MOBILE, Ala. – Led by head coach Paul Brueske, the University of South Alabama track and field program released its 2018 slate. The Jaguars will compete in 19 meets over the course of the indoor and outdoor seasons, covering eight states.

The schedule is highlighted by three home meets during the outdoor season. The Jags will also traverse the nation, competing in top events including the Vanderbilt Invitational, Texas and Florida Relays and the Mt. Sac Relays.

"I think we have the opportunity to have a very competitive team," said Brueske. "I think our schedule is appropriate. We're going to have the meets that we need to help our athletes reach their potential."

South Alabama's indoor schedule begins with consecutive trips to Birmingham, Ala. for the UAB Invitational Jan. 12-13, and the Samford Multi Jan. 18-19. The Vanderbilt Invitational also runs Jan. 19-20 in Nashville, Tenn. The Jaguars will host the Jaguar Invitational in Birmingham on Feb. 4, then make a return trip to Samford for the Samford Invitational Feb. 9.

The indoor portion of the calendar culminates with the Sun Belt Conference Indoor Championships held Feb. 19-20 in Birmingham and the NCAA Indoor Championships, set to run March 9-10 in College Station, Texas.

The calendar ramps up with the start of the outdoor season as South Alabama is set to host back-to-back home meets with the Jaguar Opener March 2-3 and the Jaguar Classic March 16-17.

March 23 sees the Jags go to the Samford Invitational in Birmingham and the Gulf Shores Classic in Gulf Shores, Ala., then USA returns to Mobile for the University of Mobile Invitational March 30-31. The Texas Relays and Florida Relays also run March 28-31 in Austin, Texas and Gainesville, Fla.

The Jaguars will host the South Alabama Invitational April 6-7, followed by consecutive weekend road trips to Auburn, Ala. The Tiger Classic will be held April 13-14, while the War Eagle Classic takes place April 20-21. The Mt. Sac Relays also run April 20-21 in Walnut, Ca. The Jags wrap up the month at the Golden Eagle Invitational in Hattiesburg, Miss. April 27-28.

"I think every meet on our schedule is important," said Brueske. "I think we have some opportunities to see some of the top talent in the NCAA at any one of our meets."

Following a two week break, South Alabama will head to San Marcos, Texas for the SBC Outdoor Championships May 11-13. The collegiate season concludes with the first round of the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Tampa, Fla. May 24-26, followed by the final rounds in Eugene, Ore. June 6-9.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

Join the Finish Line Club, the track and field and cross country specific support club of the Jaguar Athletic Fund.  All donations to the Finish Line Club go directly to support the South Alabama track and field/cross country programs.  For more information on how you can join visit:  jaguarathleticfund.com/finishlineclub

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