Cambridge, Mass. ? The University at Albany men's indoor track and field team has been selected to finish first, while the women's team was chosen to place second, according to the preseason poll of the head coaches conducted by the America East Conference.

The Great Danes were selected to win their third consecutive men's conference championship by receiving all eight first place votes (coaches were not permitted to vote for their own teams), totaling 64 points. New Hampshire, which earned one first place vote, and Boston U. tied for second in the voting with 52 points each. Binghamton came in fourth with 38 points and UMBC tallied 33 points to round out the top-five. Maine was tabbed sixth with 30 points, followed by Stony Brook (26), Vermont (21) and Hartford (8) to complete the nine-team poll.

In the women's poll, Boston U. was selected as the preseason choice to finish the season first and repeat last year's championship. The Terriers received six first place votes to garner 61 points. UAlbany was tabbed first on two ballots and received 56 points for second place, two points ahead of third place New Hampshire, who received the ninth and final first place vote. Binghamton was picked fourth with 37 points and Maine totaled 31 points to round out the top-five preseason picks. Vermont finished sixth with 29 points, followed by UMBC (26), Stony Brook (22) and Hartford (8).

The UAlbany men will be led this season by captains Renauld Buck, Drew Harrison, and Michael McCadney. The Great Danes won six events at last season's conference championship en route to their second consecutive championship and fourth in the past five years. UAlbany returns 2007 indoor champions David Parker (heptathlon), Pat Weider (200-meters and 4x400-meter relay), Jean Juste (55-meter hurdles), McCadney (triple jump), Freddie Wills (long jump), Andrew Overbaugh (4x400-meter relay), and Nick Lemp (4x400-meter relay).

The Great Danes' women's team will be led by captains Jenn Gurrant, Brenna Militello, and Ashley Vives. UAlbany was edged out by Boston U. at last season's conference meet, despite winning eight events. Junior Kamilah McShine (pentathlon and 55-meter hurdles) and senior Militello (high jump) return this year for UAlbany to defend their 2007 championships.

UAlbany opens its 2007-08 season on Saturday, Dec. 1 at Northeastern's Husky Winter Carnival at the Reggie Lewis Center. Women's events begin at 10 a.m., while the men start at 2 p.m.