NEW ORLEANS - The Wichita State men's and women's cross country teams each hold the No. 13 spot in the NCAA Division I preseason regional rankings released by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Monday.

The Shocker men start five spots higher than where they finished last year whereas the women fall one spot to begin the 2012 season.

In the men's regional rankings, Oklahoma State holds the Midwest's top spot, followed by Oklahoma, Tulsa, Minnesota, and Iowa State. MVC opponents Southern Illinois (10^th) and Drake (11^th) are also ranked in the Region. Indiana State, which won the 2011 men's MVC title is ranked 12^th in the Great Lakes Region to begin the season.

On the Women's side, Iowa State is the top-ranked team in the Midwest, followed by Oklahoma State, Minnesota, Northwestern, and Iowa. Reigning MVC champion Illinois State starts the season ranked ninth. Fellow MVC opponent, Bradley begins the season ranked 11^th in the Midwest.

The Shockers open their season on Saturday in the 64^th Annual J.K. Gold Classic in Augusta, Kan. Shocker senior Aliphine Tuliamuk won the women's 4K in 13:40.10 at last years J.K. Gold Classic.

- Wichita State -