Thursday afternoon unofficially kicked off the 2017 season for UT Permian Basin football as the Falcons met with local and conference media at the 2017 Lone Star Conference media day held at the Elegante Hotel across from the UTPB campus in Odessa.

Head coach Justin Carrigan, junior wide receiver Mitchell Leonard and sophomore linebacker Chris Hoad were all interviewed on stage before meeting with reporters from area newpapers and television stations.

Coach Carrigan noted in his time on stage how the Falcons are set to continue to build the second-year program the right way.

"These guys have done a pretty good job of understanding what it is we expect out of them. With having guys that have been here for two years, we're starting to see our culture take shape and its been really enjoyable for the coaches over the past few months.

"While we do have some transfers, we've focused on bringing in kids from high school to make sure we're building a solid foundation for years to come. We're trying to make sure we have the right guys in for what we're try to do that will be here for the long haul."

UTPB kicks off the 2017 season Saturday, September 2 at 6 p.m. against Sul Ross at Ratliff Stadium. Season ticket packages are still available and can be purchased by calling ETix at 800-514-3849, online at utpbfalcons.com/tickets or visiting the Wagner-Noel Box Office Monday-Friday between the hours of noon to 5 p.m.

Football: Preseason poll announced

      ODESSA, Texas – Texas A&M-Commerce was selected to repeat as the Lone Star Conference football champions according to the 2017 LSC preseason poll announced Thursday.

      The league's preseason poll reflects the opinions of LSC head coaches and sports information directors, plus various media representatives from throughout the region.

      A&M-C, who claimed its third straight LSC title with an 8-1 league record last season, earned first place votes on 21 of the 26 ballots to total 229 points.  The Lions were 10-2 in 2016 including a NCAA Division II playoff appearance.

      Midwestern State received two first-place nods to finish second with 192 points following an 8-3 campaign last season.

      Texas A&M-Kingsville ranked third with 177 points in front of Eastern New Mexico (136) and Tarleton State (135).  Angelo State (114), West Texas A&M (97), Western New Mexico (45) and UT Permian Basin (45) rounded out the poll.

      TAMUK, TSU and UTPB each collected one of the remaining first-place votes.

      The season kicks off August 31 and the LSC has nine teams set to compete in 2017.  Each team will play eight conference games to determine the LSC Champion.

      Four LSC teams participated in postseason play last season, with A&M-C and MSU advancing to the NCAA Division II playoffs, ENMU playing in the C.H.A.M.P.S. Heart of Texas Bowl, and TAMUK in the Live United Bowl.

No.  Team                                        1st       Total

1    Texas A&M-Commerce            21        229

2    Midwestern State                     2          192

3    Texas A&M-Kingsville               1          177

4    Eastern New Mexico                             136

5    Tarleton State                           1          135

6    Angelo State                                          114

7    West Texas A&M                                  97

T8  Western New Mexico                           45

T8  UT Permian Basin                     1          45