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

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

The Mid-Con Indoor Championships are slated to be held February 26-27 in Bloomington, Ill.

2005-2006 Mid-Continent Conference Preseason Poll

Team Points
1. Oral Roberts 23 (3)
2. Southern Utah 21 (2)
3. Western Illinois 19 (1)
4. UMKC 10
5. Valparaiso 9
6. Chicago State 8
(First place votes in parentheses)