Emporia, Kans. — KANSAS CITY, MO. — Consider Emporia State wide receiver Zac Teske a middle man — at least when it comes to preseason polls.
"You wouldn't want to start out at No. 1, because then you have all that pressure on your shoulders to produce," Teske said, "and you don't want to start at the bottom either."
The senior wasn't disappointed, then, after seeing his team was picked sixth out of 10 conference teams at the MIAA media day Monday at Arrowhead Stadium's Arrowhead Club.
It might be where the Hornets are now, but it's a long shot from where Teske believes they might end up.
"It's a good place to be," Teske said, "because it gives us a chance to make some improvements, work our way up, and surprise some guys."
After finishing 4-6 last season, ESU coach Dave Wiemers feels his team is better equipped to compete in the highly-competitive MIAA. He returns 16 starters from a year ago.
"The whole key to this is playing with players that have been in the league — 21- and 22-year-old guys," Wiemers said. "We've finally got a lot more of them that are playing with those babies we have."
The coach is optimistic with his improved depth at offensive line, which should be more talented and also more physical than it was last season.
"We're lightyears ahead of last year up front," Wiemers said, "so I think that bodes well."
Sophomore Matt McClain has not only noticed the maturity of his teammates — he's also been affected by it.
Listed as an offensive lineman last season, the 295-pounder from Blue Springs has switched back to his high school position of defensive lineman.
He said a year's worth of growing up should only benefit the young team.
"A lot of people were playing their first games last year," McClain said. "They're going to be more ready and know what to expect. There's a difference between college and high school."
A big key for ESU will be remaining healthy. Injuries to offensive linemen and also running back Seville Ko forced Wiemers to pass the ball more than he would have liked last year.
As a result, the Hornets tossed 15 interceptions compared to their opponents' seven, despite 60 fewer passing attempts.
"We want to run that ball, and we haven't been able to," Wiemers said. "Health is wealth for us."
Northwest Missouri State took the top spot in the poll, earning 75 points and five first-place votes.
The Bearcats were the national runner-up last year, winning four consecutive road playoff games before losing in the final to Grand Valley (Mich.) State. They were picked second in the MIAA preseason poll last year.
"What's up there is great for media and fans," Northwest Missouri coach Mel Tjeerdsma said, "but players and coaches know that we're going to determine it on the field, and that's exciting."
Pittsburg State was placed second in the rankings, followed by Washburn, Central Missouri State and Missouri Western.
Fort Hays State was chosen ninth in its inaugural MIAA season. The Tigers finished tied for seventh in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference a year ago.
The last addition to the conference was ESU back in 1991.
Though he didn't have a vote in the poll, Teske said he would have put ESU in a similar spot.
"That's what we earned last year," Teske said. "We went 4-6, so you can't expect to start at the top."
Instead, the Hornets will begin in sixth — just where the receiver wants to be.
"Right in the middle," Teske said. "I feel like we can finish high from that."