CONWAY, Ark. _ The University of Central Arkansas Bears finished the 2011 season ranked in the Top 25 and they start the 2012 campaign there again.

     The Bears, under the direction of head coach Clint Conque, are No. 21 in the College Sporting News preseason poll and 24th in the Sports Network preseason Top 25 poll. UCA is coming off its first Division I playoff appearance and final rankings of
No. 14 and No. 15 last season.

     “Preseason polls are based more on what was accomplished last season and over the last four to five years,’ said Conque. “And also on the number of returnees you have coming back.

     “Preseason recognition like this is good buzz for the alumni and the fans. However, we realize we have much work to do to once again finish as a nationally ranked team. This will give our team a little incentive and energy as we fight through camp.’

     There are five teams on UCA’s schedule this season that are either ranked or receiving votes in the TSN poll released Monday. The ranked teams include No. 1 Sam Houston State, No. 20 Stephen F. Austin, both fellow Southland Conference members. Murray State (Sept. 8), McNeese State (Oct.13) and Eastern Illinois (Nov. 17) are all receiving votes.

     UCA also opens the season at Southeastern Conference foe Ole Miss on Sept. 1 in Oxford, Miss.

     “We have much work to do in the next 18 days to get ready for a schedule like that,’ said Conque.

     The first home game for the Bears will be Sept. 15 against Bacone College for the grand opening of the 12 skyboxes on the east side of First Security Field at Estes Stadium.