LAKE CHARLES – Coming off its best record since 2004 while returning its most letterwinners since reinstating its program, the Southeastern Louisiana University football team was picked to finish third overall in the Southland Conference Preseason Poll which was announced Wednesday at the league's annual media day at L'Auberge du Lac Resort.

Southeastern, which finished 6-5 last season, was picked by the league's head coaches to finish in a tie with Texas State for third place while the league's sports information directors put the Lions in sole possession of third.

Defending co-champion Stephen F. Austin received seven of eight first-place votes in both polls and was selected to repeat while traditional power and defending co-champ McNeese State (which received the other first-place vote in both polls) was chosen second.

The coaches picked Central Arkansas, Northwestern State, Sam Houston State and Nicholls State to finish behind Southeastern and Texas State. In the SID poll, Texas State was picked fourth with UCA, SHSU, Nicholls and Northwestern State rounding out the poll.

Southeastern, which returns 20 starters including 11 on defense, will report on Aug. 4 before holding its first practice on Aug. 5 at 5 p.m.

The Lions open their season on Sept. 2 against Tulane in the Louisiana Superdome before hosting Ohio Valley Conference member Tennessee-Martin on Sept. 11 in a 6 p.m. contest.

Season tickets are available by calling the Southeastern Athletic Ticket Office at (985) 549-5466 or (866) LION-TIX.

SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE PRESEASON POLLS
Coaches (First-place votes)
1. Stephen F. Austin (7) 49
2. McNeese State (1) 43
T3. Southeastern Louisiana 29
T3. Texas State 29
5. Central Arkansas 27
6. Northwestern State 20
7. Sam Houston State 18
8. Nicholls State 9

Sports Information Directors (First-place votes)
1. Stephen F. Austin (7) 49
2. McNeese State (1) 40
3. Southeastern Louisiana 35
4. Texas State 31
5. Central Arkansas 29
6. Sam Houston State 16
7. Nicholls State 13
8. Northwestern State 11