THIBODAUX, La. – Nicholls State University men's and women's cross-country team announces its schedule for the 2026 season.
Nicholls will open the season close by in the Battle for New Orleans hosted by Southland Conference foe LSU-New Orleans and Tulane on September 4. The Colonels will then travel to Baton Rouge on September 18 for the LSU Invitational.
The schedule is highlighted by the Nicholls XC Invitational at Nicholls Farm on October 3. The Red & Gray will conclude the regular season at the Arturo Barrios Invitational hosted by Texas A&M in College Station, Texas on October 16. The SLC Championship will be in Lake Charles on October 30.
Nicholls Cross Country head coach
Stefanie Slekis gave her thoughts on opening the season in New Orleans.
"We are really excited about our schedule 2026 fall schedule. Opening a week later than usual gives us another week to train together and feel prepared for a strong showing at one of the more competitive opening meets in the country. Tulane is hosting the American conference championship on this course later this year so this opening meet will also serve as their conference preview meet which will add to the competition level as well," Slekis said.
Slekis is also excited about hosting another meet at the Nicholls Farm.
"We are excited about hosting our home meet on October 3rd to keep the 4-week gap from our opener and hope this weekend attracts some different teams to be able to come and see what competing at the Nicholls Farm is all about. We are excited to continue the tradition of hosting a festival of races with our community race starting us at 7am which also includes a partnership with SPA for Nicholls students to sign up and participate. Women's basketball will be back for the third year in a row to host our free kids 1k which allows children 12 & under to run on the course and receive a complimentary women's basketball ticket upon finishing. Of course, our university races are back with the men going first this year and the high school varsity and JV races will conclude a great morning at the farm. The Cajun Music Preservation society will be back again performing live Cajun music. Alumni are encouraged to reach out as we are expanding the alumni tailgate being offered at the course. All Nicholls alumni are invited to attend not just those who participated in track & field and cross country," Slekis said.
Slekis mentioned how the back end of the schedule will set them up for post season success.
"Our season then shifts to our championship race distances as we get to see the best of the region at the Arturo Barrios invitational before returning there for the South Central region championship. I am also excited for our teams to compete at McNeese for the conference championship. It is a fast, fun course and I think both teams are poised to perform well there," Slekis said.
