Spartanburg, S.C. - Heading into their first season as members of the Southern Conference this season, the Gardner-Webb wrestling program was picked to finish fourth overall in the Southern Conference Wrestling Preseason Coaches Poll, announced today by the Conference office.

The Runnin' Bulldogs received a total of 17 points, edging out fellow newcomer Campbell who came in fifth-place with 16 total points.

For the eighth straight season the Chattanooga Mocs were picked as the preseason favorites to win the League's wrestling title, receiving four first-place votes and 34 total points.

Appalachian State came in second-place with three first-place votes and 33 total points, while The Citadel received 26 total points to be selected third overall.

Davidson rounded out the poll coming in at seventh-place with six total points.

SIU-Edwardsville, which was also granted admittance to the Southern Conference as a wrestling member in June, will begin league competition in the 2012-13 after completing its final season of reclassification to NCAA Division I status.

The 2011-12 Southern Conference wrestling season begins on Wednesday, November 2 when Gardner-Webb entertains Belmont Abbey, while all seven teams will be in action by Sunday, November 6.

Chattanooga will host the 2012 Southern Conference Wrestling Championship in at the McKenzie Arena on March 3, 2012.

2011-12 SoCon Wrestling Preseason Coaches Poll

School (First-place votes) Points

1. Chattanooga (4) 34

2. Appalachian State (3) 33

3. The Citadel 26

4. Gardner-Webb 17

5. Campbell 16

6. VMI 15

7. Davidson 6

###