WICHITA, Kan. - The Wichita State cross country program announced its schedule for the upcoming 2012 season. Both teams will open the season at their own 64^th annual J.K. Gold Classic in Augusta, Kan. on Sept. 1.

"The home meet is always important to us," said head coach Kirk Hunter. "It kicks off our season and we can see where we are at."

Following the J.K. Gold Classic, the Shockers next meet is scheduled on Sept. 15 at the Missouri State Invite in Springfield, Mo. The women will compete in a 5k and the men will run in an 8k.

The Shockers will then travel to Stillwater, Okla., for the OSU Jamboree before a select group of men and women will compete in the Pre-Nationals Cross Country Meet on Oct. 13 in Louisville, Ky., the rest of the team will go to McPherson, Kan., for the McPherson Cross Country Invitational.

To conclude the season, the Missouri Valley Championships will be held in Normal, Ill., on Oct. 13, the NCAA Midwest Regional in Springfield, Mo., on Nov. 9, and the NCAA Championships in Louisville, Ky., on Nov. 17.

"Louisville is hosting NCAA Nationals so the Pre-National meet will be a good race for us to compete in," Hunter said.  "Also, conference is always a huge meet."

-Wichita State-