RUSTON, La. -- Just a two weeks removed from enduring a major schedule adjustment due to the fallout from Hurricane Ida, the Nicholls State University cross country program heads back out to the course in the team's first notable test of the young 2021 campaign at the Louisiana Tech Mook 4 Invitational, squaring off against seven opposing squads -- six within Division I competition -- throughout the morning of Saturday, Sept. 18 in Ruston, La.

WHAT: The Louisiana Tech Mook 4 Invitational
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 18 | 8:30 a.m. (M); 9:15 a.m. (W)
WHERE: Louisiana Tech Farm | Ruston, La.
MEDIA: Meet Info

With the Colonels finally settled after the sudden displacement to the Louisiana-Monroe campus a fortnight ago, not to mention the requisition of the team's competition spikes after missing them during the season opener, head cross country coach Stefanie Slekis looks forward to viewing her runners back at full strength.

"Our student-athletes are excited to get back out on the course and race again tomorrow," Slekis said. "The team has had a great training block since our opener and definitely getting settled in Monroe for a bit and having our competition shoes makes them feel really prepared for this opportunity. The Tech Farm features some hills which we are excited about since the Southland Conference Championship and South Central Region will have some short hills on their courses as well. We're grateful Coach Stanley could add out team to the meet and not only is the hillier course a great fit for us, but we also get to race six different Division I programs that we usually don't get to see this early in the season."

The Louisiana Tech Mook 4 Invitational kicks off with the men's 4-mile at 8:30 pm before the women jump into the action just under an hour later with a 4k of their own.

LA TECH MOOK 4 INVITATIONAL PARTICIPANTS
Louisiana Tech -- HOST
Nicholls
Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Grambling
Jackson State
Northwestern State
Louisiana-Monroe
Bossier Parish CC

UP NEXT
After wrapping up the Louisiana Tech Mook 4 Invitational this weekend, the Red & Gray return to Thibodaux for their lone home meet of the season, hosting the Nicholls XC Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 2 at the Manning Fields.

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