INVADERS' DZRADOSI SETS CAREER BEST AT DRAKE RELAYS
April 26, 2003
(INDIANAPOLIS) Invaders' Marc Dzradosi, a graduate of Drake University,
set his career best with a second place finish in the triple jump
(16.55) at this year's 94th edition of the Drake Relays on Saturday
April 26.
In dramatic fashion, the defending 2002 champion Dzradosi took the
lead in the triple jump on his final attempt only to see the final
competitor in the event, Randy Lewis, of Wichita State, take it away
on his final effort with a mark of 16.80 meters.
Teammate Brandon Hon had an outstanding double with a fourth place
finish in the Invitational 400 hurdles (51.22) and a fifth place finish
in the Invitational 110 hurdles (14.13).
Carri Long took fifth in the Invitational high jump (1.78), Shannon
Gallagher finished sixth in the Invitational pole vault (3.92), and
Olympian Tanko Braimah was sixth in the Invitational 200 (21.71).
Hope Sanders, of Indianapolis, was seventh in a very fast invitational
800 with a time of 2:06.08. Linise Gordon, after winning a grueling
heptathlon (seven events) on Thursday, hit the track and finished
eighth in the Invitational 400 hurdles. Jacob Koczman finished
seventh in his section of the 800.
Over the course of the Drake Relays weekend, the Invaders won the
heptathlon, placed eight in the top 5, and had a number of career
and season opening bests.
Team Director Greg Harger said, "Dzradosi had a career best and you
can't ask for more than that on any given day. Hon had an excellent
competitive double in both the short and long hurdle races. Long
wasn't in top form today, but she is more than motivated now to get
back to top form in the high jump. Sanders had her best season opener
ever. Gordon learned a little about recovery after a heptahlon.
Overall we had a great experience this weekend." Harger added, "The
officials, volunteers, and meet management did an outstanding job.
The Drake Relays consistently put on one of the greatest shows on
earth for both the athletes and spectators. We look forward to
returning next year with an even larger contigent."
In Michigan at the Hillsdale Relays, Donnie Fellows won the 10,000 with
a career best time of 28:42.03 on Friday evening. Fellows, a graduate
of Purdue University, improved his PR by over 22 seconds.
In Pennsylvania at the Penn Relays, Team USA went 1-2 (USA Red & USA
Blue) in the 4x400 relays with Mary Danner, of the Invaders, running
the third leg (50.9) of USA Blue. Team Red went 3:26.65, Team Blue
went 3:28.47 while Jamaica went 3:28.69 for third.
America's Athletic Classic - Drake Relays:
http://www.drakerelays.org/
For further information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg
Harger at 317 289-4018.
INVADERS' THOMPSON SECOND AT DRAKE RELAYS
April 25, 2003
(INDIANAPOLIS) Invaders' Olympian Kirt Thompson finished second in
the javelin throw at this year's 94th edition of the Drake Relays
on Friday April 25. Thompson, the defending Drake Relays champion,
was runner-up to Bill Neumann, of the University of Iowa, 71.23 to
72.83.
Thompson moved into second place on his final throw in the finals.
Thompson, a two-time Olympic Qualifier and National Champion of
Trinidad, was the NCAA Division II National Champion in 1993 &
1994 and is a two-time USATF National Club Champion.
Team Director Greg Harger said, "Today's outing is Thompson's first
appearance in a competitive setting since last July. His performance
demonstrates that he is on the path to PR fitness in his event after
over-coming a rough stretch of events off the track." Harger added,
"Thompson is an outstanding competitor and we look forward to seeing
him back in the 80 meter range before the end of this season."
America's Athletic Classic - Drake Relays:
http://www.drakerelays.org/
For further information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg
Harger at 317 289-4018.
INVADERS HEADED TO DRAKE RELAYS
April 22, 2003
(INDIANAPOLIS) The Indiana Invaders are headed to the 94th edition of
the Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa on April 24-26, 2002. The Invaders
look to wrap up the April relay season at America's Athletic Classic
with 13 athletes competing and are led by Olympians Kirt Thompson
(Trinidad) and Tanko Braimah (Ghana).
Two-time Olympic Qualifier and National Champion of Trinidad, Olympian
Kirt Thompson, returns as the 2002 Drake Relays Champion in the javelin
(Friday). Olympian Tanko Braimah, will compete in the Invitational 200
(Saturday). Marc Drzadosi, a graduate of Drake University and three
time NCAA Qualifier, also returns as a 2002 Drake Relays Champion in
the triple jump (Saturday).
