RFC Summer Semester--Heart of America Athletic Conference Preview (NAIA)

What it is: Founded in 1971, the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) traces its roots to the old Missouri College Athletic Union of the mid-1920's. A decision to accept schools outside of the state of Missouri led the eventual formation of the HAAC. Currently, the HAAC competes at the NAIA level, with member schools located in Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri.

Website: http://www.haacsports.com/index.php

Predicted order of finish (2009 record in parentheses, projected champion in BOLD type)

1. Lindenwood (13-1): With a move into the NCAA Division II ranks looming by 2012, the Lions will look to add another HAAC title, as well as a shot at that elusive national championship, in 2010. They reached the NAIA championship game last season, losing to Sioux Falls in a heartbreaker, 25-22.

2. Mid-America Nazarene (10-2): Perhaps no one will be glad to eventually see Lindenwood leave the HAAC, and NAIA, more than the Pioneers. The Lions handed MNU their lone regular season defeat in a 55-14 rout on September 26, 2009. They reached the NAIA playoffs last season, losing to eventual national runner-up, Carroll (Mont.), 34-13, in the first round.

3. Baker (7-3): The Wildcats overcame a slow start to the 2009 season to finish fast with five straight wins.

4. Missouri Valley (8-3): The Vikings will play five home games in 2010. But perhaps their biggest games of the season might be on the road at Lindenwood (September 18) and at Mid-America Nazarene (November 6).

5. Central Methodist (6-5): The Eagles look forward to a new campaign after finishing 6-4 in the HAAC in 2009.

6. Benedictine (6-5): The Ravens finished 5-5 in the HAAC last season.

7. Graceland (3-7): The Yellow Jackets last winning season, and playoff appearance, was in 2006.

8. Avila (4-7): Former Kansas City Chiefs standout Kevin Porter assumes the duties as head coach of the Eagles in time for the 2010 season.

9. Evangel (3-7): The Crusaders face an uphill battle in trying to win their first HAAC title since 2005.

10. William Jewell (1-9): The Cardinals will look to move forward after a dismal 2009. They'll play four of their first six games of the 2010 season on the road.

11. Culver-Stockton (0-10): Cameron Keller became the school's 28th head coach last December. He inherits a Wildcats program that went winless last season.