(LATROBE, Pa.) - The Thomas More College football team was picked to capture the 2011 football championship in the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC), according to the preseason poll released today (Wednesday, August 3, 2011) at the 2011 PAC Football Media Day held at the Sis and Herman Dupre Science Pavilion on the campus of Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

The Saints led by fifth-year head coach Jim Hilvert return 19 starters and 42 lettermen from last season's 11-1 squad.  Thomas More earned 24-of-26 total first-place votes and 232 points in the conference poll to top second place Washington & Jefferson College (200) and third place Waynesburg University (165).

"It is an honor to be picked first again this year," said Hilvert.  "This pick recognizes past and present players.  But, last year is last year.  We have a lot of hard work to do this year.  We must play with a certain edge this year to accomplish the goals we set this off-season.  In the PAC, you must be ready week in and week out.  We must also stay healthy."

Thomas More opens the season ranked in two preseason publications as it is ranked No. 11 in Lindy's and No. 14 in The Sporting News. The Saints open the 2011 season on Saturday, September 10 when they host Hanover College at 1:30 p.m. at The Bank of Kentucky Field in Crestview Hills, Kentucky.

2011 PAC Preseason Football Poll

Note: First-place votes in parentheses