Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Baseball picked fourth in 2009 MVC Preseason Coaches Poll
02/03/2009 | 12:00:00 | Baseball
Feb. 3, 2009
By Jeff Honza
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - Southern Illinois University was picked fourth in the 2009 Missouri Valley Conference Preseason Coaches Poll Tuesday.
Missouri State (80 pts.) was voted this year's favorite, garnering eight of the possible nine first-place votes. Creighton (66 pts.) and 2008 MVC Champion Wichita State (63 pts., 1 first-place vote) were also picked ahead of SIU.
Bradley (39 pts.), Indiana State (34 pts.), Northern Iowa (33 pts.), Illinois State (28 pts.) and Evansville (17 pts.) filled the other five spots in the poll.
Two-time, first-team all-MVC catcher Mark Kelly, infielder Scott Elmendorf and right-handed pitcher Bryant George represent SIU on the 2009 Preseason All-Conference Team. The Salukis, Bears and Bluejays had the most preseason picks with three apiece.
SIU opens its season against James Madison at the Caravelle Resort Tournament in Myrtle Beach, S.C. on Feb. 20.
2009 MVC Baseball Preseason Poll
School (1st-Place Votes), Pts.
Missouri State (8), 80
Creighton, 66
Wichita State (1), 63
Southern Illinois, 45
Bradley, 39
Indiana State, 34
UNI, 33
Illinois State, 28
Evansville, 17
2009 MVC Baseball Preseason All-Conference Team
Player, Team, Position, B/T, Class
Ben Carlson, Missouri State, 1B, L/L, Jr.
Scott Elmendorf, Southern Illinois, 2B, R/R, Sr.
Brayden Drake, Missouri State, 3B, R/R, Sr.
Elliot Soto, Creighton, SS, R/R, So.
Mark Kelly, Southern Illinois, C, R/R, Sr.
Darin Ruf, Creighton, DH/1B, R/R, Sr.
Brett Douglas, UNI, UT, R/R, Sr.
Ryan Jones, Wichita State, OF, L/L, Jr.
Robbie Knight, Creighton, OF, R/L, Jr.
Colby Luttrell, Bradley, OF, L/R, Sr.
Tim Clubb, Missouri State, SP, R/R, Jr.
Ryan Copeland, Illinois State, SP, R/L, Jr.
Bryant George, Southern Illinois, RP, R/R, Jr.
Kori Jensen, Bradley, RP, R/R, Sr.
