NORMAN, Okla. (Aug. 28, 2015) – Oklahoma Christian's long history of success in men's golf apparently is putting the Eagles on the radar screen as they move into full-time NCAA Division II competition.

OC finished tied for 41st in the voting in the Bushnell Golfweek Preseason Division II coaches' poll, which was released Friday. The Eagles received 16 points in the balloting and are the second-highest Heartland Conference finisher, trailing only St. Edward's (Texas), which received 37 points and was 30th.

The Eagles have finished in the top four of a national tournament (either NAIA or NCCAA) for 16 straight academic years, winning national titles in 2009 (NAIA), 2011 (NAIA) and 2012 (NCCAA). OC has the returning Heartland player of the year in senior Sam Johnston.

Defending Division II champion Nova Southeastern (Fla.) was No. 1 in the preseason poll, followed by Lynn (Fla.), South Carolina-Aiken and Barry (Fla.). Central Missouri and Florida Southern were tied at No. 5, followed by Saint Leo (Fla.), Chico State (Calif.), Simon Fraser (British Columbia) and California State-Monterey Bay. OC's cross-Edmond rival, Central Oklahoma, was at No. 11.

Two teams in Division II's South Central Region – in which OC will compete – made the top 25. Western New Mexico was No. 18 while Cameron was No. 24. OC was sixth among South Central Region teams in the voting.

The Eagles will open their fall season Sept. 14-15 at the Ryan Palmer Foundation Invitational at Tascosa Country Club in Amarillo, Texas.