Xavier Rush, Nuggets will run at 2 SEC-hosted meets in 2016

NEW ORLEANS — For the first time in 13 years, Xavier University of Louisiana's men's and women's cross country teams will compete in a pair of meets at SEC schools.

The Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets will travel to Baton Rouge, La., for the LSU Invitational Sept. 17 and to Tuscaloosa, Ala., for the University of Alabama's Crimson Classic Oct. 14.

Joseph Moses, beginning his 12th season as head coach, announced Tuesday the 2016 schedule of the Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets. The first meet will be the third annual Xavier Big Easy Opener Aug. 26 at City Park, about four miles from the XU campus.

Xavier will compete Sept. 2 and Oct. 7 in meets at NCAA Division II's Mississippi College. The other XU local appearance will be Sept. 10 in the Allstate Sugar Bowl Festival at Lafreniere Park in suburban Metairie, La.

The Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Championships will return in late October after a year's absence. Date and venue of the meet have not been determined. Xavier was the GCAC men's and women's team champion nine consecutive seasons (2006-14).

"We are excited about the 2016 season and our schedule," Moses said. "Our runners are excited about competing in the large SEC meets. The LSU and Alabama meets will help us prepare well for the GCAC and NAIA championships."

The GCAC team champions will qualify automatically for the NAIA National Championships Nov. 19. Charlotte, N.C., will be the site of that meet for the second consecutive year.

Xavier University of Louisiana 2016 Men's and Women's Cross Country Schedule Friday, Aug. 26 XAVIER BIG EASY OPENER, City Park, 5:30 p.m. women, 6 p.m. men Friday, Sept. 2 Mississippi College Season Opener, Clinton, Miss., 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 Allstate Sugar Bowl Festival, Metairie, La., 7:50 a.m. men, 8:25 a.m. women Saturday, Sept. 17 LSU Invitational, Baton Rouge, La., 7:30 a.m. men, 8:20 a.m. women Friday, Oct. 7 Watson Ford Invitational, Clinton, Miss., 4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14 Crimson Classic, Tuscaloosa, Ala., TBA TBA Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Championships, site TBA Saturday, Nov. 19 NAIA National Championships, Charlotte, N.C., 10:30 a.m. EST women, 11:45 a.m. EST men Home meets in BOLD CAPITAL LETTERS      All times are Central except where noted      Schedules are subject to change