LAKE CHARLES, La. – The Southeastern Louisiana cross country team opens the 2019 schedule Friday night at the McNeese Invitational at the Enos Derbonne Sports Complex.
                                                                                        
The four-team meet includes SLU, McNeese, LSU and Louisiana College. The women's 3K race begins at 6 p.m. with the men's 6K immediately following at 6:30 p.m.
 
Southeastern opens the season with promise on both the men's and women's side going into Friday's race.
 
For the men, senior Grant O'Callaghan returns after six top 10 finishes in 2018. The Flowery Branch, Georgia native, will look to defend his title Friday after winning the 4K McNeese Invitational last year.

Also for the men, junior Adam Cortez looks for a repeat of last season. The El Paso, Texas product, turned in three top ten finishes last season including second place at the Mississippi College Invitational Oct. 13, 2018.

Junior Sophie Daigle leads the charge for the women. The Donaldsonville, Louisiana native, had three top-four finishes a year ago while finishing fourth at the McNeese 3K.
"We are extremely excited about the work the guys and girls have been putting in over the summer," said SLU cross country head coach Corey Mistretta. "We look forward to seeing how a competitive race situation is going to work out for them. (Assistant coach (Rocky Capello) has been doing a wonderful job developing this group and he believes we have some exciting things to look forward to this year."

Following Friday's races, SLU will have a two-week break before returning to action Friday, Sept. 13 at the Rice Invitational in Houston, Texas.

PODIUM CLUB/S CLUB  
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the track and field program are encouraged to join the Podium Club. Lion alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners. All membership fees and donations to Podium Club are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern track and field program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
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