SPRINGFIELD -- Increased construction costs and budgetary concerns have led Missouri State officials to formally withdraw as host of the 2017 Missouri Valley Conference Men's and Women's Outdoor Track & Field Championships, University officials confirmed Wednesday.
 
The MSU administration notified the conference office of its request Monday. The MVC has since extended the opportunity to host the 2017 event to Wichita State University's Cessna Stadium, which WSU has graciously accepted.
 
Bears head coach Ron Boyce noted that his student-athletes were notified of the decision at a team meeting Tuesday night.
 
"The team is extremely disappointed that we are unable to host the MVC Championship meet," said Boyce. "I certainly understand and respect why the final decision was made. We as a team and staff are faced with the very difficult task of moving forward and setting our sights on competing and taking care of our student-athletes as best as possible."
 
Missouri State's lack of a javelin throwing facility originally led the University to delay its turn in the hosting rotation from 2015 to 2017. When it was determined an adequate javelin area was not possible on the main MSU campus due to a lack of adequate space, University officials received an estimate of around $270,000 to build a javelin area for the MVC meet at Parkview High School, a mile from campus. It was later learned that MSU would also have to substantially overhaul and level its current shot put, discus and hammer throwing area adjacent to the track stadium to meet MVC and NCAA postseason specifications. Proposals for constructing both facilities in time for the May 12-14, 2017 MVC meet raised the total cost of the project to nearly $600,000.
 
"The University has been committed to making this work and providing the resources to create a championship-caliber facility on our campus," said Director of Athletics Kyle Moats. "The cooperation from Springfield Public Schools and the many others who have worked tirelessly to keep this dream alive for us is greatly appreciated. However, in light of our University's recent budget challenges, we have to be realistic about how far we can go.
 
"I am heartbroken for our team. They deserve an opportunity to host this meet and show off their track and their campus to the rest of the league. It is a matter of pride for them, and I am disappointed for them."
 
Missouri State's new track facility at Betty and Bobby Allison South Stadium meets or exceeds national standards for all running events. As javelin is not a required event for regular-season meets or invitationals, having a javelin throwing area is not essential for hosting regular-season home track meets.
 
"Our entire conference, coaches and student-athletes, were looking forward to competing at Missouri State," said Steve Rainbolt, Wichita State head track and field coach. "I feel bad for Missouri State's student-athletes and coaches that they are not able to host, and at the same time, we always enjoy the opportunity to host conference championships at Wichita State."