BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- After taking the past two weeks off, the Nicholls State University track & field program returns to action at the Samford Bulldog Open, a crucial out-of-conference meet set for the late Friday, Feb. 14 and all day Saturday, Feb. 15 at the Birmingham CrossPlex in Birmingham, Ala.

For third-year head coach Stefanie Slekis, the opportunity to compete at the Birmingham CrossPlex just two weeks prior to the venue hosting the Southland Conference Indoor Championships offers a number of advantages to her athletes, particularly those who have yet get a "feel" for the facility in general.

"We cannot wait to get to Birmingham to compete this weekend," Slekis said. "Coach Lord and I have seen tremendous progress is training the past six weeks and everyone is ready to compete at a level to set new personal bests and Nicholls All-Time Top 10 marks as well as post competitive marks for the Southland Conference rankings. Racing and competing at this facility is crucial for our sprints/hurdles/jumps/multis event group so they can get a feel for the banked turn in the 200m and 400m and the setup for the 60m and 60m Hurdles on the inside of the track. We have the Southland Conference Indoor Championships back here in just two weeks, and getting the right feel will serve as major preparation for that meet."

WHAT: The Samford Bulldog Open
WHEN: Friday, Feb. 14 - Saturday, Feb. 15 | All Day
WHERE: Birmingham CrossPlex | Birmingham, Ala.
MEDIA: Meet Info

COMPLETE PROGRAM BREAKDOWN
Schedule | Men's Roster | Women's Roster

UP NEXT
The Red & Gray close out the pre-Southland Conference Championships schedule next weekend, traveling back to Baton Rouge, La. for the LSU Twilight meet, set for Friday, Feb. 21 at the Carl Maddox Fieldhouse.

STAY SOCIAL
For more information on Colonels Track & Field/Cross Country, follow the team on Twitter (@Nicholls_XCTF), Instagram (@geauxcolonels) and like their Facebook page (Nicholls Athletics).