Wesley Ranked Third by D3football.com

James Buettner

Complete Top 25

MINNEAPOLIS - Wesley College is ranked third in the D3football.com Preseason Top 25, released Friday.

It is actually a one spot improvement over the Wolverines' No. 4 ranking in the final poll of 2010 after advancing to the NCAA Division III Semifinals and finishing 12-1.

Wisconsin-Whitewater, the defending national champions, claimed 19 of the 25 first place votes to top the poll.  Mount Union, who squared off with the Warhawks in the Stagg Bowl, garnered the remaining six votes for the top spot and enter the year ranked second.

After Wesley, the other team from last year's semifinals, North Central (Ill.) rates fourth.  St. Thomas (Minn.) rounds out the top 25. 

The Wolverines have also been ranked third this summer by The Sporting News, USA Today and Lindy's.

Training camp opens on August 11 in preparation for the 2011 season opener against East Texas Baptist on September 3 at Scott D. Miller Stadium.