LATROBE, Pa. (Aug. 4) -- Thiel College Football was represented by head coach Sam Bauman and junior punter Spencer Cleary (Geelong, Australia/Greenville (Pa.)) at Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) Media Day Tuesday afternoon from the campus of Saint Vincent College.

Bauman, who is entering his fifth season at the helm of the program, emphasized the continued leadership growth of the program as the Cats look to rebound from a tough 1-9 2025 campaign.

"That's really where we have taken a step forward this offseason, is the leadership that our players have been able to show," Bauman said.

Cleary emphasized the growth and development of the team as they look to build a winning culture.

"There is a lot more school pride among our players, and it shows," he said. "I've talked to the incoming freshmen and the guys returning, and they see the vision It's a genuine belief that these guys have, and it's great to be a part of."

The PAC also released its annual Preseason Poll. The Tomcats were picked to finish 10th with 87 points. Washington and Jefferson was picked to finish first with 497 points and 37 first-place marks. Grove City (453 points) was second with five first-place marks and Westminster (395) was third with three first-place tallies.

Thiel opens its 2026 campaign on Sept. 5 with a road tilt at Alfred State before coming home in week two for a clash with Adrian.