The West Virginia Conference coaches have released their 2012 preseason poll with the West Liberty Hilltoppers slatted in at the No. 7 spot.
WLU began last year ranked as the second best team in the WVIAC before finishing the season with a 1-10 record and in eighth place in the conference. So really, the way the coaches rank each team is pretty much based on how each team finished the year before. Like all preseason poll, it’s based on what they see on paper.
From what I see on paper, the Hilltopper should fair better then they did last year. As I’ve noted before, it all depends on the performance of the offense line.
The football team will report to campus on Aug. 1 to begin their preseason camp. The Hilltoppers kick off the 2012 season at home on Sept. 1 against Catawba (N.C.).
2012 WVIAC Coaches’ Preseason Poll
| Place | Team (First Place Votes) | Total Points |
| 1. | Shepherd (6) | 79 |
| 2. | Concord (3) | 71 |
| 3. | West Virginia Wesleyan | 55 |
| 4. | Charleston | 50 |
| 5. | Fairmont State | 46 |
| 6. | Glenville State | 45 |
| 7. | West Liberty | 31 |
| 8. | Seton Hill | 16 |
| 9. | West Virginia State | 15 |
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