GREENVILLE, N.C. -- For the third time in four years, East Carolina University will serve as the host institution for the N.C. Intercollegiate Cross Country Championships on Saturday, Oct. 12. The meet is scheduled to begin at approximately 10:15 a.m. at Overton's Lake Kristi.

The meet will not only serve as the collegiate state championship, but also as an NCAA Preview Meet. Over 20 colleges and universities are scheduled to compete in the both the men's and women's races, including teams from Georgia, Virginia and Kentucky, in addition to the North Carolina squads.

The meet will also serve as a warm-up for the NCAA Southeast Regional Championships to be held Nov. 16 at Overton's Lake Kristi. Only two teams from each of the nine regions across the country advance to the NCAA Championships, so this weekend's meet will give teams the opportunity to feel out the course.

"By hosting the state championships this weekend, we should get an adequate and realistic feel of how the NCAA event should run," said Pirate head coach Len Klepack. "Parker Overton and Choo Justice have been very accommodating and gracious in helping us prepare for each meet."

The course, designed by Justice, has received positive comments from visiting fans and coaches alike. Situated on approximately 300 acres with open rolling hills and a soft pine needle wooden loop, makes it one of the most spectator and athlete-friendly courses in the Southeast United States.