RFC Summer Semester--Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Preview (NCAA Division III)

What it is: Founded in 1913, the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) has long been considered one of the strongest small college conferences in the nation. The WIAC is believed to be the only NCAA Division III conference where all of its full members are state supported institutions. It's also home to the defending national champion Warhawks of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, who knocked off perennial power Mount Union twice to win it all in 2007 and 2009.



Website: http://www.wiacsports.com/



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



1. Wisconsin-Whitewater (15-0): With three preseason All-Americans returning, the Warhawks hope to win their third national championship in four years.

2. Wisconsin-Stout (8-2): The Blue Devils finished third in the WIAC at 5-2 last season. If they make a serious run for the conference title and/or NCAA playoff berth this season, they must do it under new head coach Clayt Birmingham.

3. Wisconsin-Stevens Point (7-3): With 60 letterwinners coming back, as well as a No. 11 preseason ranking by USA Today, the Pointers hope to make a push for the WIAC crown this season. They face their first stiff test to open the campaign on September 4, as they play host to No. 17 (USA Today) Willamette.

4. Wisconsin-Eau Claire (6-4): The Blugolds face a brutal stretch of games to open the 2010 season, as they face perennial NAIA power Bethel (Tenn.) at home, followed by games against 2009 D-III powerhouses St. John's (Minn.) and North Central, respectively.

5. Wisconsin-Oshkosh (4-6): The Titans lost three straight games to end the 2009 season after starting 4-3. They face a tough stretch to open the 2010 season with back-to-back against defending Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference champion Central, as well as defending D-III champion Mount Union.

6. Wisconsin-LaCrosse (5-5): The Eagles closed the 2009 campaign losing five of their last six games. That included a season-ending four-game skid.

7. Wisconsin-River Falls (3-7): The Falcons open the season with back-to-back road games against Ohio Northern and St. Thomas.

8. Wisconsin-Platteville (3-7): The Pioneers return 48 letterwinners in hopes of climbing out of the WIAC basement after sharing it with Wisconsin-River Falls at 1-6 in the WIAC a year ago.