LAKE CHARLES, La. _ The Southland Conference coaches and sports information directors both picked the University of Central Arkansas Bears third in the preseason football polls released Wednesday as part of the Media Day activities at the L’auberge du lac Casino Resort.

The coaches had McNeese State in the No. 1 spot, receiving three first-place votes and 44 points overall. They were followed by defending champion Stephen F. Austin (3, 43), UCA (1, 37), Sam Houston State (1, 36), Northwestern State (24), Nicholls State (16), Southeastern Louisiana (15) and newcomer Lamar (9).

The sports information directors tabbed SFA first, with four first-place votes and 44 points. McNeese was second (2, 43), followed by UCA (1, 35), Northwestern State (1, 33), Sam Houston State (30), Nicholls State (16), Southeastern Louisiana (15) and Lamar (8).

“We always have high expectations around the University of Central Arkansas,’ said UCA head coach Clint Conque. “We expect to be picked in the upper level of the conference and to challenge for championships. Preseason polls are just that, but we certainly hope to be there at the end of the season.’

The Bears finished 7-4 overall last season and 4-3 and in third place in the Southland Conference final standings. UCA has a 17-11 record in four full seasons in the SLC, including a first-place 6-1 mark in 2008.

“This league is always tough, top to bottom,’ said Conque. “There are no easy games in this conference. You have to be at your best each and every Saturday.’

The Bears open the season on Thursday, Sept. 1 against Henderson State on the new purple-gray artificial turf at First Security Field at Estes Stadium.