The Saint Louis men's and women's cross country squads open the 2026 campaign on Friday night when they take part in the Fighting Illini Invitational at the Orange and Blue Golf Course in Savoy, Illinois.

The start times have been pushed back due to the heat. The women begin their 4K at 6:30 p.m., and the men will run a 6K at approximately 7 p.m.

The women's team has several returners from last year and adds a talented group of newcomers. They were picked fourth in the Atlantic 10 preseason poll, which included one first-place vote in balloting conducted by the league's head coaches. The men's team was picked seventh in the preseason poll.

Friday marks the first of four regular-season meets for the Billikens. They host the Billiken Invitational on Friday, Sept. 18, at Quail Creek Golf Club in South St. Louis County. SLU will participate in the Notre Dame Invitational Friday, Oct. 2, and the Pre-National Invitational at Indiana State on Friday, Oct. 16. The 2026 A-10 Championship is set for Saturday, Oct. 31, in Richmond, Va., and the NCAA Midwest Regional will be held Friday, Nov. 13, in Ames, Iowa.