The Valparaiso University men's track and field team has been selected in a fourth place tie in the Mid-Continent Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships preseason coaches poll.

The Crusaders were picked in a tie with Chicago State for the fourth spot, ahead of UMKC. Western Illinois is favored to win the championships, followed by Southern Utah and Oral Roberts.

Head coach Tyler Wingard's men's squad is coming off of a fourth place finish in last year's championship.

The 2004 Mid-Con Indoor Track and Field Championships will be held February 27-28 in Sterling, Ill.

2004 Mid-Continent Conference Preseason Poll-Men's Indoor Track & Field
1. Western Illinois (3)-23
2. Southern Utah (2)-21
3. Oral Roberts (1)-19
t-4. Valparaiso-10
t-4. Chicago State-10
6. UMKC-7