The Colonial Athletic Association released its annual preseason rankings Wednesday, placing Binghamton University’s wrestling program in second out of seven member schools.

2011 CAA champion Hofstra University ranked first, as the school’s 24 votes beat out Binghamton’s 19. Boston University (16), Drexel University (15), Rider University (12), Old Dominion University (11) and George Mason University (3) round out the rankings.

“These rankings are a great starting point for our team,” BU head coach Pat Popolizio said, according to www.bubearcats.com. “Our ultimate goal is to produce national champions and All-Americans. With continued hard work and dedication we look forward to improving our rankings.”

The Bearcats have eight wrestlers ranked in the conference and will be led by senior Justin Lister. Lister is a two-time CAA champion and in 2010 was an All-American.

Binghamton will open the year with its annual Wrestle-Offs on Oct. 29 before hosting George Mason University in its regular season-opener on Nov. 12.