Oct. 24, 2006
NEW YORK, N.Y. -- It's all about the finish and that's exactly how Fairfield University Head Coach Ed Cooley is looking at the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Pre-Season Coaches' Poll. The Stags were selected ninth in the annual conference rankings, collecting 21 points. Marist College was chosen as the team to beat this year with 100 points, 17 than second-place Niagara University.
"I think the coaches voted for us based upon our experience," Coach Cooley said. "We are young and that's a factor that certainly comes into play with any poll. We have to go out there and prove ourselves to everyone."
Siena College secured the number three spot with 73 points, with Iona College (69 points) and Loyola College (67 points) rounding out the upper division.
Manhattan College (51 points), Rider University (40 points), Canisius College (29 points), Fairfield, and Saint Peter's (17 points) closed out the 2006-07 poll.
The Stags will open the 2006-07 season on November 10 when they host American University at Alumni Hall. Fans will receive an early look at the team on November 1 when Fairfield renews its series with the University of Bridgeport in an exhibition game at the Arena at Harbor Yard.
