FORMER DRAKE STAR, DZRADOSI, LEADS INVADERS AT DRAKE RELAYS
April 28, 2002
(INDIANAPOLIS) Marc Dzradosi, an NCAA triple jump finalist for Drake
University in 2001, lead the Indiana Invaders on the final day of
competition at the Drake Relays with his winning performance of 15.97
meters in the triple jump.
Dzradosi's winning performance in the triple jump, in front of his
hometown crowd on the campus of Drake University, was accomplished
in the face of the adverse weather conditions of rain and strong winds.
"Dzradosi was highly motivated to compete and win in front of his
hometown crowd. Winning the Drake Relays for the first time is very
gratifying for him and provides additional motivation and opportunities
to continue his career as a post-collegiate athlete," said Invaders'
Jump Coach Aron McGuire.
Dzradosi's teammates turned in numerous competitive finishes on
the rain and wind plagued final day of the Drake Relays headed by
Olympic Heptathlete DeDee Nathan's second place finish in the
long jump. Hurdlers Le'gretta Smith and Linise Gordon finished
third and fourth respectively, in the Special Invitational 400H.
Carri Long finished third in the Special Invitational High Jump.
Vaulter Shannon Gallagher tied for sixth in the Special Invitational
Pole Vault. Eddie Nehus and Keisha Banks finished seventh in the
men's and women's Special Invitational 800. Olympian Steve Ercegovac
finished ninth in the shot put.
Team Director Greg Harger said, "Relays Director Mark Kostek, his
staff, the officials, and the volunteers did a great job with the
entire event. They put on quite a show on the final day under
extremely challenging weather conditions. I'm also very proud of
our athletes' approach toward competing in the face of conditions
that were obviously not conducive to national qualifying marks."
Harger continued, "Le'gretta Smith's performance of 58.24 in the
400H, a USATF National qualifier, was the most impressive
performance given the conditions.
Harger added, "The support from the entire Des Moines community and
their enthusiasm for the sport motivated our athletes to compete
in Saturday's adverse weather conditions. It's an honor for our
athletes to compete in front of such an appreciative audience.
We had 16 athletes compete with two earning victories this year.
We look forward to bringing an even stronger contingent of athletes
in 2003 and furthering Mark Kostek's vision for the Drake Relays
in the years to come."
The Drake Relays - America's Athletic Classic:
http://www.drakerelays.com
For additional information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg
Harger at 317 289-4018.
OLYMPIAN KIRT THOMPSON, TOP JAVELIN PERFORMER, AT DRAKE RELAYS
April 27, 2002
(INDIANAPOLIS) The Indiana Invaders' Olympic Javelin Thrower, Kirt
Thompson, was the top performer in the javelin on Friday afternoon
at the Drake Relays with a toss of 74.39. Thompson is one of three
Olympians, on the Invaders squad, competing at the 93rd edition of
the Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa on April 25-27, 2002.
Thompson, a two-time Olympic Qualifier and National Champion of
Trinidad, was the NCAA Division II National Champion in 1993 & 1994
and was the USA National Club Champion at the inuagural USA National
Track & Field Club Championships in 2001.
Thompson's big toss may have started a tradition of javelin victories for the Invaders
at the Drake Relays. In 2001, Invaders' Jamie Strieter, a 2000 Olympic Trials
competitor, was the top performer in the women's javelin field at
the Drake Relays.
On Saturday, 15 Invaders will see action with a very visible presence
in the field events. Marc Dzradosi, a graduate of Drake University
competes in the triple jump. Dzradosi competed in the finals of the
NCAA Outdoor Championships in 2001 and is a three time NCAA qualifier.
Olympian DeDee Nathan along with teammates Jada Phelps and Pristina
Jones will compete in the long jump.
The duo of Paula Serrano and Shannon Gallagher will pole vault.
In the throws, Olympic Shot Putter Steve Ercegovac is joined by Toyinda
Wilson, a two time Big Ten Hammer Throw Champion. Carri Long, a
competitor on the US National Team in the 2001 World University Games
competes in the high jump.
Now in its tenth decade, the Drake Relays had its 37th straight sellout
of the Saturday program, in 2001, in the 18,000 seat Drake Stadium-the
longest streak in U.S Track History.
The Drake Relays - America's Athletic Classic:
http://www.drakerelays.com
For additional information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg
Harger at 317 289-4018.
