KWU Athletics
The battle for the 2022 Kansas Conference football championship will come down to two teams – Kansas Wesleyan and Southwestern – according to the two polls conducted Thursday during the league's annual media day event.
The Coyotes were favored by the media, receiving 206 points and eight first-place votes while Southwestern had 205 points and 10 first-place votes. The coaches went with Southwestern which had 87 points and six first place votes while KWU gathered 84 points and four first-place votes.
KWU, Southwestern and Bethel shared the 2021 title, each finishing with 9-1 records in conference play. Wesleyan and Southwestern advanced to the NAIA playoffs.
Bethel was third and Avila fourth in the media poll and received one first-place vote apiece while the coaches chose Avila third and Bethel fourth. McPherson was fifth, Ottawa sixth and Friends seventh in both polls. Sterling was eighth in the coaches poll and tied Saint Mary for eighth in the media poll.
First-year Wesleyan head coach Matt Myers, who replaced Myers Hendrickson in December, was unmoved by the polling.
"Preseason polls in college are interesting but I don't put any stock in them," he said Thursday night. "I appreciate the sentiment from the media … I'm going to bet on myself, bet on my staff and team and see what happens."
The Coyotes return 17 starters – 11 on defense, six on offense – along with both kickers. They'll compete against an ever-improving KCAC field, according to Myers.
"I've been around for the last eight years in the KCAC and it gets better and better and better – the coaching staffs, the players," he said. "We're growing and I'm excited to see how this year plays out and what's in store for all of us."
Myers is expecting 65 newcomers to report when camp opens next month. They'll join a veteran squad that includes 28 seniors.
"We're going to introduce 65 new guys into the ecosystem and roll the ball out there and see what's up," Myers said. "A lot of the seniors I've been with since I started coaching – some of them I recruited here.
"These guys are doing everything that I expect, holding to the standard that's been at Kansas Wesleyan ever since (former) coach (Matt) Drinkall got here in 2014. It's a player led team. It's a cliché but those are the kinds of teams you want to have."
Drinkall coached KWU from 2014-18, winning 40 games and leading the Coyotes to the NAIA playoff twice in his final four seasons. Myers joined Drinkall's staff for the final three years and took time to recognize his former boss Thursday.
"I'd be remiss if I didn't shout out Coach Drinkall, the guy that got me into this business," he said. "He's been a sounding board for me for years and years. I'm in constant contact with him and he gives me really good advice all the time, solicited or unsolicited. I really enjoy him and his friendship."
KWU enjoyed a full spring practice session that Myers said was beneficial.
"It was great to have a spring ball, the first one in three years," he said. "It was good to watch our young guys get reps and develop. I think there are some that will surprise us when they hit fall camp."
Myers will be working with four new assistant coaches, including offensive coordinator James Bauer. David Leonard was promoted to defensive coordinator and replaces Myers.
"We began the year in new positions and new responsibilities on and off the field including myself," he said. "The transition was in my opinion was very smooth and successful. This isn't a one-man wolfpack. I lean on those guys a ton, they're guys that I know and love and trust."
The Coyotes' first practice is Aug. 13. They open the season against Friends at 7 p.m. Sept. 3 at Graves Family Sports Complex.
2022 KCAC Football Coaches' Preseason Poll
1. Southwestern – 87 (6 FPV)
2. Kansas Wesleyan – 83 (4)
3. Avila – 72
4. Bethel – 68
5. McPherson – 54
6. Ottawa – 42
7. Friends – 41
T8. Sterling – 35
T8. Saint Mary – 35
10. Tabor – 22
11. Bethany – 11
Note: One institution's coach did not submit a ballot
2022 KCAC Football Media Preseason Poll
1. Kansas Wesleyan – 206 (8)
2. Southwestern – 205 (10)
3. Bethel – 175 (1)
4. Avila – 171 (1)
5. McPherson – 120
6. Ottawa – 105
7. Friends – 85
8. Sterling – 79
9. Saint Mary – 73
10. Tabor – 70
11. Bethany – 31