INDIANA INVADERS LAUNCH MASTERS TRACK & FIELD PROGRAM
March 27, 2003
(INDIANAPOLIS) The Indiana Invaders are launching a masters track
and field program, for athletes over the age of 30, as part of the
club's commitment to meeting the goals of USA Track & Field's Club
Revitalization Task Force Initiatives. Founding members of the
Invaders Masters Team are Olympic Gold Medalist Sunder Nix and
All-American Robert Thomas. Nix and Thomas will represent the
Invaders at the USA Masters Indoor Track & Field Championships
in Boston, MA on March 28-30, 2003.
Nix, a graduate of Indiana University, has a legendary background as a
six time All-American, six-time Big Ten Champion at 440 yards, NCAA
Champion at 600 yards ('83), World Championship Bronze Medalist - 400
('83), US National Champion - 400 ('83), and as a gold medalist as the
leadoff leg of the 1600 meter relay team at the 1984 Olympic Games in
Los Angeles, CA. Nix continues to hold the World Record in 440 yards
indoors (46.40) set in 1984. Nix was inducted into the Indiana
University Athletics Hall of Fame in 1996. In 1994, Nix won the 800
title at the USA National Indoor Championships. Nix commented, "I want
to compete really well this weekend and have a good chance of winning.
I want to let people know that there are masters programs nationwide
and that the Invaders are taking the lead within our community."
Thomas, a graduate of Southwestern Michigan Community College, was
a two-time All-American. Thomas, competing in his fourth masters
championship, said "My goal this weekend is to win all the races I'm
in [60, 200, 400, 800]." Thomas has won both the 200 & 400 in his
previous three appearances in addition to winning the 60 last year.
Thomas currently works with several of the Invaders' elite sprinters
and plays a key role in the Invaders' mission of supporting athletes
committed to the pursuit of national and international athletic success.
Team Director Greg Harger said, "This is a historic moment for the
growth and development of the Indiana Invaders program and we are very
fortunate to start the program with a couple of great ambassadors
for our club, our sport, and our community." Harger added, "We will
have a fully operational Masters program in place to serve all Masters
ages and events by the end of this summer and after we build our roster
base, we will look to create and bid for Masters T&F events to be held
in Indiana in the near future."
The masters program, which will be implemented by the Invaders this fall
will be made available to athletes, over the age of 30, that live in the
realm of the Indiana Association of USA Track & Field.
USA Track & Field's Club Revitalization Mission Statement:
"To expand and broaden opportunities for America's track & field
athletes to continue their participation and development outside
of and beyond our school-based programs through USATF clubs."
For masters development, the initiatives address the needs of older
individuals wanting to remain fit and competitive, and provides an
environment for these like-minded individuals to train together.
The initiatives support the fitness and competitive needs of all
individuals, of all ages, in communities throughout the country
via USATF association-based clubs.
The Invaders, in addition to hosting the USA Club Track & Field
Championships this July, will release additional details on the
team's elite development programs and youth league formation in
coming weeks. Additional details on the masters program will be
released later this fall.
USA Track & Field Club Revitalization Initiatives:
http://www.indianainvaders.com/releases/02/02-10-04tr.asp
The Indiana Invaders, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1998,
presents an innovative approach to track & field by providing a
resident-based, athlete-centered support system unique to the sport
in the United States.
For further information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg
Harger at 317 289-4018.
INVADERS' MARY DANNER TAKES BRONZE AT WORLD INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
March 15, 2003
(INDIANAPOLIS) Invaders' Mary Danner won a bronze medal at the IAAF
World Indoor Championships as the anchor leg of the US National Team's
4x400 relay. Although Danner was tangled up with Olympian Sandie
Richards, of Jamaica, she was able to pull it back together and
give the US Team a third place finish of 3:31.69 vs Jamaica's 3:31.23.
Danner, competing in her first world championship, captured the
second world championship medal in the history of the Invaders.
Olympian DeDee Nathan captured the Invaders' first medal at the
1999 World Indoor Championship in winning the gold medal in the
pentathlon.
