Contact: Harold Jameson

Date: August 21, 2003

TSU 13^th, SAU 24^th In AFCA Poll

Magnolia, Ark.—According to the American Football Coaches NCAA Division II Poll released today, Southern Arkansas University will be the underdog when the Muleriders kick off their 2003 football season Thursday, September 4, against Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas.

Tarleton State is ranked 13^th in the 2003 pre-season AFCA poll while Southern Arkansas is ranked 24^th. TSU was 8-2 in 2002 and SAU 7-4.

As expected, Grand Valley State University (Mich.) and Valdosta State University of the Gulf South Conference were ranked one-two. GVSU squeezed past VSU last year in the national championship game to complete a 14-0 season with VSU finishing 14-1.

The only other team in the Lone Star Conference to rank ahead of TSU is Texas A&M University-Kingsville at number five. Behind VSU in the GSC and ahead of SAU is the University of Central Arkansas at 19^th. Abilene Christian University of the LSC closes out the top 25 at 25^th.

Others receiving votes from the GSC are Harding University (32^nd) and the University of North Alabama (36^th) and from the LSC are Midwestern State University (41^st), East Central University (42^nd) and Southeastern Oklahoma State University (43^rd).

Contact: Harold Jameson

Date: August 21, 2003

Phone: (870) 235-4104

TSU 13^th, SAU 24^th In AFCA Poll

Magnolia, Ark.—According to the American Football Coaches NCAA Division II Poll released today, Southern Arkansas University will be the underdog when the Muleriders kick off their 2003 football season Thursday, September 4, against Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas.

Tarleton State is ranked 13^th in the 2003 pre-season AFCA poll while Southern Arkansas is ranked 24^th. TSU was 8-2 in 2002 and SAU 7-4.

As expected, Grand Valley State University (Mich.) and Valdosta State University of the Gulf South Conference were ranked one-two. GVSU squeezed past VSU last year in the national championship game to complete a 14-0 season with VSU finishing 14-1.

The only other team in the Lone Star Conference to rank ahead of TSU is Texas A&M University-Kingsville at number five. Behind VSU in the GSC and ahead of SAU is the University of Central Arkansas at 19^th. Abilene Christian University of the LSC closes out the top 25 at 25^th.

Others receiving votes from the GSC are Harding University (32^nd) and the University of North Alabama (36^th) and from the LSC are Midwestern State University (41^st), East Central University (42^nd) and Southeastern Oklahoma State University (43^rd).