NEW ORLEANS -- The United States Track & Field Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) released its first regional ranking of the 2010 season with the Wichita State University women's cross country team placing seventh in the MIdwest Region after a runner-up finish at the J.K. Gold Classic on Sept. 4.

The Shockers had eight runners finish in the top-25 of the J.K. Gold Classic with seniors Tonya Nero and Leah Thompson and junior transfer Patrober Murindat placing inside the top-10.  Nero, who won the women's 4K race, was later named the Missouri Valley Conference and WSU Athlete of the Week while also garnering the conference's Academic Scholar-Athlete of the Week award.

Wichita State was joined in the Midwest Regional poll by fellow MVC schools Illinois State (12th) and Missouri State (14th).

WSU will compete this coming Saturday, Sept. 18, at the Iowa Invitational in Iowa City, Ia.