Kats picked first in SLC preseason poll

FRISCO – The Southland Conference released both its preseason poll and preseason all-conference teams this week, with the Sam Houston Bearkats being featured in both.

Four Kats – Colton Cowser, Jack Rogers, Gavin Johnson and Dominic Robinson – were all selected to the preseason all-SLC teams, while SHSU garnered 16 first-place votes and 278 total points as it was chosen as the favorite to claim the league crown in the poll voted on by SLC head coaches and sports information directors.

Cowser, Rogers and Johnson were all automatically named to the preseason first team while Robinson was voted as a second-team choice.

Each of the Kats' three first teamers were preseason all-league choices entering the 2020 season and were placed back onto the team upon their return for the 2021 campaign. Robinson, meanwhile, was off to a stellar start as a senior in 2020 with 30 strikeouts to just five walks and a 1.23 ERA over 22.0 innings.

It is also the eighth time since 2013 that the Bearkats have been the preseason choice to win the league. With all but two players back from a year ago and a talented group of new additions, the Kats reeled in 16 first-place votes, nine more than McNeese who was selected second with seven first-place votes and 256 total points.

Southeastern Louisiana, Central Arkansas and Northwestern State made up spots 3-5 and received one first-place nod apiece. New Orleans, UIW, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Nicholls and Abilene Christian rounded out the top 10 while Stephen F. Austin, Lamar and Houston Baptist were chosen as the bottom three.

The Kats will kick off the 2021 season on Friday, February 19 with a three-game series against No. 20 Oklahoma State at Don Sanders Stadium.

Fans are encouraged to check GoBearkats.com for broadcast updates and to be aware that SHSU, Southland Conference and NCAA COVID-19 protocols will be in place throughout the season.

Fans are also reminded that no walk-up ticket sales will be available for the 2021 season and all sales must be made in advance. Single-game ticket allotments will not be available until at least 48 hours from each game, following the team's pass lists being turned in to SHSU officials.

For ticket information or questions, fans should contact the Bearkat Ticket Office at 936-294-1729.

Kats picked first in SLC preseason poll

Players Mentioned

Colton Cowser

Gavin Johnson

Dominic Robinson

Jack Rogers

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