LEXINGTON, Ky. ? Three regular-season meets in the Bluegrass State highlight the 2006 University of Kentucky cross country schedule, head coach Don Weber announced Monday.

?We are looking forward to this year?s schedule because we feel that it gives our young runners a great opportunity to gain experience as the season progresses,? Weber said. ?Our first three meets will prepare us well for our trip out to California in October as well as for the SEC meet at the end of the year.?

The Wildcats begin their 2006 slate at the Eastern Kentucky Invitational in Richmond, Ky., on Sept. 1, before also competing in the Old Timers Classic in Bowling Green, Ky., on Sept. 16, and the Greater Louisville Classic on Sept. 30.

Kentucky travels west to compete in the Cal Poly Invitational in San Luis Obispo, Calif., on Oct. 14 to round out the regular season.

The Southeastern Conference Championships will be hosted by LSU in Baton Rouge, La., on Oct. 28 and the NCAA Southeast Regional take place in Louisville, Ky., on Nov. 11.