ST. LOUIS -- The Wichita State University cross country teams were picked to finish second on the women's side and fifth on the men's in the 2008 Missouri Valley Conference preseason coaches' poll.

The three-time defending champion Shocker women received three first-place votes in the poll, while Missouri State, picked first received six first-place votes and a total of 95 points. The Shockers were four points behind with 91. Illinois State earned the final first-place vote, while totaling 69 points to tie for third with Southern Illinois.

For the men, WSU was picked fifth with 45 points, just eight behind fourth-place Drake. Southern Illinois led the men's vote with six first-place votes and 77 points, while Illinois State had two first-place votes and 71 points. Indiana State was tabbed third with 65 points and one first-place vote.

The Shocker women are led by 2007 Athlete of the Year Kellyn Johnson and all-MVC teammate Olivia Martinez. WSU will also have the services of 2006 all-MVC runner Kimber Lemon, who redshirted last season. Johnson ran away with the individual title at last season's championship to help the Shockers to their third straight MVC championship.

For the men, who finished sixth at last year's championships, Scott Reed is the top returner, along with fellow senior Nick Nowak. Reed was 18th last season, while Nowak was 25th.

The Shockers open the season this Friday, Aug. 29, at the Iowa Open in Iowa City, Iowa. The Shocker men will run a 6k, while the women will compete on a 4k course.