Two-Time NAIA Champion Jacob Koczman, of West Des Moines, will compete
in the 800 along with teammate Hope Sanders (Saturday). Mary Duerbeck
takes to Drake for her season opener in the 10,000. Brendon Falconer
and Linise Gordon will compete in the decathlon and heptathlon,
respectively (Wednesday & Thursday). Gordon, a USATF 400H finalist
in 2002, will then hit the track on Saturday to face the competition
in the Invitational 400 hurdles. Fellow hurdler, Brandon Hon, will
compete in the Invitational 400 Hurdles (Saturday).
Pole vaulters Shannon Gallagher and Ebbie Metzinger will compete in
a stacked invitational vaulting field that includes World Record Holder
& Olympic Champion Stacy Dragila (Saturday). Carri Long, a graduate of
Purdue University, will compete in the Invitational high jump field,
a field that includes six of the top 10 high jumpers in the US
(Saturday).
Team Director Greg Harger said, "The Invaders are fired up about the
opportunity to compete in front of such a great audience. We're glad
to be able to support meet director Mark Kostek in taking the Drake
Relays to a higher level with changes beneficial to the sport and
the event."
America's Athletic Classic - Drake Relays:
http://www.drakerelays.org/
For further information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg
Harger at 317 289-4018.
INDIANA INVADERS RESULTS AT INDY RELAYS AND MT SAC RELAYS
April 20, 2003
(INDIANAPOLIS) At the Mt Sac Relays (CA), Carri Long, led the Invaders'
efforts at the Mt Sac Relays with her fifth place finish in the high
jump (1.80). Shannon Gallagher finished 10th in the pole vault (3.85)and
Donnie Fellows was fifth in his section of the 5000 (14:06.30).
At the Indy Relays, Linise Gordon in tuning up for her Drake Relays
debut in the Heptathlon, led the team with her win in the 100 hurdles in
a career best time of 13.64. Gordon also took second in the javelin
throw (35.11) and sixth in the high jump (1.62).
Other Invaders competing in "off events" or early season openers were
Jacob Koczman and Daniel Walden capturing second in the 400
(48.38) and 800 (1:54.04), respectively. Jeff Minks placed eighth in
the 400 (50.11). Long jumper, Pristina Jones, after six years of
competing in other events returned to the 400 to finish sixth with a
time of 58.61.
Decathlete Brendon Falconer took ninth in the pole vault (3.95).
Team Director Greg Harger said, "This weekend continued the opening up
of the outdoor season allowing us to evaluate current fitness and to
tune up for the Drake Relays where most of the cream of the roster will
initiate
their outdoor season in earnest."
The Invaders will top off the month of April on April 24-26th with a
journey to Des Moines, Iowa at America's Athletic Classic, the Drake
Relays.
Butler University Track & Field's Indy Relays:
http://www.butlersports.ocsn.com/sports/c-track/spec-rel/041902aaa.html
Mt Sac Relays:
http://vm.mtsac.edu/relays/
For further information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg
Harger at 317 289-4018.
INDIANA INVADERS TO COMPETE AT INDY RELAYS, MT SAC RELAYS
April 16, 2003
(INDIANAPOLIS) The Indiana Invaders will compete this weekend at
the Indy Relays hosted by Butler University in Indianapolis, IN
on April 19th, 2003 and at the Mt Sac Relays in California.
Invaders scheduled for competition at the Indy Relays include Amber
Plowden (100 & 200), Pristina Jones (LJ, 200, 400), Linise Gordon
(100H, HJ, JT), Brendon Falconer (PV, LJ, 110H), Jacob Koczman (400),
Jeff Minks (400), and Daniel Walden (800).
The Mt Sac Relays will feature vaulters Shannon Gallagher and Ebbie
Metzinger, both ranked in the top 20 last year in the US, along with
teammate Donnie Fellows, a graduate of Purdue University, competing in
the 5,000.
Team Director Greg Harger said, "This weekend is a collection of
efforts. Everything from opening up the outdoor season, evaluating
current fitness and tuning up for the Drake Relays where most of the
cream of the roster will initiate their outdoor season in earnest."
Butler University Track & Field's Indy Relays:
http://www.butlersports.ocsn.com/sports/c-track/spec-rel/041902aaa.html
Mt Sac Relays:
http://vm.mtsac.edu/relays/
For further information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg
Harger at 317 289-4018.
