ASHLAND — Ashland University’s football team is picked to repeat as the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference South Division champion in the 2016 GLIAC Football Preseason Coaches’ Poll, released on Wednesday (Aug. 3) morning.

The Eagles received five of six first-place votes in the South, and boast 25 voting points overall. Ohio Dominican had the other South first-place vote, and placed in a tie for second in the South in the poll with Tiffin with 19 voting points.

AU has won GLIAC South titles twice this decade (2012 and 2015).

In a tight North Division vote, Grand Valley State is picked to win with five first-place votes and 47 voting points, over Ferris State (three first-place votes, 45 voting points). Michigan Tech (35 voting points) is third.

Ashland is ranked No. 3 in NCAA Division II in the Lindy’s Sports College Football National 2016 Preview’s preseason poll, and No. 8 in the country in the 2016 Sporting News Division II Preseason Top 25 poll.

The Eagles will begin the 2016 season on Sept. 1 at 6 p.m. at Jack Miller Stadium/Martinelli Field against non-conference opponent Mercyhurst.

AU football season tickets on sale

Season tickets for the five 2016 Ashland University home football games are on sale.

Those wanting to purchase football season tickets can click here and order online, or call the AU business office at 419-289-5958. Reserved chair-back season tickets are $70, while general admission season tickets are $45.

Single-game tickets will be available on Aug. 15.

Coverage of Ashland University Eagles athletics is produced in partnership with OhioHealth, the official sports medicine provider for Ashland University and dozens of high schools and universities throughout Ohio.