Danner anchored the 4x400 relay comprised of Olympian Monique
Hennagan, Megan Addy, and Brenda Taylor.
Team Director Greg Harger said, "To get a chance to run anchor at
the World Championships and bring home a bronze medal is a great
accomplishment. This experience has the makings of a successful
career for Danner."
Top three Teams - 4x400 relay results:
1 Russia 3:28.45 (WL)
(Antyukh Natalya, Pechonkina Yuliya, Zykina Olesya, Nazarova Natalya)
2 Jamaica 3:31.23
(Smith Ronetta, Scott Catherine, Morgan Sheryl, Richards Sandie)
3 United States 3:31.69
(Hennagan Monique, Addy Meghan, Taylor Brenda, Danner Mary)
The 9th IAAF World Indoor Track & Field Championships were held
on March 14-16, 2003 in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
IAAF World Indoor Championships:
http://www.wica2003.com/home/
For further information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg
Harger at 317 289-4018.
INVADERS' LINISE GORDON TAKES EIGHTH AT THE COMBINED EVENT CHAMPIONSHIPS
March 15, 2003
(INDIANAPOLIS) Invaders' Linise Gordon took eighth in the pentathlon at
the USA Indoor Combined Events Championships on March 8-9, 2003 on March
8-9, 2003 at the Eddie Smith Fieldhouse on the campus of the University
of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, NC.
Gordon, in her first combined event championship, finished eighth with
a personal best effort of 3926 points in the pentathlon (60H - 8.51,
1015 points; HJ - 1.66, 806 points; SP - 11.62, 636 points; LJ - 5.57,
720 points; 800 - 2:25.63, 749 points).
Coach Aron McGuire said, "Gordon did a great job setting career bests
in three of her five events. This was her first indoor showing at
nationals. She's looking forward to running the 400 hurdles outdoors."
Overall, the Invaders' had six athletes finish in the top 10 at the
2003 USA Indoor Championships. Since 1999, the Invaders have had 40
athletes qualify for the indoor championships, 32 top 10 finishes,
and 11 top five finishes.
TOP 10 PERFORMERS AT THE 2003 INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
5th - 400 (54.61) Mary Danner
6th - 200 (24.38) Tameka Borders
6th - 3,000 (8:09.06) Donnie Fellows
8th - 800 (2:06.09) Hope Sanders
8th - Pent. (3926 points) Linise Gordon
10th - 60 (7.46) Tameka Borders
=============================================
'03 '02 '01 '00 '99 Total(s)
=============================================
Qualified: 12 4 12 7 5 40
Top 10: 6 4 10 7 5 32
Top 5: 1 2 4 2 2 11
2nd: - - - 2 1 3
1st: - - 1 - - 1
=============================================
In the men's heptathlon teammate Brendon Falconer, after finishing day
one in third place, missed the opening clearance in the pole vault on
day two throwing him out of contention and into a 14th place finish with
4091 points (60 - 7.16, 826 points; LJ - 7.19, 859 points; SP - 13.95,
725 points; HJ - 1.94, 749 points; 60H - 8.20, 932 points; PV - NH;
1000 - N/A). Seven of the 18 competitors were kicked out of contention
with no heights and false starts.
Teammate Alex Sprague, competing in his first national championship,
also missed his marks in the heptathlon with a non-clearance in the
high jump. Sprague finished in 15th in the heptathlon with 3936 points
(60 - 7.08, 854 points; LJ - 6.52, 702 points; SP - 14.79, 777 points;
HJ - no height; 60H - 8.21, 930 points; PV - 4.20, 673 points;
1000 - n/a).
McGuire said, "The men were positioned to do well however the jumps
were difficult for a number of competitors to overcome. We'll be
ready to go outdoors."
The USA Indoor Track & Field Championships are the world's oldest indoor
track championships, with the first meet being held in 1888 in New York.
2003 USA Indoor Combined Events Championships:
http://www.usatf.org/events/2003/USAIndoorCombinedEventsChampionships/
For further information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg
Harger at 317 289-4018.
