INVADERS HEAD TO NEW YORK CITY TO COMPETE AT USA INDOOR NATIONALS

February 28, 2002
(INDIANAPOLIS) Top ranked Invaders are headed toward New York City to compete at the USA National Indoor Championships on March 1-2 at the historic Armory Track & Field Center at 168th Street. The Invaders are led by top ranked Carri Long and Jada Phelps, both third ranked of entries going into this weekend, in the high jump and triple jump, respectively (as of 2/28/2002).

Ranked fifth in the United States in 2001, Long went on to compete at the World University Games. Long is joined by fellow Purdue University graduate Toyinda Wilson, having not competed in 2 years, is ranked seventh going into the weight throw. Wilson won the NCAA Championships in this event in 1999 and also won the Big Ten Indoor Championships in 1998 and 1999.

Phelps, a native of Indianapolis, Ind. and Heritage Christian H.S., finished 8th at the 2001 USA World Track & Field Trials in her first outing with the Invaders at USA Championship. Phelps was also a 12-time MAC Champion and was nominated for the NCAA Woman of the Year in 2001.

400 meter hurdler, Le'gretta Smith also heads to New York ranked ninth in the 60 hurdle field after an indoor season packed with personal best efforts. Smith looks to improve on her eighth place finish in 2001 in this event.

Team Director Greg Harger said, "We are excited about our first trip to the Armory and especially the opportunities for major breakthroughs with respect to each of our athletes competing this year."

The USA Indoor Track & Field Championships are the world's oldest indoor track championships first held in New York in 1888, resuming in 1906 and held primarily in New York from 1906 to 1993, most recently at Madison Square Garden. The Championships were held in Atlanta, Georgia from 1994-2001.

The Championships will be broadcast from 4-5:30 p.m. (EST) Sunday, March 3, on ESPN in the United States. The Championships are televised internationally to over 50 countries.

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

INVADERS BRING 2004 USA WORLD CROSS COUNTRY TRIALS TO INDIANAPOLIS

February 22, 2002
(INDIANAPOLIS) The Indiana Invaders will host the 2004 USA World Cross Country Trials in downtown Indianapolis along the White River directly across the river from the Indianapolis Zoo and directly behind the famed IU Track Stadium.

The unique setting on an international style course, within walking distance of downtown Indianapolis, will feature America's top distance athletes, competing for spots on the USA National Team. The course will feature a distinct layout with barriers, mud, and various other challenges in addition to small hills on the other wise flat course. Spectators will have a spectacular view of the cross country battle in its entirety from the grass on the river embankment.

Local sponsors have already pledged support for the 2004 World Trials. Medical services will be provided by St. Vincent Sports Medicine. Parking and access to the venue has been offered by the Indianapolis Zoo. Additional support has been offered by the National Insitute for Fitness and Sport (NIFS). And, the White River State Park along with The City of Indianapolis have generously made the property available for this prestigious event.

"We are very excited about the opportunity for two reasons, first we have an energizing event to continue driving the development of our distance team and secondly we look to present an event in an manner that incorporates new technology and our community's unique resources such that other events in our sport might be considered for Indianapolis," said Team Director Greg Harger.

The 2003 USATF Winter Nationals will take place February 8-9 in Houston, Texas.

The Indiana Invaders, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1998, presenting an innovative approach to track & field by providing a resident-based, athlete-centered support system unique to the sport in the United States.

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

INVADERS' NATIONAL QUALIFYING TRIO IMPROVE ON SEASON PERFORMANCES

February 17, 2002
(INDIANAPOLIS) Invaders' Toyinda Wilson and Carri Long, both graduates of Purdue University, improved on previous national qualifying marks in setting the standard at the Boilermaker Open. Wilson set a fieldhouse record with 20.49 in the weight throw and Long won the high jump with a mark of 1.86. Teammate Le'gretta Smith also improved upon her previous national qualifying time of 8.30 with a 8.28 to take second in the 60H at the Hoosier Hills Invitational.

