The Western Nebraska Community College men's soccer team received some good news on Monday after the NJCAA released its pre-season poll on Monday.
The Cougar men, who competed at the national tournament last fall, earned the 18th seed for the upcoming season.
Eseah Ingram, WNCC head coach, said while the ranking is nice, it is more for the players, program, and the community.
"With all due respect, to be honest with you, it really doesn't mean anything," Ingram said. "Yes, the recognition is appreciated but we went all season last year with no ranking and found a way to win the Region and District and get to nationals. I can clarify my answer by saying the ranking proves nothing, but we still have everything to prove."
Ingram said being ranked means they have to keep working hard to prove they belong in there and focusing on one match at a time.
"We must train, prepare, and play like we are a top 20 team in the country and there is no excuse," the first-year head coach, who served as the assistant WNCC coach a year ago, said. "Every day we must rise to the occasion and the standard and find a way to get even better. I believe we have the right squad to do so and I'm very excited to continue to grow with this team and see where the season takes us. My players are ready."
Iowa Western Community College is the pre-season No. 1 team while Indian Hills Community College is No. 2. WNCC played both teams a year ago. Iowa Western is the defending national champions.
The Cougars will also open the season August 21 and 23 against two ranked teams as they travel to Utah to play No. 9 Salt Lake Community College and No. 17 Snow College. WNCC played Snow College last year as well.
WNCC will have a scrimmage on Wednesday when they travel to Garden City Community College in Kansas and then have a week to get ready for the season opener the following week.