The world-famous (or at least Wyoming-famous) Sports Goulash Trio is back this fall with three events that are likely going to be the ones everyone will be talking about on Monday:

CROSS COUNTRY: Laramie Invitational, Friday. This is where three of last year's six state individual champions are slated to run, including both of last year's Class 4A champs. Talk about a great way to gauge summer improvement... not only for the defending individual champs, but for everyone else, to see how they stack up.

VOLLEYBALL: Cheyenne Invitational, Friday and Saturday. This weekend is so much fun -- most of the state's teams are partaking in tournaments this weekend, so it's a great way to play a lot of volleyball and see exactly what needs work. But more than that, this is Kelly Walsh vs. Natrona County, version 2008, Round 1. Even though it doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of the season, it'd still be fun to watch it (and don't forget the other four teams there.... improved East, perennially tough Central and one of the 3A favorites, Rawlins).

TENNIS: Kelly Walsh/Natrona County at Cheyenne Central/Cheyenne East, double dual, Saturday. Oil City vs. Capital City -- it's always a great way for all four teams to figure out where they stand early in the season.

There they are, this week's trio. Where are you headed this weekend? Leave a comment below and tell the universe.

Posted by patrick.schmiedt@trib.com