MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama cross country released its 2010 men’s and women’s schedule Friday.

The fall season features five regular season meets in addition to the Sun Belt Conference Championship, the NCAA Regional Championship and the NCAA Championship.

"I think overall our cross country program is continuing to get stronger," USA head coach Paul Brueske said. "I think this is a good schedule that is going to challenge us, and I think we have a chance to be successful with it."

The Jaguars open the season in Athens, Ga., at the Georgia Invitational on Sept. 4.

“The Georgia meet, to start the year, is going to be really good for us” USA cross country coach Tim Goldsack said. “Going up there and facing one of the top teams in the region right away will let us know where we stand and how much we need to improve by the end of the year.”

South Alabama then returns to Mobile to host the Azalea City Classic on Sept. 18 at Battleship Park.

One week later, USA will travel to Memphis, Tenn., to participate in the Memphis Twilight on Sept. 25. Following that the men and women will split up to compete in Pre-Nationals in Terre Haute, Ind., and the Coach O Invitational in Troy, Ala., both scheduled for Oct. 16.

“We’ve got a very comprehensive schedule,” Goldsack said. “It definitely sets us up for being ready at the end of the season. Our goal is to have a shot at the conference title, have a chance to go to the national meet and to be top five in the region. For us to do that, we have to run well at Memphis Twilight and at Pre-Nationals.”

The Jags will head to the Sun Belt Cross Country Championships in Bowling Green, Ky., on Oct. 30. The NCAA Regionals will be held in Birmingham, Ala., on Nov. 13, followed by the NCAA Championships in Terre Haute, Ind., on Nov. 22.