Aug. 06– Concordia University senior quarterback Kole Goodchild was selected as the NSIC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year by the head coaches from the Northern Sun, who also picked the Golden Bears fourth in the NSIC Preseason Coaches Poll.

The Bears, who opened camp Sunday, August 5th, received 69 points in the poll, narrowly edged out for third by the University of Mary who had 72 points and one first place vote. Bemidji State, who won the league with a perfect 8-0 record in 2006, picked up seven first place votes and 88 points. The 13th-ranked Beavers beat out Winona State for the top spot, with the Warriors collecting two first place votes and 82 points to earn the second position in the preseason poll.

Last season, Concordia finished tied for third in the league with a 4-4 mark, finishing 5-6 overall. Their .500 finish in conference games was the seventh consecutive .500 or better finish in their eight years in the NSIC.

Kole Goodchild made a strong impression in his first year under center for Concordia-St. Paul as he led the Golden Bears to the top passing offense in the NSIC in their eight conference games in which he completed 15 touchdowns to just five interceptions. His explosive play at the quarterback position netted him first team all-NSIC honors along with back-to-back NSIC Offensive Player of the Week honors during NSIC play. Overall, Goodchild finished 172-293 for 2,012 yards with 16 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. The NSIC’s leader in total offense also rushed for 278 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

MSU Moorhead free safety Josh Jones was and Bemidji State defensive tackle Zach Stafford were named NSIC Preseason Co-Defensive Players of the Year.

2007 Preseason NSIC FB Coaches Poll
		Pts
1	#13 Bemidji State  (7)	88
2	Winona State (2)	82
3	University of Mary (1)	72
4	Concordia-St. Paul	69
5	Wayne State	49
6	SW Minnesota State	46
7	Northern State	43
8	MSU Moorhead	36
9	Upper Iowa	35
10	Minnesota, Crookston	19
	first place votes in ( )

Ranking based on Lindy’s 2007 National College Football NCAA Division II Preseason Top-25 Poll