Norwich University earned top honors as the preseason favorite of the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference in a vote conducted by the league’s coaches.

The Cadets, who went unbeaten in league play a season ago, received six first place votes after finishing 7-4 during the 2011 campaign winning their second ECFC title.

Maritime, who finished 6-1 in conference play, have head coach Clayton Kendrick-Holmes back at the helm and look to reclaim the ECFC title.

Gallaudet placed third after a 3-4 season in 2011 follwed by Mount Ida, who finished 5-2 in conference and earned their second straight ECAC bowl berth. Castleton and Anna Maria placed fifth and sixth resepectively followed by Becker and Husson.

Prepare for the upcoming 2012 season with a run down of the leagues eight teams. For more information on each of the ECFC squads, click on the logos below.  The information inside includes a key contact information and quick facts, a review of 2012 including schedule and stats and a preview of the upcoming season.

1. Norwich Cadets

Last year marked a historic year for the Norwich University football program. The Cadets went unbeaten in Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC) play to clinch their second league title in the last three seasons, as well as qualified for the NCAA playoffs for the first time in the program's 119-year history.

2. SUNY Maritime Privateers

The Maritime football program moves into the seventh season of its “modern era” in 2012. The Privateers are looking to continue the success of the past two seasons, in which they won the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference Championship in 2010 and then narrowly missed out on going “back-to-back” last season. 

3. Gallaudet Bison

The 2012 Gallaudet University football team will take to Hotchkiss Field this season as a close cohesive unit that is ready to put behind its hard-luck losses of the past two years and begin a new chapter in program history.

 4. Mount Ida Mustangs

Under the direction of fifth year Head Coach Michael Landers the Mount Ida College football program has high hopes for the upcoming 2012 season with visions of NCAA post-season tournament play in their sights after a very successful 2011 campaign (6-5, 5-2 ECFC).

5. Castleton Spartans

With a complete season – and first full recruiting class – under his belt, second-year Head Coach Marc Klatt and his capable staff are eyeing the 2012 season as one to embrace the "team" concept and make strides in a competitive Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (ECFC).

6. Anna Maria AMCATS

After collecting the programs first victory against Becker in 2011, Anna Maria will be riding a team-best two game win streak to start out the 2012 season. The AMCATS finished the '11 campaign with a 2-8 (2-5 ECFC) record, collecting the first home win, road victory and conference tally for the school.

7. Becker Hawks

Becker will return 17 starters from the 2011 season, including Eastern Collegiate Football Conference First Teamers Kyle Gregg and Melvin Booker. Head Coach Mike Lichten is expecting Senior Luis Sanchez and sophomore C.J. Bostic to lead a core of talented wide receivers.

8. Husson Eagles

Husson University Eagles football team is gearing up for the second season under Head Coach Sean Murphy. The Eagles look to improve on their 0-10 season last year which included arguably the toughest non-conference schedule in the country. “This off-season our players have really stepped up to the table and have set the tone for this year’s season”, said Murphy.