INVADERS ADD THREE TIME ALL-AMERICAN KATIE CHAPMAN
April 15, 2003
(INDIANAPOLIS) The Indiana Invaders have added three-time All-American
middle distance runner Katie Chapman, of Ferris State
University and Cass Technical High School (MI), to the team's roster.
Chapman was a four time Michigan High School runner-up in the 800,
three time Detroit City Champion in the 800, and a two time Junior
Olympics Competitor (800 - 3rd)('93) (1500 - 6th)('95).
Chapman is a three time GLIAC Conference Champion and holds the 800
record at Ferris State with a career best of 2:06.94. Chapman joins
four time USATF veteran 800 meter runner Hope Sanders.
Team Director Greg Harger said, "Chapman has the enthusiasm and
talent to make an impact in short order. Chapman and Sanders will
make their presence known at the national championships." Added
Harger, "It's great to add someone of her talent to the roster. She
knows what she wants to accomplish and she's willing to make the
sacrifices required to get the job done."
For further information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg
Harger at 317 289-4018.
INDIANA INVADERS START OUTDOOR SEASON AT SEA RAY RELAYS
April 13, 2003
(INDIANAPOLIS) The Indiana Invaders started the outdoor season with an
early season opener for a handful of athletes at the Sea Ray Relays in
Knoxville, TN. Carri Long, a graduate of Purdue University, led the
Invaders with her win in the high jump (1.77).
Brandon Hon opened his outdoor season with a fifth place finish in
the 400H with a career best of 51.20, Linise Gordon took eighth in the
400H (59.99), and Pristina Jones took eighth in the long jump (5.76).
Amber Plowden took 21st in the 100 (12.20) and 25th in the 200 (25.07).
The Sea Ray Relays is the first major outdoor track and field meet
of the season for the Invaders in preparation of the USA Outdoor
Championships on June 20-22 in Palo Alto, CA.
The Invaders will see more action at the Indy Relays next weekend and
then compete at the Drake Relays in Des Moines, Iowa on April 24-26.
Sea Ray Relays Results:
http://www.tenntrack.com/meet_info/04-09_Sea_Ray_Relays/index.html
For further information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg
Harger at 317 289-4018.
INVADERS ADD THREE-TIME BIG TEN POLE VAULT CHAMPION METZINGER
April 8, 2003
(INDIANAPOLIS) The Indiana Invaders have added three-time Big Ten
Conference Champion pole vaulter Ebbie Metzinger, a graduate of Purdue
University and Benton Central High School (IN), to the team's roster.
Metzinger broke into the 2002 top 15 U.S. rankings for the pole vault
during the indoor season with a career best of 4.25 meters while
in route to setting Big Ten Conference & Purdue University records.
Metzinger finished ninth at the 2002 NCAA Indoor Championships and
13th at the 2002 NCAA Outdoor Championships. Metzinger was a combined
events competitor before she first started pole vaulting her
sophomore year at Purdue.
Metzinger joins the Invaders' vaulting ranks along side veteran vaulter
Shannon Gallagher, an eight time USATF qualifier ranked 16th in the U.S.
in 2002 and a 10th place finisher at the 2000 Olympic Trials.
Team Director Greg Harger said, "Metzinger is a very exciting vaulting
prospect in that she is so young in terms of total training years for
her event." Added Harger, "She has the talent and desire to be very
competitive in her event. With only three years of experience in her
event she has a lot of potential. We look forward to supporting her
successes at the national and international level."
For further information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg
Harger at 317 289-4018.
INDIANA INVADERS LAUNCH JUNIOR INVADERS YOUTH PROGRAM
April 3, 2003
(INDIANAPOLIS) The Indiana Invaders are launching a new and innovative
six-week developmental youth program, for boys & girls ages 8-14,
at three locations in the Indianapolis area this summer, June 9th
- July 17th, 2003. The Invaders Youth Program is an extension of the
Indiana Invaders, a not-for-profit track and field club comprised
of elite, post-collegiate athletes.
The youth program will be held on the campus of local high schools;
Arsenal Technical, Ben Davis, and Lawrence Central. The program
will feature special event clinics conducted by elite track and field
athletes. With four Olympians, two world championship medalists, two
former/current American Record holders, and a score of top ranked US
athletes the program will bring together an unprecedented amount of
experience to a youth program.
