CNU unranked in preseason Division III poll

Not a lot of love for Christopher Newport University, which advanced to the Final Four last winter for the first time in program history. The Captains, picked to finish third in the USA South Conference behind Greensboro College and Ferrum, are not ranked in the preseason ESPN Division III Coaches Poll.

CNU, however, is the first team in the receiving votes cateory with 22. Randolph Macon is lone other Virginia team receivingn votes in the poll with 7.

We can't blame the coaches for overlooking the Captains, as coach Carolyn Hunter abruptly resigned over the summer and Chelsie Schweers, the most decorated player in school history, has graduated.

Stunning news out of Christopher Newport University

OK, we're mystified by the latest bomb from Division III Christopher Newport University in Newport News. Coach Carolyn Hunter "resigned" on Friday.

"I wouldn't believe anything you hear" about Hunter's departure, CNU athletic director C.J. Woollum told the Daily Press. "Coach Hunter resigned. The speculation runs wild, but 99.9 (percent) is inaccurate. I wouldn't put any stock in any of the rumors you hear."

If you're wondering why the news is so shocking, remember it was Hunter who led the Captains to their first-ever Final Four last season and a 30-4 record. The year before that CNU was 30-4, advancing to the Sweet 16. Hunter was 265-103 in 13 seasons with the Captains.

And by the way, practice starts in six weeks. Senior associate athletic director Jon Waters is the interim coach.