RFC Summer Semester: Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Preview (NCAA Division II)

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2012 Final Standings 

Looking back: Ashland breezed through the regular season unbeaten (10-0) to win the 2012 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) title.  The Eagles season ended in the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs, where West Texas A&M pulled out a stunning 33-28 upset win on November 24.

Looking ahead: Expect the remaining teams in the GLIAC to close the gap on the Eagles in 2013.  Meanwhile, the conference will have one fewer member this season, as Notre Dame College (Ohio) left to join the newly-formed Mountain East Conference.

Predicted order of finish (2012 overall record in parentheses)

1. Ashland (11-1):  With a preseason ranking of No. 5 in the nation, according to The Sporting News, the Eagles will have a huge target on the backs in 2013.  If that wasn't enough, they also begin this season with back-to-back away games, including the season opening contest at fellow D-II playoff participant Indianapolis.

2. Grand Valley State (8-3):  As one of six teams that finished in a six-way tie for for second place in the GLIAC last season, don't be surprised if the Lakers find themselves in the thick of the conference championship race near the end of this season.

3. Saginaw Valley State (8-3):  Cardinals face a tough task in their 2013 season opener, as they head west to face Northwest Missouri State on September 5.

4.  Findlay (7-3):  Coming off one of their better seasons in recent memory, the Oilers hope to take that next step, and contend for a postseason berth this year.

5. Hillsdale (7-4):  Chargers will face seven teams that finished the 2012 campaign with winning records, including D-II playoff participant (and former GLIAC associate member) Indianapolis.

6. Michigan Tech (7-3):  With 44 career wins coming into the 2013 season at the Huskies head coach, Tom Kearly needs just six wins to join the 50-win club.  But with a schedule that includes teams such as Grand Valley State, Saginaw Valley State, and Hillsdale, among others, accomplishing that feat won't be easy.

7. Ferris State (7-4):  The addition of former Michigan defender Marvin Robinson could help the Bulldogs become a serious contender in the GLIAC this season.

8. Ohio Dominican (8-3):  Panthers won five straight games to finish off 2012.  They hope that streak will carry over into 2013.

9. Wayne State (Mich.)--(5-5):  Warriors look to rebound after crashing back to earth in 2012.  That came after an unlikely run to the national championship game in 2011.  They return 11 starters from last year's team, but also lose 11.

10. Northwood (5-6):  Timberwolves must learn how to win the close games if they're to contend for the GLIAC in 2013.  All six of their losses in 2012 came by 14 points or less.

11. Northern Michigan (4-7):  Wildcats face an uphill battle after a disappointing 2012 season.

12. Tiffin (3-8):  Dragons hope to make a move up in the standings as well.

13. Lake Erie (3-8):  Storm's 2013 slate includes showdowns against Saginaw Valley State, Grand Valley State, and Ashland.

14. Walsh (3-8): Cavaliers begin their full NCAA Division II membership under new head coach Ted Karras, who ironically, won an NAIA national championship at Marian.

15. Malone (1-9):  Pioneers also look to start from scratch after a dismal 2012 season.

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