Posted: April 23, 2004

Athletics: Olympian Thompson Leads Invaders At Drake Relays

(INDIANAPOLIS) Olympian Kirt Thompson lead the Indiana Invaders on the team's first day of competition at the 95th edition of the Drake Relays, in Des Moines, Iowa, with his winning performance of 69.79 meters in the javelin.

Thompson, competing in his second meet of this Olympic season, had two throws over 69 meters in this early season outing. This is Thompson's second Drake Relays Championship sandwiching a runner-up finish between wins in 2003.

Invaders' Amber Plowden and Francesca Green competing in the 100 finished 3rd and fifth in their respective sections Friday. Green's weekend is focused on Saturday's long jump competition while Plowden's attention will be on her appearance in the Special Invitational 200 on Saturday.

On Saturday, in addition to Plowden and Green, the Invaders will feature 10 additional championship appearances with Carri Long (HJ), Jamey Sperle (200 & 400), Sharline Maxwell-Divis (400), Shannon Gallagher (PV), Brandon Hon (110HH & 400H), Adrian Swanson (400H), Jacob Koczman (800) and Hope Sanders (800) displaying their talents.

Team Director Greg Harger said, "This was a great opening day for us this weekend. It'll be a challenge for the others to match Kirt's performance tommorrow but we will have some very competitive performances."

Kirt Thompson's Athletic Profile: www.indianainvaders.com/athletes/kirt_thompson.asp.

The Drake Relays - America's Athletic Classic: www.drakerelays.com.

For additional information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg Harger at 317 289-4018 or online at: (invaders@indy.net)   www.indianainvaders.com.