INVADERS TO COMPETE AT USA INDOOR COMBINED EVENTS CHAMPIONSHIPS
March 6, 2003
(INDIANAPOLIS) The Indiana Invaders have three athletes competing
at the USA Indoor Combined Events Championships on March 8-9, 2003
at the Eddie Smith Fieldhouse on the campus of the University of North
Carolina in Chapel Hill, NC. Brendon Falconer and Alex Sprague will
compete in the heptathlon and Linise Gordon will tackle the pentathlon.
Beginning in 1999, the Invaders have had a history of success in the
combined events with DeDee Nathan setting an American Record in route
to winning the gold medal in the pentathlon at the 1999 IAAF World
Indoor Championships, in Maebashi, Japan. Nathan, in winning the
2000 Olympic Trials, finished ninth at the Olympic Games, in Sydney
Australia. Nathan also won the 2001 heptathlon national championship
and finished second in 2002. Invaders male and female athletes combined
have placed five in the top 10 indoors and five in the top 10 outdoors
in the combined events since 1999.
Falconer, who after taking a year off from competition, is an Olympic
Trials qualifier and the fourth place finisher at the 2001 USA Indoor
Combined Events Championships.
Sprague, a graduate of Bowling Green State University and Defiance
High School (OH), Sprague holds BGSU school records in the decathlon,
heptathlon, and pentathlon in addition to holding the Mid-American
Conference (MAC) record of 5467 points in the heptathlon. This will
be Sprague's first USATF national championship appearance.
Coach Aron McGuire said, "The men have a solid base of training and
look for strong performances this weekend. It is very realistic to
expect a top 10 performance from both."
Gordon, a graduate of Ball State University, makes the transition to the
combined events as a 400 meter hurdler. Gordon finished eighth in the
400 hurdles at the 2002 USA Outdoor Championships. This is Gordon's
first appearance at the national championships in the combined events.
Gordon also holds National Club Championship titles in the 400 hurdles
('02) and in the triple jump ('01). Gordon finished in the top three of
four events at the 2002 USA National Club Championships (100H, 400H, HJ,
and JT) in addition to leading the Invaders to a team title in the 400
meter relay.
McGuire commented, "Gordon is continuing her second year of doing the
combined events. She's making some very good progress. If she can put
all five events together she will have a really good score this weekend
at Nationals. Regardless of the outcome the experience will be very
beneficial. For her, training for the pentathlon during the Indoor
season will help her power outdoors in the 400 hurdles and improve her
opportunities in the heptathlon."
Team Director Greg Harger said, "The opportunity to represent the
community and the nation at the World Championships and/or the Olympic
Games is the ultimate goal and focus for our athletes." Harger added, "
This weekend will be a very competitive step along the path that these
athletes must master in order to give themselves the best possible
opportunity in the coming months and years of their athletic careers."
2003 USA Indoor Combined Events Championships:
http://www.usatf.org/events/2003/USAIndoorCombinedEventsChampionships/
For further information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg
Harger at 317 289-4018.
INVADERS ADD SPRINTER, OLYMPIAN TANKO BRAIMAH
March 4, 2003
(INDIANAPOLIS) The Indiana Invaders have added Olympian Tanko
Braimah, a citizen of Ghana, to the team's roster. Braimah, a
2002 graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, has a career
best of 10.28 in the 100 and 20.62 in the 200.
Braimah's international career highlights include the 2000 Olympic
Games, 1998 Commonwealth Games, 1998 African Games, and the 1997
African Junior Championships.
Braimah, as a NCAA Indoor & Outdoor qualifier in 2001, also
set the Sun-Belt Conference Record in the 200 in 2001.
Braimah will be one of four Olympians on the Invaders current
roster. Braimah joins Olympians Stevimir Ercegovac (Shot Put),
DeDee Nathan (Heptathlon), and Kirt Thompson (Javelin Throw).
Team Director Greg Harger said, "Braimah has the talent, ability,
and enthusiasm to be very successful in the professional world.
His addition to the team will bring an immediate boost to the
growth efforts of our men's sprint group."
For further information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg
Harger at 317 289-4018.
