PETERSBURG, VA – The CIAA announced today the 2010 predicted order of finish along with its Preseason All-CIAA team at the annual CIAA Football Media Round Up held on the campus of Virginia State University. The Hawks were predicted to finish in 9th place overall and 5th in North Division out of seven participating teams.

Each football coach was interviewed by emcee Stan Lewter of the Urban Sports and Entertainment Group as they shared their outlooks for the upcoming year.

The Hawks will have the daunting task of replacing last year’s CIAA Offensive Player of the Year, C.J. Westler, who led the league in passing all of last year.

When asked about filling Westler’s shoes, third year skipper Tim Place said, “There is no replacing C.J. Westler. He did a so many great things for us, most importantly helping us lay a foundation.”

Place mentioned four incoming players that will be competing for the starting quarterback position in preseason camp. One of those quarterbacks will be throwing to the league’s top returning receiver in Robert Holland. Holland collected 1,078 yards a year ago with seven scores in just his first season of collegiate play.

“Holland is a special player. He is improving on and off the field, which is important,” stated Place.

The Hawks finished 5th in the division a year ago after going 2-8 overall. “We need to be more balanced, stop giving up big plays, and run the ball more effectively to be successful in the CIAA this season,” finished Place.

Predicted Order of Finish

1-Fayetteville State University

2-Shaw University

3-Bowie State University

4-Elizabeth City State University

5-Virginia Union University

6-Winston-Salem State University

7-Saint Augustine’s College

8-Virginia State University

9-Chowan University

10-Johnson C. Smith University

11-Saint Pauls College

12-Livingstone College

13-Lincoln University

For a complete listing of preseason predictions and preseason All-CIAA teams log onto the CIAA website at www.theciaa.com.