Joseph Marvin: Assistant Sports Information Director

OFFICIAL USA SOUTH RELEASE

BREVARD, N.C. – The USA South Conference released its 2019 Preseason Men's Lacrosse Coaches' Poll on Wednesday, tabbing the Brevard College Tornados seventh, as Brevard received 18 total points.

Placing atop the poll was defending Conference Regular Season and Tournament champions, Huntingdon College, led by Andrew Carey. The Hawks are coming off a 16-3 season and have yet to drop a USA South contest.

The USA South welcomed Brevard College and Pfeiffer University last season. These two institutions are currently reclassifying from NCAA Division II status but this year are included in the preseason poll and eligible for regular season championship and individual honors. Brevard and Pfeiffer still will not be eligible for USA South or NCAA Tournament play until full DIII membership is established.

Head Coach Jim Fritz and Assistant Coach Arno Oliver begin their first season together at the helm of Brevard College Men's Lacrosse. The Tornados are coming off their most successful season in program history, as BC finished 2018 with a 9-3 record. Brevard enjoyed success against USA South schools last season, going 5-2 against teams currently in the conference.

Coach Fritz has some familiarity with USA South competition, having coached at fellow NCAA DIII-transitioning member Pfeiffer University. Coach Fritz served as the head coach at Pfeiffer from 1990-2002 where he built a successful program that produced two Conference Championships, 50 All-Conference Selections, 24 All-Americans, six North/South Selections, and three NCAA Record Holders.

The Tornados return Jackson McKaig, who led the 2018 team in goals (50) and points (70). Sophomore Sam Duffie comes into his sophomore season after a breakthrough freshman campaign that included 22 assists, which ranked second on the team. Junior Robert Kokal led 2018's Tornados squad with an impressive 92 ground balls.

Brevard kicks off its 2019 season on Wednesday afternoon as it heads to Montreat, N.C. to face the NAIA's Montreat College at 5 p.m.