Posted: June 19, 2004

Athletics: Big Red National Invitational: Preview

(INDIANAPOLIS) The Indiana Invaders' High Performance Track and Field Meet Series rolls into Bloomington, Indiana on June 26th and 29th for the BIG RED National Invitational. The meets are one of the final opportunities for athletes to attain Olympic Trials Qualifying marks. The two days will be featuring Olympians and future Olympians.

Olympic Gold Medalist Derrick Adkins is registered to compete in the 400 hurdles. Adkins won the Gold Medal in the 400 hurdles at 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. Two-time Olympian Jason Pyrah will compete in the 1500 meter race against Olympians Paul McMullen and Robert Gary. Pyrah, McMullen, and Gary are scheduled to be joined by Indiana University's 1500 meter standouts, Sean and John Jefferson.

Many of the best USA Track & Field Elite Development Teams will participate over the two days of competition. The host team, the Indiana Invaders, will join in heated competition with numerous national class athletes from the legendary Nike Farm Team, ZAP Fitness and the Wisconsin Runner Racing Team along with many others.

The Invaders' Jacob Koczman and Isidro Pimentel of the Nike Farm Team are the top seeds in the men's 800 meter race. The Invaders' Hope Sanders and Ashley Wysong of the Nike Farm Team are the top seeds in the women's 800.

The High Performance Track & Field Series Director Greg Harger said, "This is an incredible opportunity for fans and athletes alike. Last weekend's Big Blue National Invitational in Hillsdale Michigan resulted in 13 Olympic Trials Qualifying performances and we expect even more at BIG RED." Harger added, "This final week of June is the last opportunity for fans to personally experience the competitive spirit of this Olympic Season in the State of Indiana. With our relationship in building this event with Indiana University the prospects of making this an annual event on the domestic calendar is very encouraging."

The Big RED National Invitational leads into the USATF National Club Track & Field Championships in Bloomington, Indiana on July 2nd and 3rd. The Club Championship is the final qualifying opportunity for the US Olympic Trials as it has an exemption to the July 1st qualifying deadline.

For additional information on the High Performance Meet Series and the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg Harger at 317 289-4018 or online at: (greg.harger@indianainvaders.com)   www.indianainvaders.com.