Bears ranked in preseason football polls

The University of Central Arkansas Bears, who finished 10-2 last season, are ranked in three preseason national football publication polls.

The Bears are as high as tied for No. 8 (Lindy's) and as low as No. 16 (Athlon) in the polls. UCA, which opens its season Sept. 4 against the University of Hawaii in Honolulu, is ranked 11th by The Sporting News.

"This type of preseason national attention excites our players and our fan base," said UCA head coach Clint Conque, who is beginning his 10th season at UCA. "There are always high expectations when you coach at UCA, you understand that. To have garnered this much national attention is exciting, but the game is played on the field and we look forward to the challenges of the 2009 season."

The Bears finished in first place in the Southland Conference last season with a 6-1 record in only their second full season in the league. UCA, ineligible for postseason play because of its transition, was ranked 12th in two final polls at the end of last season.

UCA senior Larry Hart, Lane Freiwald and Taylor Scott have been named preseason All-Americans by Southern Pigskin.com. Hart, the Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year last fall, was a first-team selection at defensive end. Scott, a senior defensive tackle from Little Rock, and Freiwald, a senior offensive tackle from Little Rock, were named to the third team All-America teams.

The SLC preseason polls and All-Conference teams will be released at SLC Football Media Day on July 29 in Lake Charles, La.

The first home game for the Bears will be Sept. 26 against Glenville State.