June 24, 2010

(Des Moines, IA) The Indiana Invaders open competition today at the USA Indoor National Track & Field Championships represented by Mason Cathey and James O'Brien. The 2010 National Championships are hosted by Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Mason Cathey will compete in the 3000 meter steeplechase while James O'Brien will compete at 800 meters.

Mason Cathey was a first time 3000 meter steeplechase national qualifier for the Invaders in 2009. Cathey's best mark in 2009 left her #14 on the USA performance list in her first full season with the Indiana Invaders. Cathey enters the competition this year ranked #14 on the entry list.

James "Jimmy" O'Brien in his first season on the Indiana Invaders roster will be making his second USA National Championship appearance after having competed in the USA Indoor National Championships at 800 meters in February.

Coach Greg Harger said, "Mason is prepared to earn her first appearance in the finals for the Steeple after last year's USA Championship rookie orientation and having gained additional experience with a Top 10 finish at Indoor USA in the 1500. Jimmy's initial season as a post-collegian is turning out to be a great crash course in the dynamic tactics of national class 800 meter racing as his seeding in the first round offers the likely extreme opposite race tactics to his Indoor USA experience " Harger added, "Both Mason and Jimmy will face a strong test today as they look to advance to the finals and semi-finals respectively.  This opportunity is what they have spent the season training for and both appear to be embracing the challenge". 

The Indiana Invaders, a not-for-profit organization competing at USA National Championships since 1999, provide a resident-based, athlete-centered support system based in Indianapolis, Indiana.