DURHAM, NC- The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) in conjunction with the CIAA Football Coaches Association and Sports Information Directors Association announced the 2016 Preseason All-CIAA Team and Predicted Order of Finish on Wednesday evening.  The Chowan University Hawks were picked sixth overall and fourth in the CIAA Northern Division.  Demetrius Newberry was tabbed to the Preseason All-CIAA Team. 

The Hawks matched a program-best 6-4 overall record in 2015 and posted a 4-3 mark in CIAA Northern Division play.  Chowan defeated an NCAA Division I opponent (Delaware State University) for the first time in program history while also earning wins over Saint Augustine's University, Elizabeth  City State University, and perennial powerhouse Winston-Salem State  University for the first time.

Newberry, a rising senior, led the Blue and White defensive efforts with 61 total tackles on the season, including 44 solo stops.  The Brunswick, Georgia native recorded 4.5 tackles for loss (16 yards), seven pass break-ups, and recovered two fumbles for 56 yards.  Newberry was an All-CIAA Honorable Mention selection in 2015.
 
Defending CIAA Northern Division Champion, Bowie State University grabbed the top divisional preseason ranking followed by Virginia Union University and Virginia State University earning second and third place rankings, respectively.  Elizabeth City State University was picked to finish fifth in the Northern Division race followed by Lincoln University (PA) in sixth. 

Winston-Salem State University looks to repeat as CIAA Champion this season.  After clinching the title in 2015, the Rams grabbed the top overall and Southern Division ranking.  Bowie State University, Virginia Union University, and Virginia State University were predicted to finish second, third, and fourth in the overall preseason rankings, respectively.  Fayetteville State University was voted to finish fifth overall.  Livingstone College and Elizabeth City State University grabbed the seventh and eighth overall spots followed by Johnson C. Smith University with a ninth place ranking.  Shaw University and Lincoln University (PA) were voted to finish tenth and eleventh overall with Saint Augustine's University rounding out the preseason poll in twelfth place. 

The CIAA officially kicks-off the 2016 season on Thursday with CIAA Football Media Day.  Chowan Head Coach Tim Place will be on-hand to discuss his outlook on the upcoming season.  Standouts Tyree Lee and Newberry will join Place as student-athlete representatives for the event.