HEIN & LISS RACE THE NORTHWEST

May 28, 2001
(INDIANAPOLIS) The Invaders saw competitive performances in the pacific northwest this weekend from Priscilla Hein and Collette Liss, a Valparaiso Indiana native. Hein finished second in the 800 (2:09.54) at the Victoria International Track Classic in British Columbia in front of a capacity crowd. Liss finished fourth (8:55.51) in one of the most competitive 3,000 races in North America at Hayward Field in Eugene Oregon.

"Hein was more competitive than the final time indicated what with a little confusion about the actual location of the finish line as they utilized an unusual start and finish configuration at this meet. The confusion and a little embarrassment won't affect Priscilla in a negative way as she will take the mishap and strengthen herself from the experience.", said Head Coach Chris Buhler. Buhler added, "She has three more races in the next week and we'll see some Invaders' mentality and performances before it is over."

Hein will be joined by teammate Kelly French for the conclussion of the Pacific Northwest Track & Field Series as they tune up for the national championships. Liss returns to Indianapolis and may not race again until the opening round of the 1500 at US Nationals .

"Liss' race was an improvement over her outing 2 weeks ago and shows that she is headed toward a peak in four weeks at US Nationals.", said Buhler. Buhler offered, "this PR adds some solid confidence that a fast 1500 is in the making in 4 weeks as Liss comes out of her longer races and blends the finishing touches on her speed work."

Top 5 Finishers @ PreClassic
1. Marla Runyan  8:44.69
2. Kathy Butler  8:46.01
3. Elva Dryer    8:46.09 
4. Collette Liss 8:55.51
5. Clare Taylor  9:00.39

The Invaders are focused on peaking for the USATF National Championships in Eugene, Oregon (June 21-24) and at the first annual USA National Club Track & Field Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana (July 19-21). With the first USA National Club Championship to be held in Indianapolis, the Invaders' look forward to a strong showing on their home turf.

Victoria International Results:
www.britishcolumbia.com/miraclemile/results3.html

PreClassic Results:
www.flashresults.com/2001_Meets/outdoor/pre/pre.htm

Pacific Northwest Series:
www.harryjerome.com/pnw.html

For further information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg Harger at 317 289-4018.

INVADERS DISTANCE ACES ON THE TRACK IN OREGON & BRITISH COLUMBIA

May 25, 2001
(INDIANAPOLIS) Indiana Invaders' Priscilla Hein will run the 800 at the Victoria International Track Classic Friday evening. The meet, hosted by the University of Victoria, will be held at Centennial Stadium, in British Columbia. Saturday Hein will be handling the pacing duties of the 1500 as the race rabbit for this Pacific Northwest Series stop. For Hein, the series will include three additional races before she returns to her home base in Indianapolis on June 6th.

Hein is currently qualified in the 800 and the 1500 for the 2001 USATF National Championships to be held in Eugene, Oregon (June 21-24).

Teammate Collette Liss will compete in the Prefontaine Classic's elite 3000 with a talented field taking aim at the meet record. Liss's race will be contested on Sunday, May 27 at historic Hayward Field.

Liss, a Valparaiso Indiana native, returns to Hayward Field after placing 6th in the 5,000 (15:51.73) at the Oregon Twilight two weeks ago in her outdoor season debut. Liss is currently qualified in the 1500 and 5,000 for the 2001 USATF National Championships in Eugene, Oregon (June 21-24).

Liss and Hein are two of 14 members of the Indiana Invaders that are currently qualified for the USATF National Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

Pacific Northwest Series:
www.harryjerome.com/pnw.html

Official 3,000 Race Preview:
www.preclassic.com/w3000.html

For further information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg Harger at 317 289-4018.

INVADERS' COLLETTE LISS SIXTH AT OREGON TWILIGHT

May 13, 2001
(INDIANAPOLIS) Invaders' Collette Liss (Valparaiso, Ind.) improved on her 10th place finish of last year in the Oregon Twilight Invitational 5,000 at historic Hayward Field. In front of a crowd of 3,169 Liss ran 15:51.73 to place 6th in a strong field led by Eugenean Clare Taylor with a winning time of 15:29.16.

"This year Liss is opening up her outdoor season in a different context than last year such that this race and performance are the beginning for the outdoor season not a disappointment because of a particular time or place in the results", said Coach Chris Buhler. Added Buhler, " Liss passed 2 miles in 10:03 and then drifted from that pace just slightly so we feel with all things considered, a fast and competitive 3,000 meter race at the PRE Classic is in order in a couple of weeks as preparations have been focused accordingly."

Liss, is currently qualified in the 1500 and 5,000 for the 2001 USATF National Championships in Eugene, Oregon (June 21-24). Liss next will return to Oregon for the Prefontaine Classic on May 27th.

Liss is a member of the Indiana Invaders, a not-for-profit organization, presenting an innovative approach to track & field by providing a resident-based, athlete-centered support system unique to the sport in the United States.

Meet Results:
goducks.fansonly.com/sports/m-track/stats/051201aaa.html

Prefontaine Classic:
www.preclassic.com/

For additional information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg Harger at 317 289-4018.

