NEW ORLEANS, LA. - South Alabama men's and women's cross-country teams will compete in their first meet of the season, the Battle of New Orleans, co-hosted by Tulane and the University of New Orleans. The women's team will run the 4,000 meters, while the men's team will compete in the 5,000 meters.

The contest is set for Friday, Sept. 5, at Lake Oaks Park in New Orleans. The women's 4K race begins at 5:15 p.m., the men's 5K follows at 5:45 p.m., and the event concludes with awards at 6:20 p.m. 

Competing teams: New Orleans, Tulane (co-host), Dillard, Nicholls, LSU, Southeastern and Xavier (Louisiana).

Player to watch: Women's/Charleen Elizondo: Finishing the 2026 outdoor season with two Sun Belt titles in both the 5,000m and 10,000m, Elizondo looks to start this season much like she did the last time the Jaguars competed in the Battle of New Orleans, when she placed first on the South Alabama team and 18th overall.

Jaguar Competing Athletes:

Jaguar Men

Blayton Bernard 

Colin Hite 

Brady Keller 

Tyler Smith 

Dylan Torres

Jaguar Women

Abigail Amick

Bella Biggerstaff

Charleen Elizondo

Addison Garrett

Katie Giles

Tyndal Ann Griffith

Alyssa Mabry

Samantha Menikheim

Emily Miles

Kate Miller

Hannah Quick

Kyla Sisulak

Tara Watkins

Notes: 

• South Alabama is competing in the Battle of New Orleans Cross Country meet for the second consecutive year.

• Parker Cowles is in his ninth year as head coach for Jaguars Cross Country.

• Live stats for both events can be followed at https://live.chippedtiming.com/meets/76970 

• For more Information on the race and course maps, go to https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/sidearm.nextgen.sites/tulanegreenwave.com/documents/2026/8/11/Battle_for_NO_Info_Sheet.pdf?timestamp=20260811024056

FOLLOW THE JAGS 

For complete coverage of South Alabama Track & Field/Cross Country, follow the Jags on social media @SouthAlabamaTXC (Twitter), /SouthAlabamaTXC (Facebook), @SouthAlabamaTFXC (Instagram) or visit the official home of South Alabama athletics at usajaguars.com.