INVADERS HEADED TO DES MOINES IOWA, DRAKE RELAYS
April 24, 2002
(INDIANAPOLIS) The Indiana Invaders are headed to the 93rd edition
of the Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa on April 25-27, 2002.
The Invaders look to top off the April relay season at America's
Athletic Classic with 19 athletes competing and are led by Olympians
DeDee Nathan, Kirt Thompson (Trinidad), and Steve Ercegovac (Croatia).
Olympic Heptathlete DeDee Nathan will see competition in the long jump
and the 100H (Saturday). Nathan is the American Record Holder in the
pentathlon, 1999 World Champion in the pentathlon, and has won two
consecutive national outdoor heptathlon titles. Nathan will be joined
by Olympian Kirt Thompson, a two-time Olympic Qualifier and National
Champion of Trinidad, competing in the javelin (Friday).
Eight-time Croatian National Champion, 2000 Olympian Steve
Ercegovac, will compete in the shot put (Saturday). Ercegovac,
the latest addition to the Invaders roster, was third at the World
University Games ('99) and is the NAIA National Championships
Shot Put Recordholder ('00).
Priscilla Hein, the 2001 USA National Club Cross Country Champion,
is scheduled to compete in the Special Invitation 3,000 (Saturday).
Hein, ranked in the top 20 in both the 800 and 1500 in 2001, finished
fourth (9:50.60) in the Special Invitation 2 Mile at the Mt. Sac Relays
last weekend.
Carri Long, having competed on the US National Team at the 2001 World
University Games, will compete in the high jump (Saturday). Long
finished fourth at Outdoor Nationals in 2001, sixth at Indoor Nationals
in 2002.
In the field events, Nathan is joined by teammates Frankie Young,
Jada Phelps, and Pristina Jones in the long jump. Invaders newcomer,
Marc Dzradosi, a graduate of Drake University, will also see action
in the long jump and in his premier event, the triple jump. The duo of
Paula Serrano and Shannon Gallagher will contest the pole vault. In the
throws Ercegovac is joined by Toyinda Wilson, a two time Big Ten
Hammer Throw Champion, seeking to improve on her PR of 58.74 in the
hammer set last weekend at the Indy Relays. Long is joined by teammate
Steve Parker in the high jump.
In the sprints, Tameka Borders will compete in the 100 meters.
Nathan will see action in the 100H while teammates Le'gretta Smith
and Linise Gordon tackle the 400H.
In the distance events, Stephanie Dueringer will be the first to
compete for the Invaders at the Drake Relays with her 10,000 race
in the Thursday evening's distance carnival. Hein will compete in
the 3,000 on Saturday while teammates Eddie Nehus and Keisha
Banks compete in the Special Invitation 800.
Now in its tenth decade, the Drake Relays had its 37th straight
sellout of the Saturday program, in 2001, in the 18,000 seat
Drake Stadium-the longest streak in U.S Track History.
The Drake Relays - America's Athletic Classic:
http://www.drakerelays.com
For additional information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg
Harger at 317 289-4018.
INDIANA INVADERS ADD OLYMPIAN STEVIMIR ERCEGOVAC
April 23, 2002
(INDIANAPOLIS) - The Indiana Invaders have added Olympian Stevimir
Ercegovac, an eight time Croatian National Shot Put Champion, to
the team's roster. Ercegovac will complete his degree in Business
Administration and Systems Analysis at Taylor University in December.
Ercegovac's international career highlights include a 24th place
finish at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, third at the World University
Games in 1999, and third at the Mediterranean Championships in 1997.
Ercegovac is a NAIA three-time national champion and is the NAIA
National Record Holder at 20.06 meters set in 2000. Ercegovac
was also the NAIA runner-up in the discus in 2000. As a two-time
indoor national NAIA champion, Ercegovac is also a 10 time NAIA
All-American.
Ercegovac's PR in the shot put is 20.28 meters and he has also thrown
56.20 in the discus. Ercegovac ranked 37th in the world in 2001 in the
shot put.
Before attending Taylor University in the United States, Ercegovac
graduated from the Technical High School "Rudjer Boskovic" in Zagreb,
Croatia.
"Steve's exceptional ability will add additional depth and balance to
our team's roster as we continue to grow our roster," said team director
Greg Harger. Invaders' Throws Coach, Matt Gaston added, "Steve has
clearly positioned himself for tremendous opportunities in the coming
years and we look forward to supporting his quest for international
success throughout his athletic career."