CARRI LONG LEADS INVADERS WITH NATIONAL QUALIFIER

May 13, 2001
(INDIANAPOLIS) Invaders' Carri Long (Brazil, Ind.) gave a preview of what to expect from the Invaders at the Billy Hayes Invitational on Saturday with a Friday evening qualifier (1.84) in Illinois. Long qualified for her second USATF National Outdoor Championship. Long is the 14th member of the Invaders to qualify for Outdoor Nationals.

The Invaders finished with 6 event wins with Long in her second competition of the weekend joining teammates Tara Loper, Kirt Thompson, Hope Sanders (Indianapolis, Ind.), Kelly French, and Judy Porter with wins in their respective events: Hammer Throw, Javelin Throw, 800, 1500, and 3,000. French's mark (4:22.94) in dueling with 1500 runner-up and teammate Priscilla Hein (4:25.39) was a personal best performance.

"Thompson's dominating performance was quite remarkable given his back spasms that just a few days ago had him nearly 100% immobilized," said Invaders Throws Coach Matt Gaston. Added Gaston, "Our St. Vincent Sports Medicine Team and athletic trainer Jon Grant really deserve an assist on Thompson's performance today."

Invaders' multi-event specialist, decathlete Phil McMullen, tied his career best in the pole vault (5.08) and took 2nd in the event.

The Invaders are focused on peaking for the USATF National Championships in Eugene, Oregon (June 21-24) and at the first annual USA National Club Track & Field Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana (July 19-21). With the first USA National Club Championship to be held in Indianapolis, the Invaders' look forward to a strong showing on their home turf.

Meet Results:
http://www.indiana.edu/~athlweb/graphic/sports/

Top Indiana Invaders' Finishers:

1 JT    76.52   Kirt Thompson
1 HT    58.66   Tara "Big Time" Loper
1 HJ    1.82    Carri Long
1 800   2:07.66 Hope Sanders
1 1500  4:22.95 Kelly French
1 3,000 9:57    Judy Porter
2 1500  4:25.40 Priscilla Hein
2 PV    5.08    Phil McMullen
3 100H  13.52   Le'gretta Smith

For additional information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg Harger at 317 289-4018.

INVADERS' COLLETTE LISS TO RUN 5,000 AT OREGON TWILIGHT

May 12, 2001
(INDIANAPOLIS, IND.) Invaders' Collette Liss, a Valparaiso Indiana native and the reining U.S. indoor mile champion, will compete this weekend at the Oregon Twilight Invitational that will feature a strong post-collegiate women's 5,000 field. Liss is scheduled to run at 7:40 pm (PST).

"Liss is returning to Oregon with designs on redeeming her 2000 Oregon Twilight effort. Last year's performance was one of those races that are tough to avoid from time-to-time as she was fit and ready to run very fast and things just did not click on that day so you have to wait a year to get satisfaction", said Head Coach Chris Buhler. Added Buhler, "With this year's race, Liss will open her outdoor season so the expectations are a little different but the aggressive Invaders' mentality is still there to go out and get after it."

Liss was just 26th on the 2000 USA performance list at 5,000 (15:49.85), while 9th in the 1500 (4:11.24), and 3rd in the Mile (4:33.28i). Additional recent career highlights include: 5th at the 2001 World Cross Country Trials and 4th place at the 2000 USA Club Cross Country Championships to led the Invaders to a second place team finish for the second consecutive year.

Oregon Twilight Schedule:
http://goducks.fansonly.com/sports/m-track/spec-rel/050901aab.htm

For further information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg Harger at 317 289-4018.

INDIANA INVADERS HEADED TO BILLY HAYES INVITATIONAL

May 11, 2001
(INDIANAPOLIS, IND.) - The Indiana Invaders are ready to compete at the Billy Hayes Invitational, hosted by Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. The 17 Invaders scheduled to compete look to add a couple more USATF national qualifying marks to the 13 athletes currently qualified for the 2001 USA Outdoor National Championships.

Leading the Invaders' list of athletes seeking likely qualifying marks are Tara Loper (Hammer Throw), and Steven Parker (High Jump).

Notable outdoor season debuts are anticipated from middle- distance athletes, Kelly French, Priscilla Hein, and Hope Sanders.

Invaders' standouts, Carri Long (High Jump) and Le'gretta Smith (400H hurdles) will be looking to improve on their season best national qualifying marks.

Invaders multi-event athletes, lead by Olympian DeDee Nathan, will make one of their final tune-up outings of the season. Decathletes, Phil McMullen and Kamau Sullivan, will join Nathan in competing in several individual events over the course of the Saturday meet.

The Invaders season is focused on the USA Outdoor National Championships (June 21-24) and the the nation's first annual USATF National Track & Field Club Championships to be hosted by the Indiana Invaders (July 19-21).

For further information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg Harger at 317 289-4018.

ARON MCGUIRE ADDED TO INVADERS' COACHING STAFF

May 9, 2001
(INDIANAPOLIS, IND.) - The Indiana Invaders' newest coach on the block is Aron McGuire, a 4 time letter winner and school record holder in the decathlon at the University of Akron, where he graduated with a degree in Secondary Education with a minor in Physics.

