WICHITA, Kan.- With the Missouri Valley Conference Outdoor Championships just a week away, 26 Shocker athletes will try to prove that they belong at the conference meet.

The Wichita State Track & Field team will send these 26 athletes to the Air Force Twilight Open to earn their spot on the conference roster. Only 64 athletes (32 men and 32 women) will represent the Shockers at the MVC Outdoor Championships.

“We're excited to have this final tune-up for next week's MVC Championships,” said Assistant Director of Track & Field, John Wise. “Air Force has a great facility and several Shockers will be looking to make the conference team from this meet.”

This trip to Colorado Springs, Colo. will also see the Shocker pole vaulters tune up one final time before their trip to the MVC meet.

“We're hoping really to amp up our performances and get some good marks heading into the conference meet,” said junior pole vaulter Alex Freshour.

 The pole vault squad has been inconsistent this season for the Shockers. As the their captain, Freshour hopes to lead them to strong performances at the conference meet.

“I like to lead these guys,” Freshour said. “I think we vault really well if we're all together.”

Freshour's spot on the conference roster is essentially locked, but the competition is high for the final few spots on the conference roster. The top eight finishers score points for the team at the MVC Championships. These 26 athletes will try to show their coaches that they rank among the eight best at their event in the Valley.

The Air Force Twilight Open begins at 1:30 p.m. on Friday an continue late into the night. For all the information on the Wichita State Track & Field Team, check out the Shockers' virtual guide.

-Wichita State-