For additional information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg
Harger at 317 289-4018.
INVADERS' PRISCILLA HEIN FOURTH, CARRI LONG FIFTH AT MT. SAC RELAYS
April 22, 2002
Invaders' Priscilla Hein finished fourth in the 2 mile
and Carri Long finished fifth in the high jump (1.85) at the Mt. Sac
Relays over the weekend. Hein was less than two seconds from
second place with her 9:50.60 performance. Long also finished fifth
in 2001 with jump of 1.83.
Long finished fourth at Outdoor Nationals in 2001, sixth at Indoor
Nationals in 2002, and competed in the 2001 World University Games.
Hein, ranked in the top 20 in both the 800 and 1500 in 2001, made
her mark in cross country last fall in winning the USA National
Club Cross Country Championships.
INVITATIONAL TWO MILE RESULTS
1. Deena Drossin, Asics 9:35.89
2. Nicole Teter, NIKE 9:49.09
3. Mardrea Hyman, Puma 9:49.32
4. Priscilla Hein, Indiana Invaders 9:50.60
5. Jen Rhines, adidas 9:59.07
INVITATIONAL HIGH JUMP RESULTS:
1. Amy Acuff, Asics 1.95
2. Gwen Wentland, NIKE 1.90
3. Nicole Forrester, Canada 1.90
4. Darnesha Griffith, UCLA 1.85
5. Carri Long, Indiana Invaders 1.85
Hein & Long will top off the month of April with fellow Invaders
on April 25-27th with an invasion of Des Moines, Iowa at America's
Athletic Classic, the Drake Relays.
Mt Sac Relays - Complete Results:
http://vm.mtsac.edu/relays/2002/
For additional information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg
Harger at 317 289-4018.
INDIANA INVADERS TAKE TOP HONORS AT THE INDY RELAYS
April 22, 2002
(INDIANAPOLIS) - The Indiana Invaders took top honors at the Indy
Relays, hosted by Butler University, on Saturday with seven wins,
and two meet records. The Invaders were led by Toyinda Wilson,
a graduate of Purdue University, with a meet record and PR toss of
58.74 meters to win the hammer throw.
Teammate Shannon Gallagher also rewrote the record book with her win
in the pole vault (3.86 meters). Wilson, before taking a 2 year hiatus,
had finished 13th at the 1999 NCAA Championships in her event while more
recently Gallagher finished 10th at the 2000 Olympic Trials.
Wins in often adverse windy conditions were also posted by teammates
Tameka Borders in the 100 (12.12), Olympian Kirt Thompson in the Javelin
(73.24), Keisha Banks in the 1500 (4:28.03), Linise Gordon
in the 400H (1:01.25), and Eddie Nehus in the 800 (1:53.45).
The newest addition to the Invaders roster, Olympian Steve Ercegovac,
took second in the shot put with a throw of 17.70. This is Ercegovac's
first outing as an Invader. Ercegovac is an eight time Croatian
National Shot Put Champion and competed in the 2000 Sydney
Olympic Games.
Other Invaders performances included Steven Parker's second in the high
jump (2.03), Jeff Minks fourth in the 800 (1:54.60), Frankie Young
fourth in the long jump (6.95), Pristina Jones fifth in the long jump
(5.60), and Charlie Smith fifth in the 400 (49.37).
The Invaders will top off the month of April with a team appearance at
America's Athletic Classic, the Drake Relays, on April 25-27th.
Indy Relays - Complete Results:
http://butlersports.fansonly.com/sports/c-track/stats/042102aaa.html
For additional information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg
Harger at 317 289-4018.
INDIANA INVADERS LED BY CARRI LONG AT SEA RAY RELAYS
April 15, 2002
INDIANAPOLIS) The Indiana Invaders saw competition this weekend
at the Sea Ray Relays in Knoxville, TN. The Invaders were led by
Carri Long, a graduate of Purdue University, with her win in the
high jump (1.80).
Jada Phelps, a graduate of Ball State University, finished third
in the long jump with a leap of 6.20. Phelps was 0.10 meters from
qualifying for the USA Outdoor National Championships. Teammate
Le'gretta Smith also took third in the 400H with a time of 58.70.
Smith's time was 0.10 seconds from hitting qualifying standards.
In the 100H, Smith finished fourth (13.65) and Linise Gordon was
ninth (13.90).
