CLEVELAND, Ohio (EMUEagles.com) – The Eastern Michigan University gymnastics team was picked to finish fifth in the Mid-American Conference according to the league's head coaches, the conference office announced Thursday, Jan. 7.
The Eagles tied for fifth at last year's MAC Championship with Ball State University, compiling a team score of 191.675. This season, the team returns 12 gymnasts from a year ago, while six newcomers and a pair of redshirt freshmen begin their first season with the team.
The Golden Flashes from Kent State University, winners of the last two MAC titles, were tabbed as the preseason favorite to win both the regular season and championship this year, while Central Michigan University and Northern Illinois University were picked to finish second and third, respectively. The Falcons from Bowling Green State University were picked to finish fourth, followed by EMU, Western Michigan University and Ball State University.
The Eagles begin their 2010 regular season against the preseason favorite from Kent State Friday, Jan. 22, at the M.A.C. Center in Kent, Ohio.
2010 MAC Preseason Poll
1. Kent State University
2. Central Michigan University
3. Northern Illinois University
4. Bowling Green State University
5. Eastern Michigan University
6. Western Michigan University
7. Ball State University
2010 MAC Champion – Kent State University