This Indianapolis new comer currently works as a computer instructor and support staff member for the law firm of Locke Reynolds LLP in downtown Indianapolis.

"McGuire has demonstrated the Invaders mentality by jumping head first into the position of coaching the multi-event and jumps element of the team," commented head coach Chris Buhler. Buhler adds, "McGuire will provide the eyes and ears and a strong voice to support the efforts of our Olympic hopefuls."

"McGuire has joined us at a great time, as three of the Invaders' multi-event athletes finished in the top ten at the Indoor Championships and two having competed in the 2000 Olympic Trials," said club director Greg Harger.

McGuire's coaching philosophy is..."Success on the track is never accidental, it comes from many years of hard work and dedication. As a track coach I try to not only develop outstanding athletes but outstanding people as well."

In his spare time McGuire enjoys studying the sport of track and field as well as traveling. McGuire is single and resides on the northside of Indianapolis.

The Invaders, a not-for-profit organization, present an innovative approach to track & field by providing a resident-based, athlete-centered support system unique to the sport in the United States. Athletes have access to an one of the best employment markets in the United States, affordable housing, world class training facilities, performance bonuses, and support for competition travel expenses.

For additional information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg Harger at 317 289-4018.

INVADERS' PORTER STEEPLE DEBUT A NATIONAL QUALIFIER

March 6, 2001
(INDIANAPOLIS) Judy Porter earned distinction this weekend as the 13th Invader to qualify for the 2001 USA Outdoor Nationals in her initial effort in the 3,000 steeplechase. Teammates Collette Liss (Valparaiso, Ind.), Le'gretta Smith, Dan Armentout, and Tara Loper won their respective events at the Woodland Mortgage Indiana USATF Championship hosted by Butler University. Overall the Invaders, with 11 members of the team competing, captured 10 event titles and/or runner-up honors at the Woodland Mortgage Indiana USATF Championships hosted by Butler University.

Porter's career first 3,000 steeplechase (10:45.96) was a solid 14 seconds under USATF national qualifying standards. "Without any prior experience at clearing the water barrier, Porter has the potential to knock another 15-20 seconds off her time. Her barrier jumping from a technical standpoint is solid while her water barrier approach has room for major progress. She's got the Invaders' mentality of getting after it and she'll be ready for a much faster time at USATF Nationals in June," said Head Coach Chris Buhler.

The Invaders' multi-event athletes, Phil McMullen and Olympian DeDee Nathan (Ft. Wayne, Ind.), used this weekend's events as a tune up for USA Outdoor Nationals in July. "McMullen's 5.00 meter vault was only 0.05 meters from his career best," said coach Aaron McGuire. McGuire added "McMullen has been jumping extremely well this season and with improvements in his other events he's put himself in a solid position for a possible World Championship Team berth this season." "Nathan has been training through her early season meets in anticipation of defending her national championship and returning to the World Championships" said Invaders' Club Director Greg Harger.

The Invaders are focused on peaking for the USATF National Championships in Eugene, Oregon (June 21-24) and at the first annual USA National Club Track & Field Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana (July 19-21). With the first USA National Club Championship to be held in Indianapolis, the Invaders' look forward to a strong showing on their home turf.

Top Indiana Invaders' Finishers:

1  800    2:06.41  Collette Liss
1  100H   13.70    Le'gretta Smith
1  SP     17.35    Dan Armentrout 
1  DT     48.14    Tara Loper
2  3000SC 10:45.96 Judy Porter
2  400H   58.33    Le'gretta Smith
2  HJ     2.13     Steve Parker
2  SP     14.50    DeDee Nathan
2  DT     50.30    Dan Armentrout
2  HT     59.56    Dan Armentrout

For additional information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg Harger at 317 289-4018.

INDIANA INVADERS COMMITTED TO HOST NATIONAL CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

May 3, 2001

(INDIANAPOLIS) - As club host to the first annual National Track & Field Club Championship the Invaders are committing all of the club's resources and efforts toward staging a successful first year of this event. In an effort to build a successful long-term championship event intended to encourage the development of club competition in the United States the Invaders have choosen to sacrifice their high performance meet series originally scheduled for this year.

Last year's high performance meet series produced 19 marks meeting U.S. Olympic Trials Qualifying Standards. Fourty Five marks met Olympic entry standards with 18 of those marks meeting Olympic "A" entry standards.

"When we first committed to the meets this year, to build on last year's success, we did not know that we would win the bid to host the club championship. Our feeling regarding hosting events, being as new and young an organization as we are, was that we wanted to put all available resources into the club championships. We want to do the best possible job for the good of all clubs throughout the country and we're making a short-term sacrifice for the long-term good of the sport," said Club Director Greg Harger. Added Harger, "while this may restrict the immediate opportunities for high level performances in our part of the country, we are confident in our ability to grow our event offerings for 2002 and beyond. We know there is a demand from last year's initial response to sustain a limited series of high performance meets and we look forward to building just such an annual series."

The high performance meet series will be restarted next year pending additional sponsorship support to sustain the meet series in addition to the club championships. The Invaders have been awarded the right to host to the club championships in 2001, 2002, and 2003.