RFC Summer Semester--West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC)--(NCAA Division II)

Looking back: It was a banner season for Shepherd, as the Rams became the first-ever team from the WVIAC to advance to the national semifinals of the NCAA Division II playoffs in 2010.  Prior to that, no current league member had ever advanced past the quarterfinal round, at least not at the NCAA level.  In fact, the last time any WVIAC squad even a reached a national championship game was in 1993.  Glenville State fell to East Central (Okla.), 49-35, in an NAIA title game that season.

Looking ahead: Shepherd once again should be the team to beat in the WVIAC.  But programs like West Virginia Wesleyan, West Liberty, and Concord could have a say as to which team ultimately comes out on top.

Website: http://www.wviac.org/

Predicted order of finish (2010 overall record in parentheses)

1. Shepherd (12-2):  One of the winningest small college programs in the nation, the Rams won their first WVIAC title since 2007.  Head Coach Monte Cater begins his 25th season in Shepherdstown as the nation's No. 4 team.  That's according to the Lindy's Sports preseason poll for D-II teams.

2. West Liberty (7-3):  After a D-II playoff quarterfinals appearance in 2009, the Hilltoppers fell back to earth slightly in 2010, as three losses cost them a return trip to postseason play.


3. West Virginia Wesleyan (9-2):  The Bobcats enjoyed a seven-win improvement from 2009, finishing in a tie for second place with West Liberty.  Now, the next steps are to not only win their first WVIAC title since 2003, but also advance to the NCAA Division II playoffs.


4. Concord (8-3):  Garin Justice takes over the reins of the Mountain Lions program as its' 18th head coach.  He replaces Mike Kellar, who resigned to take a job at California (Pa.).


5. Glenville State (5-6):  The Pioneers also underwent a coaching change during the offseason.  They named Dave Hutchison as their head coach, replacing Alan Fiddler.


6. Charleston (6-5): The Golden Eagles have a brand new head coach as well, in Pat Kirkland.


7. Fairmont State (5-6):  The Fighting Falcons struggled to a 3-5 mark in WVIAC play last season.


8. Seton Hill (2-9):  The Griffin faithful hope that seven home games will turn their team's luck around in 2011.


9. West Virginia State (0-10):  The Yellow Jackets find themselves in the "nowhere to go up" department after a winless season.