Mount Ida College was selected as the preseason favorite of the Eastern Collegiate Football Conference in a vote conducted by the league’s coaches. Three teams received first place votes in this season's poll exemplifying the parody expected in the ECFC.

The Mustangs, who went 6-1 in league play a season ago and represented the Conference in the NCAA Tournament, received two first place votes and 55 points after finishing 8-3 during the 2012 campaign winning their first ECFC title. The Mount Ida offense will be led by USAFBN preseason all-americans Jordan Hyman (WR) and Chris McNally (RB).

Norwich, who finished 4-2 in conference play last season, received three first place votes and 54 points. The Cadets return 16 starters from a team that played in the ECAC North Atlantic Bowl last year. Highlighting the Norwich attack will be junior running back Al Georgio.

Gallaudet placed third after a 5-2 season in 2012. The Bison received three first place votes and 52 points. The Bison return eight starters on an offense that year ago averaged 32 points per game. ECFC Rookie of the Year Todd Bonheyo returns at quarterback and will have sophomore running back BJ Flores, an All-ECFC first team selection, behind him. 

Castleton, who finished 6-1 and made an appearance in the ECAC Northwest Bowl, placed fourth followed by Maritime, Becker, Husson and Anna Maria.

Prepare for the upcoming 2013 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 2013 including schedule and stats and a preview of the upcoming season.

 1. Mount Ida Mustangs

Head Coach Michael Landers is entering his sixth season at the helm and over the last four years he has taken the Mustangs to new heights with conference, regional and national postseason berths. But Landers and the Mustangs are not interested in talking about last year, where they set a program record for wins with an 8-3 record, won the ECFC and made the school’s first trip to the NCAA tournament. Mount Ida is focused on competing through the "Ninth Round".

2. Norwich Cadets

This season, the off-the-field gear for the Norwich University football team bears the slogan “Be One.” It is a mantra echoed by both the players and the coaching staff in practices and in the locker room. It is a statement that crowns the expectations for the season. In his third year at the helm of the program, Coach Mark Murnyack expects them to compete for the ECFC championship.

3. Gallaudet Bison

The Gallaudet University football program has made great strides under the direction of head coach Chuck Goldstein, who enters his fourth year leading the Bison and fifth with the program. The Bison compiled a 7-3 overall record and 5-2 mark in the ECFC lasst season winning its final two games including a 29-22 win over the Mount Ida, the eventual conference champion.

4. Castleton Spartans

The 2012 football season was a banner campaign for head coach Marc Klatt as the Spartans went 6-4 overall, an impressive 6-1 in conference action, and played in the program’s first bowl game. Klatt knows that he can’t rest on last year’s accomplishments going into his third season and looks forward to the challenge that 2013 brings, especially with only 18 upperclassmen.

5. SUNY Maritime Privateers

 The Maritime football team will be taking the field for its ninth season in 2013 (eighth since rejoining the NCAA in 2006). Head coach Clayton Kendrick-Holmes has been with the squad since the beginning and has built the program from scratch into a championship team. However, the Privateers will be looking to bounce back in 2013, as they are coming off their first losing season since 2008. 

6. Becker Hawks

Head coach Mike Lichten led Becker College football to the most wins in program history last year. The Hawks improved in many offensive categories and return key players for the 2013 season include senior linebacker Melvin Booker and senior quarterback Robert Baker.

7. Husson Eagles

 The 2013 season brings a number of returning faces with both players and coaches. Head Coach Gabby Price rejoins Husson Football after originally starting the program and coaching the Eagles from 2003-2009.  

8. Anna Maria AMCATS

Second-year Head Coach Vince Sinagra returns almost 60 players for the 2013 AMCAT football campaign. He will look to build on his inaugural season at the helm with veteran leadership on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. The AMCATS ended last season winning their final home contest a 44-42 triple-overtime thriller over Husson University and posted two wins for the second consecutive season.