THIBODAUX, La. -- The Nicholls State University men's and women's cross-country teams will begin the 2025 season at the Battle for New Orleans at Lake Oaks Park on Friday, Aug. 29. The women's 4K will begin at 5:15 p.m. and the men's 5K race will begin at 5:45 p.m.
 
Nicholls head coach Stefanie Slekis gave her thoughts on the start of the season and how the teams' training sessions have been.
 
"We are excited to get to New Orleans for a fast 4k and 5k fitness check. The Battle for New Orleans is always a competitive opener, and this year LSU has put it back on their schedule as well. We've had great groups in our team training so far so the emphasis will be on working together in those groups and trying to lower our team score from last year and have a competitive showing against the teams in attendance. It's always great to see the University of New Orleans at the opener to get an idea of where we are currently against a Southland school as well keep building in training as we prepare to race 6k and 8k later this season at the championship."