MOUNT PLEASANT - The Mid-American Conference wrestling coaches have selected Central Michigan as the preseason favorite to win its 11th conference championship in the last 12 years.

CMU (28 points) edged out 2009 conference champion Kent State (26 points) in the preseason poll balloting. Northern Illinois was third, followed by Ohio, Buffalo and Eastern Michigan.

CMU had won 10 consecutive MAC titles prior to last season. The Chippewas have won the conference tournament each of the last eight seasons.

The MAC also released its preseason individual weight class rankings. Eight Chippewas are ranked either first or second in their weight class, including four who are the preseason top-ranked wrestler in their weight class: Conor Beebe (125 pounds), Steve Brown (157), Mike Miller (174) and Jarod Trice (285).

Ranked second are Scotti Sentes (133), Tyler Grayson (165), Ben Bennett (184) and Eric Simaz (197). Jeff Shutich is ranked third at 141 pounds, while Tony D'Alie is ranked fourth at 149.

CMU will compete at the Eastern Michigan Open this weekend. The Chippewas' home opener is slated for Sunday, Nov. 15 against Chattanooga. CMU will host the MAC Championships March 6-7 at Rose Center.