Long's performance in the high jump ranks her in the Top 5 in the United States this season, Wilson's mark in the weight throw maintains her Top 10 ranking from last weekend, and Smith's performance hurdles her into a Top 15 ranking in the 60H (as of 2/13/2002).

In addition to the improved performances of the "national qualifying trio," the Invaders posted wins in eight events at the Hoosier Hills Invitational. Smith led the charge with wins in the 200 (25.01) and 400 (56.90), Frankie Young and Pristina Jones both posted wins in the long jump (7.21 & 5.67), Steve Parker won the high jump (2.08), Linise Gordon won the triple jump (12.02), and Keisha Banks won the mile (4:59.44).

The high flying duo of Paula Serrano and Shannon Gallagher went 1-2 in the pole vault with 4.01 and 3.86 respective performances. Both improved on their vaulting marks from last week's Cannon IV Classic in Indianapolis.   

Coach Aron McGuire said, "In general we're pleased with this weekend's performances. Our focus and preparation from the beginning has been in putting ourselves in a solid position for the outdoor season. We're also looking for great performances from our athletes competing at Indoor Nationals."

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

PRISCILLA HEIN PLACES TENTH AT THE USA WORLD CROSS COUNTRY TRIALS

February 10, 2002
(INDIANAPOLIS) Invaders' Priscilla Hein finished 10th at the USA World Cross Country Trials on February 10, 2002 in Vancouver Washington. Hein had sought to improve on her 10th place finish of 2001; however, she has been battling illness since competing in Ireland in January. Hein was less than 8 seconds from making the national team in both 2001 and 2002.

Coach Greg Harger said, "Yes, with as much progress as she's made since last year and as well as she's recently raced it was a disappointing weekend. However, if this was not a national championship she wouldn't have run. Since returning from Ireland with a bacterial intestional infection Hein has been weak & vunerable health-wise and she also caught the flu."

Harger added, "Since last year she has run with and has beaten some of those that have finished ahead of her this weekend. Yes, we're disappointed about this weekend, but we're excited about the upcoming outdoor season. Her fitness is at a high level and I'm not disappointed in her effort. She had the race of her life. She stepped out there and executed her race plan on a empty gas tank. Every athlete at some point in their career has to deal with circumstances beyond their control. She handled this weekend very well and she knows the level of performance that she can do in the future. When people see her next they'll see her race at a very high level."

In January of 2002, Hein competed in the Rás na hÉireann International in Dunleer Co. Louth Ireland and finished second to Irish champion Anne Keenan-Buckley. Before competing in Belfast's IAAF Challenge the next week Hein developed intestional problems. However, in Belfast Hein went on to finish seventh in a formidable international field of athletes.

USA World CC Trials:
Complete Results

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

INVADERS' THROWER, TOYINDA WILSON, SETS CANNON IV RECORD

February 10, 2002
(INDIANAPOLIS) Invaders' Toyinda Wilson, a graduate of Purdue University, smashed the record book at the Cannon IV Classic with a toss of 20.29, breaking the meet record by over a meter, and exceeding U.S. national qualifying standards by over 4 feet.

Wilson, in her very first outing as an Invader, had a commanding performance that places her in the top 10 in the U.S. (as of 2/5/02) and is a top 15 season leading performance in the United States. Wilson is the 1999 NCAA Division I Weight Throw Champion.

Linise "Flash" Gordon stood out this weekend with four solid performances: second in the triple jump at 12.65, second in the 400 at 55.58, fourth in the 60H at 8.50, and sixth in the 200 at 24.84. Gordon set an indoor PR in the 200 and had a very strong triple jump series.

Teammate's Paula Serrano and Shannon Gallagher went 1-2 in the pole vault with 3.95 and 3.80 respective performances. The high flying duo tied at the 2000 Olympic Trials for 10th place. The sweep in the pole jump was accompanied by Frankie Young's win in the long jump at 7.50.   

