RFC Summer Semester: Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Preview (NCAA Division II)

Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC)--NCAA Division II

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2013 Final Standings

Looking back: Once again, the Colorado State University-Pueblo Thunderwolves breezed through the regular season undefeated, only to see their season end abruptly in the NCAA Division II playoffs.  It happened again for them in 2013, as Grand Valley State stunned the Thunderwolves, 34-30, in the second round.

Looking ahead: Expect the rest of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) to chase CSU-Pueblo for the 2014 league title.

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

1. Colorado State-Pueblo (11-1):  Don't be surprised if the Thunderwolves end up on top of the RMAC pack again this season.


2. Chadron State (8-3):  Coming off a two-way for second place in the RMAC last season, the Eagles hope to find themselves in contention for the conference crown again this season.

3. Colorado Mines (8-3):  With three players being named to the preseason Beyond Sports Network All-America teams, the Orediggers expect to be a team to be reckoned with in 2014.

4. Adams State (7-4):  Coming off a fourth-place finish at 5-4 in conference play last year, don't be surprised if the Grizzlies have a say in the RMAC title/NCAA Division II playoff discussion this year.

5. Colorado Mesa (5-6):  The Mavericks will enter 2014 looking for answers after 2013 ended with four straight losses.

6. Western New Mexico (4-6):  After their third four-win season in the last four years, the Mustangs hope to finally break above the .500 mark in 2014.   

7. Fort Lewis (4-7):  The Skyhawks hope to continue moving in the right direction under veteran head coach John L. Smith.

8. Black Hills State (3-8):  The Yellow Jackets ended last season with back-to-back wins, which could be a sign of what's to come this season.

9. New Mexico Highlands (2-9):  There's "nowhere to go but up" for the Cowboys in 2014.

10. Western State (2-9):  Ditto for the Mountaineers, whose 2013 season ended with eight straight losses.

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