RFC Summer Semester: Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) Preview (NAIA)

Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC)--(NAIA)

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2013 Final Standings

Looking back: In a tight four-way race for the 2013 Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference championship, Sterling (9-3 overall) won the league title outright, finishing KCAC play at 8-1.  Three other teams: Tabor, Friends, and Ottawa, all finished in a three-way tie for second place at 7-2.

Three teams: Sterling, Friends, and Ottawa--advanced to the NAIA playoffs--with Tabor advancing the farthest of that trio.  The Blue Jays fell to eventual national champion Grand View, 44-24, in the quarterfinals, while both Sterling and Ottawa saw their seasons end in the first round, losing to Baker and Grand View respectively.

Looking ahead: Expect another crapshoot in the KCAC in 2014, with this year's title likely not being decided until the final weekend of the regular season.

Predicted order of finish (2013 overall record in parentheses):

1. Tabor (10-3):  Don't be surprised if the Blue Jays are crowned KCAC champions at the end of the regular season.

2. Sterling (9-3):  But the Warriors likely won't give up their crown without a fight.

3. Friends (8-3):  Expect the Falcons to have renewed motivation after being snubbed for a postseason berth last year.

4. Ottawa (8-4):  The Braves hope to earn their sixth straight NAIA playoff appearance under head coach Kent Kessinger.

5. McPherson (5-6):  A season-ending two-game winning streak gives the Bulldog faithful a glimmer of hope going into 2014.

6. Southwestern (Kan.)--(5-6):  The Moundbuilders 2013 season was highlighted by two games: one where they scored more than 80 points; an 86-36 rout of Bethel (Kan.) on October 19, only to give up more than 80 points in being routed by Ottawa, 82-21, the following week.

7. Kansas Wesleyan (4-7):  The Coyotes hope to start off fresh under new head coach Matt Drinkall.

8. Saint Mary (4-7):  The Spires will look to bounce back after ending 2013 with four straight losses.

9. Bethany (Kan.)--(2-9):  The Swedes hope to climb of the KCAC basement after struggling to a 1-8 mark in conference play last season, as they begin year two under head coach Manny Matsakis this season.

10. Bethel (Kan.)--(2-9):  The Threshers will also go into 2014 under a second-year head coach in Marty Mathis.

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