THIBODAUX, La. -- Nicholls State University cross country head coach Stefanie Slekis announced the schedule for the fall campaign.
 
The Red & Gray will begin the season at the UNO XC Opener in New Orleans on Aug. 29. After that the Colonels will compete in the LSU Invitational in Baton Rouge on Sept. 12.
 
The schedule is highlighted by the sixth annual Nicholls XC Invitational presented by Walk-On's that will be held at Nicholls Farm on Sept. 27.
 
The Colonels will cross state lines for the only time to compete in the Arturo Barrios Invitational, hosted by Texas A&M in College Station, Texas. The Red & Gray run in the Southland Conference Championship in Natchitoches on Oct. 31 before finishing the season at the NCAA South Central Region Championship on Nov. 14.
 
Slekis spoke about the excitement heading into the season.
 
"I am looking forward to our schedule this year. We have three local meets to kick off our season, which is great for family and friends to come out and support. Our home meet is on Saturday, September 27th at the Nicholls Farm and with football away that weekend and our Live Cajun Music we are hoping for a large attendance of family, friends, alumni, and supporters to come out and enjoy a festival of races. Northwestern State will be hosting the Southland Conference Cross Country Championship on October 31st; which our Louisiana natives are familiar with parts of their course from the LHSAA state championship especially our entire freshman class all coming from Louisiana and having raced the state meet there last year, Slekis said."