Colorado Springs, Colo.,   On Monday afternoon, the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference released its 2024-25 men's basketball preseason coaches' poll which places Western Colorado 11th with 74 points.

The Mountaineers finished the 2023-24 season with an overall record of 11-17; recording their most season (11) and RMAC (8) wins since 2019-20.

Zac Claus entering his second season as the Mountaineers' head coach returns eleven members of his squad with the addition of four.

Western Colorado's top three scorers are back this season, senior Kade Juelfs (352 total - 13 ppg), sophomore Tyler Halligan (189 - 8.2 ppg) and senior Amar Rivers (184 - 6.6 ppg).  Also back are WCU's top three rebounders junior Andrew Reichart (120 total - 4.3 rpg), senior Jamel Hollins ( 101 - 5.3 rpg) and Rivers (101 - 3.6 rpg).

Colorado School of Mines holds the number one spot after receiving eleven first-place votes.

The Mountaineers will open their season on the road Monday, November 4 at 6pm in Orem, Utah competing against the University of Utah Valley in an exhibition game.

WCU's home opener is on Friday, November 22 at 6pm versus Justice College.

For more information visit gomountaineers.com.