Bethune-Cookman men's and women's teams will join Florida A&M's programs to open their seasons at the Jacksonville Dolphin Tri-Meet on September 4. Coppin State and Morgan State (Baltimore Metro Meet), South Carolina State's men's and women's programs (South Carolina Gamecock Invite), Norfolk State women (Virginia Wesleyan Marlin Invite) and North Carolina A&T (Campbell Invite) will begin their season during the conference's opening weekend.

Maryland Eastern Shore, the defending MEAC women's cross country champion, will host Delaware State, Hampton and Norfolk State (men) at the UMES Lid Lifter Invite during opening weekend. The Lady Hawks return 13 letterwinners from last year's team and will host four meets in 2009 including the MEAC Cross Country championship and NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional.

The Norfolk State Spartans will begin their quest for their ninth MEAC men's cross country title when they open up their season at the UMES Lid Lifter Invite. The Spartans welcome back five members from last year's championship team and four newcomers for the upcoming season.

The 2009 MEAC Cross Country Championship tournament will be held Saturday, October 31 in Princess Anne, Maryland.

For a complete 2009 schedule and up-to-date information on MEAC Cross Country, log on to

www.MEACsports.com.