RFC Summer Semester--Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) Preview (NCAA Division II)

Website

2011 Final Standings

Looking back: Humboldt State (9-1 overall) won the 2011 Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) championship, finishing conference play at 7-1.  Despite those excellent marks, though, the Lumberjacks found themselves on the outside looking in when the NCAA Division II playoff selections were made.

Looking ahead: The GNAC will make history in 2012, as Simon Fraser--out of Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, will become the first non-U.S. institution to become an official NCAA member.  Meanwhile, Humboldt State will get company from its home state of California, as Azusa Pacific officially begins the transition from the NAIA to the D-II ranks.
 
2012 Predicted Order of Finish (2011 overall record in parentheses)

1. Western Oregon (6-5):  With the return of 13 starters, eight of them on defense, don't be surprised if the Wolves find themselves as the leaders of the pack in the GNAC at the end of the 2012 season.

2. Humboldt State (9-1):  The Lumberjacks suffered their lone loss of 2011, to none other than, the WOU Wolves.  That one loss, however, likely cost them a trip to the NCAA Division II playoffs.  HSU will likely need to go undefeated to have any shot at postseason play in 2012.

3. Central Washington (4-6):  The Wildcats look to return to their 2009 playoff form after a disappointing 2011 season.

4. Simon Fraser (3-7):  The Clan hope to make some noise in their first full season as an NCAA Division II member.

5. Dixie State (1-10):  The Red Storm hope to go only one way in 2012, and that's up.

Not eligible for GNAC title

Azusa Pacific (9-3):  After advancing to the playoffs for the final time as an NAIA member in 2011, the Cougars must adjust to life as a transitional D-II program in 2012.