THIBODAUX, La. – After a week off, the Nicholls State University men's and women's cross-country teams will host the 8th Annual Nicholls XC Invitational at Nicholls Farm on Saturday, Oct. 3.
EVENT SCHEDULE
7 a.m. - Colonel Cross Country 3200m (Community Race)
7:30 a.m. - Free Kids 1K Run*
8 a.m. - University Men's 4 Mile
8:30 a.m. University Women's 5k
9 a.m. - High School Boys 5k
9:30 a.m. - High School Girls 5k
10:15 a.m. - Junior Varsity Boys & Girls 3200m
Nicholls is set to compete in a loaded field that features, Dillard, Jackson State, Southern, Spring Hill, Xavier (La.), and Tulane. Last time out the Colonels had a solid showing at the LSU Twilight Relay Invitational. At the meet in Baton Rouge, both squads placed second with the women's unit scoring 34 points while the men had 49.
Nicholls head coach
Stefanie Slekis gave her thoughts on the 8th Annual Nicholls XC Invitational and how it impacts the community.
"We are excited to host another edition of the Nicholls XC Invitational! It is special to have so many participants and spectators come out and see the Nicholls Farm/ Nicholls Biology is doing incredible research and coastal work out at the Farm and we are so fortunate that our course and this event is a top priority for them as well," Slekis said.
Slekis also spoke about some of the organizations she was able to partner with to make the event better.
"This year we are excited to partner with SPA for all Nicholls Students to run or walk the community race for free. We are also excited to welcome back Women's Basketball who has done a tremendous job hosting our FREE kids 1k for 12 & under. Each participant will receive a complimentary women's basketball ticket," Slekis said.
Lastly, Slekis talked about how the teams have looked so far this season and how this home event will get them ready for the back end of the schedule.
"Our men and women are coming off a strong showing at LSU. Our training groups are looking strong, and I am excited to see us working together in pairs and a few packs at our home meet. We have a few individuals we are working on being more aggressive with their start and few that are working on pressing through the middle kilometers of the race better. So this team strategy will serve both of these goals well as we race our furthest distance yet this season with the men's 4mile and women's 5k," Slekis stated.
