Columbus, Ohio – August 4, 2010 – The 2010 football season for the Ohio Athletic Conference officially began today with the annual OAC Media Day. The event was held at Ohio Stadium on the campus of The Ohio State University. All 10 member institutions were represented by their respective head coaches, along with a student-athlete.
Heidelberg University, under the guidance of fourth-year head coach Mike Hallett, was voted to finished fifth in the league in both the coaches and media polls.
Leading the way in the coaches’ poll was the University of Mount Union with all nine first place votes. Voted second was Ohio Northern University followed by Otterbein University. In front of Heidelberg in fourth was Capital University. Standing in sixth was Muskingum University, while Baldwin-Wallace College was voted seventh. Rounding out the preseason standings was John Carroll University, Marietta College and Wilmington.
According to the media present, Mount Union received the first place nod followed by Ohio Northern University, Otterbein, Capital and Heidelberg. John Carroll was sixth, Mus
kingum seventh, Baldwin-Wallace eighth, Marietta ninth and Wilmington rounded out the voting.
“We are excited for the year,” said Hallett. “We have over 40 returning letter winners and we look to continue to make strides within the OAC. It is time to get things going.”
Representing the program was senior quarterback Andrew Miller (Dalton, Ohio / Dalton). Miller is set to find a spot under center for the third straight season and stressed the trust factor that the team possesses with one another, in particular the offense in which he runs.
“There is a lot of trust and leadership among our veterans,” said Miller. “The trust that we possess on the team is based off of solid friendships that have developed over the years and will play an integral part this season.”
Looking to continue to make strides this fall will be the one-two combination of Miller and fellow classmate wide receiver Mike Preston (Euclid, Ohio / Euclid), who also represented Heidelberg at media day. Preston returns as one of the top receiving threats in the OAC. Over the course of the last three years Miller and Preston have developed a strong bond that has helped lead the Berg.
“I know exactly the route that Mike is going to run,” said Miller. “He is the type of guy that is going to make a play. Mike makes my job easy. He is the one that goes out there and gets things done.”
Coaches' Poll (first place votes)
1. Mount Union (9)
2. Ohio Northern (.5)
3. Otterbein (.5)
4. Capital
5. Heidelberg
6. Muskingum
7. Baldwin-Wallace
8. John Carroll
9. Marietta
10.Wilmington
Media Poll (first place votes)
1. Mount Union (34)
2. Ohio Northern
3. Otterbein
4. Capital
5. Heidelberg
6. John Carroll
7. Muskingum
8. Baldwin-Wallace
9. Marietta
10.Wilmington