Le'gretta Smith took second in the 60H (8.36) and third in the 400 (55.64); Steve Parker took second in the high jump (2.15); and Jada Phelps took third in the long jump (5.94).

Coach Aron McGuire said, "I'm pleased with this weekend's performances. The goal is to continue to improve through the indoor season and carry the postive momentum into the outdoor season."

The Indiana Invaders will next compete at the Hoosier Hills Invitational in Bloomington, Indiana on February 16, 2002.

adidas Midwest Track Classic:
More Information...

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

INVADERS' CARRI LONG TAKES TO GOLDEN SPIKE TOUR, PLACES FOURTH

February 10, 2002
(INDIANAPOLIS) Invaders' Carri Long takes fourth place in the high jump at the adidas Midwest Track Classic as part of the Golden Spike Tour at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Nebraska on Saturday, February 9th 2002. Based on fewest missed attempts Long edged Erin Aldrich at 1.81; however, Long was edged out by Stacy Ann-Grant who had fewer misses.

Long, ranked fifth in the United States in 2001, tied Ann-Grant at the USA World Trials in Eugene Oregon for fourth place. The resulting rematch in Connecticut to determine the final member of World University Team roster was won by Long. Long is also a 2000 Olympic Trials Finalist.

This four time All-American was also a two time high school state champion while at Northview H.S. in Brazil, Indiana.

Long has already qualified with a mark of 1.83 for the Indoor National Championships to be held at the historic New York Armory, March 1-2, 2002 in New York City, New York.

Women's High Jump Golden Spike Field:
1 Acuff, Amy             1.92 
2 Forrester, Nicole      1.89    
3 Grant, Stacy-Ann       1.81   
4 Long, Carri            1.81   
5 Aldrich, Erin          1.81   
6 Schiemenz, Kim         1.76   

The adidas Midwest Indoor Track Classic was broadcast nationally on ESPN2 from 4-5 p.m. Eastern Time, Sunday, February 10.

adidas Midwest Track Classic:
More Information...

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

INVADERS' CARRI LONG TO COMPETE IN GOLDEN SPIKE TOUR

February 7, 2002
(INDIANAPOLIS) Invaders' Carri Long, a graduate of Purdue University, will compete in an all-star high jump field at the adidas Midwest Track Classic part of the Golden Spike Tour at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Nebraska on Saturday, February 9th 2002.

Long competed on the 2001 World University Team, finished fourth at both the 2001 Indoor & Outdoor USA National Championships, and was a 2000 Olympic Trials Finalist. In 2000, while at Purdue University Long placed second at the NCAA Indoor Championships, 6th at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, and was the Indoor and Outdoor Big Ten Champion in the high jump. This four time All-American was also a two time high school state champion while at Northview H.S. in Brazil, Indiana.

The adidas Midwest Indoor Track Classic will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2 from 4-5 p.m. Eastern Time, Sunday, February 10.

adidas Midwest Track Classic:
More Information...

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

PRISCILLA HEIN TO COMPETE AT THE WORLD CROSS COUNTRY TRIALS

February 7, 2002
(INDIANAPOLIS) Invaders' Priscilla Hein heads to Vancouver Washington to compete at the World Cross Country Trials on February 10, 2002. Hein will compete in the 4K race with the intent of placing in the top six to earn a spot on the USA National Team and represent the United States at the World Cross Country Championships in Dublin, Ireland on March 23-24, 2002.

In January of 2002, Hein competed in the Rás na hÉireann International in Dunleer Co. Louth Ireland and finished second to Irish champion Anne Keenan-Buckley. Hein then headed to Belfast's IAAF Challenge and finished seventh in a formidable international field of athletes from Poland, Portugal, England, and Ireland.

Coach Greg Harger commented, "Hein's races in Ireland are excellent prepartion for this weekend and beyond. She is ready to run with and challenge any athlete at this level. You can count on Hein getting in a race and being a factor."

