NEW ORLEANS - The Wichita State women's cross country team is ranked sxith in the first Midwest Regional poll of the season. NCAA Division I Cross Country regional polls were announced today by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.

The Shockers will travel to the University of Iowa, who is ranked third in the Midwest, on Saturday. Illinois holds the top spot with Minnesota coming in second, while Nebraska and Oklahome State are ranked fourth and fifth, respectively.

Nine regions represent D-I cross country with last year's women's champion, Stanford, earning the nation's overall top ranking.

The Shockers kicked off the 2007 season by winning their third consecutive J.K. Gold Classic team title. The victory came in convincing fashion as Kellyn Johnson led a 1-2-3 Shocker finish. Mica Land and Olivia Martinez finished second and third, respectively.

WSU was also named the preseason favorite to win the MVC Championship after winning each of the last two team championships. Land, along with 2006 MVC runner-up Chelsie Baldwin and Kimber Lemon each return with all-MVC honors.

USTFCCCA NCAA Division I Regional Rankings
Midwest Region Poll
1. Illinois
2. Minnesota
3. Iowa
4. Nebraska
5. Oklahoma State
6. Wichita State
7. Tulsa
8. Missouri
9. Missouri State
10. Oklahoma
11. Kansas State
12. Kansas
13. Northern Iowa
14. Iowa State
15. Illinois State