The Tabor College men’s soccer team was picked seventh in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference preseason coaches poll Aug. 12.

The women’s team was picked 10th with 20 points, two points behind Bethel and 22 behind eighth-ranked Saint Mary. The low selection comes as no surprise, given the women’s team has won only once in its last 18 conference games.

Women’s powerhouse Kansas Wesleyan, winners of 26 of 27 conference games since the 2005 season, was picked first.

The men’s team was picked a spot lower than it finished in 2007—sixth place with a 5-12 record that includes a loss to Bethel on the opening night of the playoffs. The team had placed sixth with a 4-5 conference record in 2006.

But by holding position during coach Grant Brubacher’s first season at the helm, the Bluejays gained a measure of respect around the KCAC, improving two positions over last year’s poll.

Part of Tabor’s rise comes at Bethel’s expense—the Threshers were picked ninth.

2008 KCAC Preseason

Soccer Rankings

Men’s Poll

1. Friends (8) 80

2. Kansas Wesleyan (1) 72

3. McPherson 66

4. Sterling 58

5. Bethany 50

6. Southwestern 45

7. Tabor 35

8. Saint Mary 33

9. Bethel 28

10. Ottawa 18

Women’s Poll

1. Kansas Wesleyan (9) 90

2. McPherson 79

3. Ottawa 76

4. Sterling 62

5. Southwestern 52

6. Bethany College 51

7. Friends 49

8. Saint Mary 46

9. Bethel 26

10. Tabor 24

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