RFC Summer Semester--NCAA Division II Independents (Part 1)

Editor's Note: This is the first of a two part series on the independent teams competing at the NCAA Division II level.  Part 1 consists of teams listed in alphabetical order, from Central Oklahoma, to Notre Dame College (Ohio).

Looking back: Of the first eight teams profiled in this post, North Greenville had the best record in that group, as the Crusaders finished the 2010 season with a school record nine wins, including a season-ending victory over Campbellsville, in the NCCAA Victory Bowl, among other games.

Looking ahead: In 2012, five of the first eight teams profiled will join the following conferences:

Central Oklahoma, Northeastern State (Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association)
Central State, Kentucky Wesleyan, Missouri S&T (Great Lakes Valley Conference)

2010 overall record in parentheses

Central Oklahoma (2-9):  The Bronchos hope to put a bad 2010 season behind them.  But they'll have to play five of their six games, including their first four contests, on the road, in their transitional 2011 campaign.


Central State (Ohio)--(1-9):  The Marauders find themselves in the same boat as the Bronchos, trying to put more games in the win column in 2011.  Like UCO, they'll also be racking up the frequent flyer/rider miles this season, playing four of their first games on the road.  Only three games will be at home.


Kentucky Wesleyan (5-6):  The Panthers had a three-win improvement from 2009, when they finished 2-9.  They open the season on September 1, against future GLVC member Indianapolis on the road.


Minot State (6-4):  The Beavers schedule of away games will take them as far away as Texas and Montana, among other places.


Missouri S&T (3-8):  Of the eight losses the Miners suffered in 2010, seven of them came by 10 or more points.


North Greenville (9-3):  With eight games against teams from the South Atlantic Conference, the Crusaders might be hard pressed to match last year's record setting accomplishments.


Northeastern State (6-5):  The Riverhawks are joining their Oklahoma rivals, the UCO Bronchos, in playing as and independent before transitioning to the MIAA in 2012.

Notre Dame College (2-9):  The Falcons are looking to soar towards more wins in season two.