LAKE CHARLES – The Southeastern Louisiana men's and women's cross country teams will officially open the 2011 season on Friday, competing in the McNeese State Distance Relay at the Enos Derbonne Sports Center.

The race, scheduled for 6 p.m., will include participants from Southeastern and host McNeese State, as well as Nicholls, Northwestern State, Southern, Louisiana-Lafayette and Louisiana-Monroe. The format will see each team split into pairs and compete in a relay style competition.

“We're excited to get started after training for the past month,” Southeastern head coach Sean Brady commented. “The format used is exciting and we like competing at this event. While it's not a great reflection of where we're at as a team, it'll be a good opportunity for us to see how our athletes handle a competitive situation.”

Leading the way on the men's side is Joseph LeGrange. The 2010 Louisiana Freshman of the Year, LeGrange returns after earning first team All-Louisiana honors and competing in the NCAA South Central Regionals in his first season with Southeastern. LeGrange will team with Paul Arthur, Matt Mouton and Jesse McDavitt will pair up and Shaquille Brown and MJ Ahmad will also compete as a team for the Lions.

Naomi Jeruto is the top returner on the women's side for Southeastern. An All-Louisiana selection and NCAA South Central Regional participant in 2010, Jeruto will pair with Brittany Blackmon. Lindsey Toups and Emily McAfee will also represent the Lady Lions in the relay event.

Following Friday's event, Southeastern will travel to Auburn, Ala. to compete in the Auburn Invitational on Friday, Sept. 9.