NEW YORK, NY-  The Sonoma State men's golf team has been ranked No. 12 in the Golf World/Nike Golf  Preseason national coaches' poll.  The defending CCAA and West Region champions will tee off for the first time on September 26th at the Western Washington Invitational in Bellingham, Washington.

The Seawolves had a break through season in 2007-08, ranking No. 1 or No. 2 in the nation for virtually the entire year.  The team steamrolled through the post-season, taking CCAA and West Region crowns before finishing 16th at the NCAA Division II Championship in Houston. 

Two-time national player of the year Jarin Todd returns this fall for his senior season.  Todd is already the most decorated student-athlete in Sonoma State history.  He will be joined by Patrick Bauer, an All-American as a freshman in '08, and Spencer Shishido, the top freshman on the 2007 squad. 

West Florida, the 2008 national championship winning team, will open up the new season as the No. 1 team in the nation.  They will be followed by eight teams all located in the U.S. Southeast. 

Western Washington is the top-ranked west region team at No. 10.  Cal State Stanislaus is No. 11, one spot ahead of the Seawolves. 

The No. 12 national ranking is the highest pre-season ranking in school history for the Seawolves.  They opened up the 2007-08 campaign ranked No. 18.

Golf World/Nike Golf Coaches' Poll
NCAA Division II Pre-Season
1.  West Florida
2.  St. Edward's
3.  Florida Southern
4.  USC-Aiken
5.  North Alabama
6.  Georgia College
7.  Nova Southeastern
8.  Barry
9.  Valdosta State
10.  Western Washington
11.  Cal State Stanislaus
12.  Sonoma State
13.  Columbus State
14.  Clayton State
15.  Belmont Abbey
16t.  Central Oklahoma
16t. Washburn
18.  Abilene Christian
19.  Grand Canyon
20.  Chico State
21.  Lynn
22.  Indianapolis
23.  Colorado-Colorado Springs
24.  Armstrong Atlantic State
25.  Cameron