Shannon Gallagher, in her outdoor season opener, took fourth in the
pole vault with a 3.75 meter clearance. Pristina Jones and Frankie
Young both finished eight in the long jump with marks of 5.85 and
7.20 respectively.
The Invaders will see action next weekend at the Indy Relays and
at the Mt. Sac Relays.
Sea Ray Relays Results:
http://tenntrack.com/meet_entry/meets/04-10_Sea_Ray_Relays/results/
For additional information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg
Harger at 317 289-4018.
INVADERS' WILSON HAMMERS THE FRESNO RELAYS
April 7, 2002
(INDIANAPOLIS) Invaders' Toyinda Wilson nailed the field with a
winning toss of 58.69 in the hammer throw at the Fresno Relays in
California on Saturday, April 6. Wilson's performance was a mere
0.01 meters off her lifetime PR set in 1999.
Wilson's impressive return to outdoor competition, after 2 year
hiatus, comes atop her impressive return to indoor competition in
taking third at the 2002 edition of the USA Indoor Nationals in
the weight throw.
In 1999, Wilson, while attending Purdue University, finished 13th
at the NCAA Championships in the hammer. Wilson is also a two time
Big Ten Champion in the hammer ('99 & '98). Wilson won the NCAA
Championships in the weight throw in 1999 and also won the Big Ten
Indoor Championships ('99 & '98).
Wilson's next competition will be the Drake Relays on the weekend
of April 25-27th.
For additional information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg
Harger at 317 289-4018.
INDIANA INVADERS OPEN WITH APRIL RELAY SEASON
April 5, 2002
(INDIANAPOLIS) The Indiana Invaders are opening up their 2002 Outdoor
Track & Field season with appearances at five April relay meets. The
Invaders will compete in California (Fresno & Mt. Sac.), Tennessee
(Sea Ray), Indiana (Indy), and in Iowa (Drake). The full strength
of the team's roster will be unleashed the last weekend of April at
the Drake Relays.
On April 6th, Invaders' Toyinda Wilson, returning to competition after
a 2 year hiatus, will compete in an invitational hammer throwing event
at the 74th annual Bob Mathias Fresno Relays at Warmerdam Field,
California. Wilson, a graduate of Purdue University, is a two time
Big Ten Champion in this event and finished an impressive third in
her initial return to national level competition at USA Indoor
Nationals in the weight throw.
A partial team roster of jumpers and sprinters will then head to
Knoxville, Tennessee. Hurdlers, Le'gretta Smith and Linise Gordon;
Jumpers, Marc Dzradosi (triple jump), Frankie Young, Jada Phelps,
and Pristina Jones (long jump); and high jumper, Carri Long will
compete in the Sea Ray Relays, hosted by the University of Tennessee,
during the weekend of April 10-13th.
Smith ranked 29th at the 400H in the United States in 2001. Dzradosi
finished 16th in the triple jump at the 2001 NCAA Divison I Outdoor
Championships. In 2001, Phelps finished 8th at the Outdoor Nationals
and took fourth this year at Indoor Nationals in the long jump. Long
finished fourth at Outdoor Nationals ('01), sixth at Indoor Nationals
('02), and competed in the 2001 World University Games.
On April 19th, teammates Long, competing in the high jump, and
Priscilla Hein, in the 1500, and Paula Serrano, in the pole vault,
will contest their respective events at the 44th Annual Mt. Sac.
Relays, hosted by Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut California.
Hein, ranked in the top 20 in both the 800 and 1500 in 2001, comes
off a recent win on the roads at the LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle
8K in Chicago, Illinios. Hein also made her mark in cross country
last fall in winning the USA National Club Cross Country Championships.
Serrano ranked 21st in the US last year and finished 10th at
2000 Olympic Trials.
The Invaders will top off the month of April with an invasion of
Des Moines, Iowa with a full team appearance at America's Athletic
Classic, the Drake Relays, on April 25-27th. A possible Invaders'
highlight may be an appearance by the women's Distance Medley Relay
(DMR) team. Last year at the USA National Club Championships, the
team produced the second fastest DMR time in the world for 2001.
INVADERS APRIL RELAYS SCHEDULE:
April 6th Fresno Relays
April 10-13th Sea Ray Relays
April 19th Mt Sac.
April 20th Indy Relays
April 25-27th Drake Relays
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.