In 2001, Hein won the Fall USA National Cross Country Championships and finished 10th at the USA World Cross Country Trials. Hein also ran in the USATF finals at the Mile indoors and the 1500 outdoors and ran one of the fastest times ever at Boston's famed Franklin Park CC course in winning the Boston Mayor's Cup title.

USA World Cross Country Trials:
http://www.usatf-oregon.org/cross_country/winter_natls.htm

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

INVADERS SEEK QUALIFYING MARKS AT THE CANNON IV CLASSIC

February 6, 2002
(INDIANAPOLIS) The Indiana Invaders are gearing up for the USA Indoor National Championships March 1-2, 2002 in New York City, New York with a run for qualifying marks this weekend at the Cannon IV Classic, hosted by Butler University in Indianapolis on February 8-9, 2002.

The Cannon IV Classic, the third in a series of indoor meets hosted by Butler are held at the National Institute for Fitness and Sports (NIFS). NIFS features one of only seven hydraulically banked tracks in the world and is one of the indoor training facilities of the Invaders.

Last year the Invaders won five events at the Cannon IV Classic including the women's 3000, women's high jump, men's triple jump, women's weight throw, and men's 60HH.

This weekend the Invaders will have Keisha Banks, Kathy Kadziolka, Jeff Minks, and Eddie Nehus in the Mile; Linise Gordon in the triple jump, 60H, 200, and 400; Shannon Gallagher in the pole vault; Pristina Jones in the long jump; and Frankie Young in the long jump. Le'gretta Smith will seek to improve on her national qualifying mark of 8.30 in the 60H and will also compete in the 200 and 400.

The newest additions to the roster seeing action are marathoner Kim Lorenz competing in the 5,000 and Toyinda Wilson, the 1999 NCAA Weight Throw Champion for Purdue University. Wilson has already met USATF indoor qualifying standards in the weight throw.

Cannon IV Classic Information:
http://www.butlersports.com/track/cannon-iv.html

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

INVADERS' SERRANO & DZRADOSI POST WINS IN POLE VAULT & TRIPLE JUMP

February 3, 2002
(INDIANAPOLIS) Invaders' Paula Serrano shared the spotlight on the awards stand over the weekend with teammate Marc Dzradosi with her winning mark of 3.95 in the pole vault at the Indiana Relays as Dzradosi set an indoor PR of 15.88 to win the triple jump at the University of Northern Iowa Invitational.

Serrano finished 10th in the 2000 Olympic Trials, competed on the 1999 World University Team, and is the 1999 NCAA Outdoor Champion in the pole vault. Horizontal jumper Dzradosi, the most recent addition to the Invaders' roster, is a three time Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) long jump champion, a four time MVC triple jump runner-up in the triple jump, and a three time NCAA competitor.

Jada Phelps, an Indianapolis native and a graduate of Heritage Christian H.S., also competed in the Indiana Relays turning in a third place performance in the long jump with a 5.90 mark. Phelps is a 12 Time Mid-American Conference Champion, holds 2 individual event records and two relay records at Ball State University, and is a 2001 NCAA Woman of the Year nominee.

"I'm very excited about my season dispite my early season marks as the focus is on technique now and I've been jumping with a short approach which will yield PR's later in the season," said Phelps.

The Invaders also turned in performances at two additional meets over the weekend. Carri Long and Frankie Young traveled to the Ohio State Invitational where Long finished second in the high jump while Young finished third in the long jump.

At Notre Dame's Meyo Invitational the Invaders saw action from Linise Gordon in the 60H (8.73), 200 (25.25), and 400 (57.21) and Pristina Jones (5.57). Kathy Kadziolka in the Mile (5:05.59), and Rick Sluder in the 5,000 (14:34.65) opened their limited indoor racing seasons.

Charlie Smith in the 400 at Notre Dame and Le'gretta Smith, after qualifying for the finals in the 60H and 400, at the Indiana Relays came up with minor muscle strains.

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