The Valparaiso men's track and field team has been picked to finish in fifth place at the Mid-Continent Conference Outdoor Championships, according to the preseason poll released today.

The Crusaders received 14 points in the voting, comprised of the league's seven head coaches. Oral Roberts was chosen to win the conference championship, with Southern Utah and Western Illinois close behind. UMKC, Valpo, Oakland, and Chicago State rounded out the voting.

The Mid-Con Outdoor Championships are slated to be held May 11-13 in Macomb, Ill.

2005-2006 Mid-Continent Conference Preseason Poll

Team Points
1. Oral Roberts 35 (5)
2. Southern Utah 32 (2)
3. Western Illinois 25
4. UMKC 22
5. Valparaiso 14
6. Oakland 11
7. Chicago State 8
(First place votes in parentheses)