Wichita State track and field coach Steve Rainbolt values Missouri Valley Conference titles as the end, not the means to an end. That makes his program unique at Wichita State, where others may value a conference title, but largely as a path to NCAA competition.
Rainbolt targets the MVC meets as his No. 1 goal. He awards scholarship money based on points scored in conference meets. NCAA competition is important for individuals, usually a few elite ones who qualify. Winning an MVC title is a team accomplishment and Rainbolt considers recruiting, organizing, coaching and motivating a full team his priority.