Football: Defending PAC Champions Westminster Picked First in PAC Preseason Poll

LATROBE, Pa. – The reigning Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) Champions Westminster College football team was picked to finish first in the PAC for the 2021 season. 

The league's preseason poll, as voted on by PAC head coaches, sports information directors, and media panel in attendance, was announced this afternoon at the PAC Football Media Day, hosted by Saint Vincent.
 
Westminster collected 21 first-place votes and totaled 316 points to headline the poll. 
 
"We are honored and humbled to be picked preseason number one. I believe that distinction is more of a reward for our spring season. Moving forward and preparing for the 2021 fall season is our team's main focus. We are eager to compete," said eighth-year head coach Scott Benzel.  
 
Joining Benzel at PAC Media Day Tuesday was Preseason All-American senior linebacker Ian Barr (State College, PA / State College).  
 
"I'm very excited (about being picked No. 1 in the preseason) and it shows that our work is being recognized. I can't wait to go out and prove why we got that ranking." 
 
Barr joined seniors defensive end Brayden Thimons (Natrona Heights, PA / Highlands), safety Bryce Thomas (Saint Marys, GA / Camden County), quarterback Cole Konieczka (Coraopolis, PA / Moon Area), and Frank Antuono (New Castle, PA / Neshannock), along with junior center Devin Little (Beaver Falls, PA / Beaver Falls) on the "PAC Players to Watch" list.  
 
Westminster, nationally ranked No. 12, will open its season hosting No. 1 Mount Union on Saturday, September 4 at 1 p.m. 

For more Westminster Athletics news, go to westminster.edu/athletics. 

*Written by Nathan LaRiccia, Sports Information Director (The PAC contributed)

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