Hounds tabbed for eighth in LSC poll

McKINNEY, Texas — Eastern New Mexico University has been picked for eighth place in the 10-team Lone Star Conference in a preseason poll released on Thursday by the conference office.

The poll reflects opinions of league head coaches and sports information personnel, as well as various media representatives throughout the region.

The Greyhounds received 97 points in the balloting, finishing ahead of Western New Mexico (57 points) and Simon Fraser (32). Simon Fraser, Western Oregon and Central Washington joined the league as affiliate football members after competing in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.

Angelo State earned preseason honors with 15 of 27 first-place ballots and a total of 257 points, followed by defending champion Midwestern State (236, 9), Central Washington (207) and West Texas A&M (198, 1).

Texas-Permian Basin was fifth with 150 points and the remaining two first-place votes, followed by Texas A&M-Kingsville (143) and Western Oregon (108).

ENMU went 3-7 in 2021, including 1-6 in the then-eight-team LSC. Texas A&M-Commerce left the league at the end of the school year, with the GNAC schools added in football only.

The Hounds return 15 starters from last season, led by sophomore running back Howard Russell and sophomore linebacker Cameron Santa Cruz. Both players were chosen to the All-LSC honorable mention list. Players are slated to report on August 5, with practice starting on August 9.

Angelo’s Nathaniel Omayebu III was chosen the league’s preseason offensive player of the year, while WT’s J.T. Cavender earned the honor on the defensive side.

LSC teams begin play on Thursday, Sept. 1, with the Hounds traveling to New Mexico Highlands that night their 6 p.m. season opener against the Cowboys. ENMU has 11 games on the schedule, including five at Greyhound Stadium.

LSC football poll

Team (1st-place votes) — Pts

• 1. Angelo State (15) 257

• 2. Midwestern State (9) 236

• 3. Central Washington 207

• 4. West Texas A&M (1) 198

• 5. Texas-Permian Basin (2) 150

• 6. Texas A&M-Kingsville 143

• 7. Western Oregon 108

• 8. Eastern New Mexico 97

• 9. Western New Mexico 57

• 10. Simon Fraser 32