SAGU | 69 (1) | 26-6 (17-3) |
| 5. | MACU | 69 | 17-11(12-8) |
| 7. | Texas Wesleyan | 49 | 15-16 (8-12) |
| 8. | John Brown | 46 | 21-11 (10-10) |
| 9. | USAO | 30 | 15-15 (10-10) |
| 10. | Southwestern Christian | 22 | 6-22 (2-18) |