STORM LAKE, Iowa (Feb. 3, 2026) - The American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) announced its 2026 A-R-C Preseason Coaches poll this afternoon, and it has Buena Vista voted to finish ninth.
The Beavers are coming off a tough 7-27 campaign from last season, including an 0-16 mark in conference play, and received 12 points in the poll. This year's team will still be relatively young, but will be made up of a good mix of experienced returners and a large group of talented newcomers.
Simpson College received seven of the possible eight first-place votes and totaled 62 points to earn the top spot by the coaches. Wartburg College (54pts) also landed one first-place vote and was second behind the Storm. Central College (47pts) received the final first-place vote and edged out Loras College (44pts) for third.