Shaw University Picked to Finish Second in CIAA

 

The Shaw University Bears have been picked to finish in a tie for second with Elizabeth City State University in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association in a vote of the conference’s coaches.

The announcement was made today by Stan Lewter of Urban Sports and Entertainment Group at the CIAA’s annual Football Kick-off Press Conference held on the campus of Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA.

The CIAA coaches selected Fayetteville State to finish first in the conference and first in the Western Division.  Shaw University was picked to finish second in the Division.  Elizabeth City State University is in the Eastern Division.

In 2008, Shaw University finished first in the Western Division and won the championship game against Elizabeth City State University 36-7, giving them their second straight CIAA Championship, and their third in the six years since reinstatement of football at Shaw. 

Shaw was ranked 25^th in Division II in the Sporting News’ preseason football preview.

 Shaw, who finished 8-3 overall, and 7-1 in the CIAA in 2008, lost eight starting players off a defense that led NCAA Division II in all major defensive categories. 

The offense, though, returns nine players.  Last season, the Bears led the CIAA in almost all offensive categories, including scoring offense, total offense, total yards, and passing offense.  The team finished second in rushing offense.

At the Press Conference, Head Coach Darrell Asberry said that the ranking of his reigning champion Bears in second was a motivating factor for the team, and that “the bullseye is off our back, and on Fayetteville State’s.” 

Later in the interview, though, he said, “We’re going to win it all.”

The full predicted order of finish for the CIAA in 2009

1.  Fayetteville State                                                                                                                             2 . (tie). Shaw                                                                                                                                         2.  (tie) Elizabeth City State
3.  St. Augustine’s
4.  Virginia Union
5.  Virginia State
6.  Bowie State
7.  Saint Paul’s
8.  Livingstone
9.  Chowan
10.Johnson C. Smith