INVADERS PLACE FIVE IN TOP TEN AT USATF INDOOR NATIONALS
March 2, 2003
(INDIANAPOLIS) Five of eight competing Indiana Invaders finished in
the top ten at the USA Track & Field Indoor National Championships.
Tameka Borders, a graduate of Ball State University, led the charge
on the third and final day of the championship with a sixth place
finish in the 200 with a time of 24.38.
Borders advanced to the finals of the 200 with the sixth fastest time
of 24.00 in the semi-finals. On day-two, Borders was 10th in the 60.
Teammate Donnie Fellows, a Big Ten Champion in the 10,000 while at
Purdue University, finished sixth in the 3,000 with a time of 8:09.06.
Shannon Gallagher ranked sixth going into the pole vault did not clear
the opening height.
Team Director Greg Harger said, "Everyone did a great job competively
this weekend. The preparation and training for the indoor season will
show itself during the outdoor season." Harger added, "Gallagher's
performance wasn't expected. As an eight-time USATF Qualifier she has
the experience and talent to get the job done, but it just didn't
click today."
TOP 10 PERFORMERS
5th - 400 (54.61) Mary Danner
6th - 200 (24.38) Tameka Borders
6th - 3,000 (8:09.06) Donnie Fellows
8th - 800 (2:06.09) Hope Sanders
10th - 60 (7.46) Tameka Borders
The USA Indoor Track & Field Championships are the world's oldest indoor
track championships, with the first meet being held in 1888 in New York.
Next weekend, the USA Indoor Combined Events Championships in Chapel
Hill, North Carolina will feature Invaders' Alex Sprague (Heptathlon),
Brendon Falconer (Heptathlon), and Linise Gordon (Pentathlon).
USA Indoor Track & Field Championships:
http://www.usatf.org/events/2003/USAIndoorTFChampionships/
For further information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg
Harger at 317 289-4018.
INVADERS' MARY DANNER TO COMPETE AT WORLD INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
March 1, 2003
(INDIANAPOLIS) Invaders' Mary Danner will compete at the IAAF World
Indoor Championships as a member of the US National Team's 4x400 relay.
Danner earned a position on the National Team with her fifth place
finish in the finals of the 400 meters, at the USATF Indoor Track &
Field Championships on March 1, 2003, with a time of 54.17.
This is Danner's first appearance at the national championships.
Danner improved upon her career indoor best of 54.18, set earlier
this season.
Teammates Hope Sanders posted the eighth best time in the semi-finals
of 800 (2:06.09) and did not advance to the finals, Tameka Borders set
the 10th best time in the 60 meters (7.46) failing to advance to the
finals, Jacob Koczman posted the 11th best time in the semi-finals of
the 800 (1:51.71) but did not advance, and Greg Yeldell did not post
a mark due to injury in his first attempt of the triple jump. Brandon
Hon, with a time of 7.92 in the opening round and then 7.92 in the
semi-finals did not advance to the finals with the 13th best time.
Team Director Greg Harger said, "Danner's performance speaks for
itself. She did a great job today. The World Championships will
be a great experience for her." Harger added, "Hon, for a 400
hurdler, ran really well today by running his second and third
best ever times in the 60 hurdles. It speaks volumes for his
training as he heads into the outdoor season. Sanders ran the
second fastest indoor 800 in her career today. Overall, the
performances of Borders, Koczman, and Yeldell are not indicative
of their preperation, training, and potential. All three will
use today as additional motivation heading into the outdoor
season."
On the final day of the championships, Invaders in competition
include Shannon Gallagher ranked sixth in the pole vault, Tameka
Borders ranked seventh in the 200, and Donnie Fellows ranked ninth
in the 3,000.
Sunday's action at the 2003 USA Indoor Track & Field Championships
can be viewed via live webcast. Coverage begins at 1 p.m. until
the conclusion of events at roughly 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday.
Cost is $10. http://www.i2sports.com
The 2003 IAAF World Indoor Track & Field Championships will be
on March 14-16, 2003 in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
USA Indoor Track & Field Championships:
http://www.usatf.org/events/2003/USAIndoorTFChampionships/
For further information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg
Harger at 317 289-4018.