Indiana University graduate - World Champion, American Record Holder,
& Olympian DeDee Nathan (Multi-Events) said, "Sports are the bridge to
greater opportunities for children of all ages." Purdue University
graduate - #4 U.S. Ranked High Jumper, Carri Long added, "This is a
wonderful opportunity for student-athletes to experience the sport."
University of Cincinnati graduate - 2003 World Championship Bronze
Medalist Mary Danner (4x400) said, "All children should receive the
opportunity to experience sports on different levels. It allows
them to mentally and physically expand and at the same time provide
enjoyment and encouragement."
The program also includes a unique St. Vincent Sports Medicine
clinic for parents on sports injury treatment and prevention. And,
special support through a grant from the Indiana Sports Corporation's
Champs Program will allow for the purchase of special track & field
equipment designed for the very young developmental athlete. At the
conclusion of the six week session each site will participate in a Grand
Finale Track Meet showcasing the talents of all the participants in the
program.
The Invaders started the youth program to further meet the goals of
the USA Track and Field's club revitalization initiatives. For youth
development, the initiatives serve the needs of boys & girls ages
8-14 and introduces them to the sport of track & field, teaches
them event-specific skills, provides age-graded participation and
advanced coaching and training techniques for those who wish to
enhance their performances in youth competition.
Team Director Greg Harger said, "As a model for the sport, the Invaders
are taking the lead in our community to implement these initiatives.
The best thing we can do for our sport at the grass roots level is to
have identifiable community clubs as they involve everyone from our
community in a winning and positive identity with which many want to
be associated." Harger added, "This a significant moment in the
development of our efforts to meet the USATF club revitalization
initiatives. We have a goal of having upwards of 500 kids in the
program within three years. We anticipate the program to serve a
couple hundred kids right out of the gate. We are very fortunate
to have found the makings of an outstanding administrative staff
for this program and the response to the creation of the respective
event coaching for each site has been ahead of schedule and very
encouraging."
Harger also added, "The financial support for these initiatives will
have an enormous positive impact on attaining stable community-based
clubs. They put teeth to the issue of committing and unifying the
resources of all of the sport's development committees, responsible
for the governance and development of their respective events, to
support the grass roots clubs that impact and support athletes at every
level of every ability. We're proud to be able to take the lead on
these initiatives within our community."
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."
Bill Roe, President of USA Track & Field, said, "The Invaders have
already performed service to our sport and our club initiatives by
hosting the first two national club championships. Now they are
upping the ante and showing the way for clubs around the country
to access their communities. It's going to be a tough act to
follow for any other club!"
Junior Invaders Program Director Susan Holewinski said, "We are
excited to introduce our youth track and field program to the
Indianapolis community. Our experienced coaches are prepared
to direct young athletes in their exploration of the track and
field world. The Indiana Invaders are ready to share their
training secrets through weekly clinics with the youth. The
program is open to boys and girls who are interested in learning
and developing their skills and techniques in the sport of track
and field." For additional information on the Invaders Youth
Program please contact Susan Holewinski at 317-340-6877 or
online at ([email protected]).
The Indiana Invaders, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1998,
present 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.
INDIANA INVADERS CAPTURE TOP FINISHES AT FIRST MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS
April 1, 2003
(INDIANAPOLIS) The Indiana Invaders captured top honors at the
USA Masters Indoor Track & Field Championships in Boston, MA
on March 28-30, 2003. In their first outing at the masters
championships, the Invaders represented by Olympian Sunder Nix and All-American Robert Thomas captured two first place and
two second place finishes.
As founding members of the Invaders Masters Team, Nix finished second
in the 400 (M40 - 50.07) and Thomas won the 200 (M35 - 22.56) and 400
(M35 - 48.81) while placing second in the 60 (M35 - 7.19).
Over seven hundred athletes from coast-to-coast competed over the
three-day meet at Boston's Reggie Lewis Center, with 14 world records
and 38 American records pending official verification.
Team Director Greg Harger said, "The Masters events have become
very challenging. The level of competition excites, it challenges,
and it's no joke. The competition has become more intense with
each passing season and has become something any competitive person
can really enjoy. Nix and Thomas look forward to going with
a much larger group when they return next year." Harger added,
"We look forward to creating and bidding for Masters T&F events
to be held in Indiana in the future to help increase awareness and
participation for Indiana masters aged athletes."
The masters program, which will be fully 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 Masters Indoor Track & Field Championships:
http://usatf.org/events/2003/USAMastersIndoorTFChampionships/
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.
