(NEW ORLEANS) – For the fifth consecutive week, Jennies track and field finds themselves at the top of the USTFCCCA (United States Track and Field and Cross Country Association) poll. UCM topped the ballot with 161.86 points. They also top the Central Region rankings.

The Mules track team is also ranked for the fourth straight week. They check in at No. 21 in the latest rankings with 57.30 points and remain fourth in the Central Region poll.

Both teams are gearing up for the conference championship meet this weekend in St. Charles, Mo. The Jennies look to defend their indoor title, while the Mules look for their first conference title since 2011. The men finished second during the indoor season to Pittsburg State by 12 points.

While the focus is on the MIAA championships, the Jennies have five automatic NCAA national qualifiers and 12 provisional. The Mules have one automatic qualifier and eight provisional.

The conference championships take place Friday-Sunday, May 1-3 and are hosted by Lindenwood.