Posted: June 24, 2004

Athletics: Big Red Invitational To Impact USA Olympic Trials 800/1500 Qualifying

(INDIANAPOLIS) The BIG RED National Invitational, the final leg of the Indiana Invaders' High Performance Track and Field Meet Series, features 24 Olympic Trials Qualifiers competing in the men's and women's 1500 and the men's and women's 800. This two day event rolls into Bloomington, Indiana on Saturday June 26th.

In the men's 1500, 13 are currently qualified for the US Olympic Team Trials including Indiana University's Sean Jefferson. This deep and talented field represents 33% of the currently qualified Olympic Trials field. Nine are ranked in the top 25 during the Olympic Trials Qualifying window. This event will also feature Two-time Olympian ('96 & '00) Jason Pyrah and Olympian ('96) Robert Gary.

In the men's 800, there are four athletes currently qualified for the Olympic Trials including Indiana Invaders' Jacob Koczman and Indiana State University's Jason Briggs.

Seven athletes competing in the women's 800 are qualified for the Olympic Trials including Indiana Invaders' Hope Sanders. Sanders is the top Indiana athlete qualified for the US Olympic Trials 800 meters.

The High Performance Track & Field Series Director Greg Harger said, "This event will feature many of America's top middle distance athletes in what will be some of the most competitive racing of the entire year for 800 and 1500 meters." Harger added, "When BIG RED is over, this meet will in large part determine who will and who will not compete at the US Olympic Trials over 800 and 1500 meters. With the depth of talent entered it will be very competitive, and with the competitive consequences these races will be second only to the Olympic Trials in competitive excitement."

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.

USATF National Club Track & Field Championships (July 2nd & 3rd) www.indianainvaders.com/meets/04/usa_club_championship.asp.

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