Posted: July 11, 2004

Athletics: Indiana Invaders' Nathan Defending Olympic Trials Title

(INDIANAPOLIS) Defending US Olympic Trials Heptathlon Champion DeDee Nathan finished Day One of competition in fourth at the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team Track & Field Trials in Sacramento, California on July 9th.

Nathan will move into Day Two of the Heptathlon with 3598 points which is less than 100 points behind Olympic Trials leader Tiffany Lott-Hogan (3686 points). Nathan was second in the shot put (13.94, 790 pts), tied for fourth in the high jump (1.75, 916 pts), took sixth in the 100 hurdles (13.64, 1030 pts), and was 13th in the 200 (25.27, 862 pts). Nathan is in a solid position to make her second USA Olympic Team as her strongest events in this year's field are on day two.

Teammate Jacob Koczman, a graduate of Northwestern College (IA), competing in the fastest openning round section of the 800 advanced to the semi-final round with his time of 1:47.68. Olympic Trials veteran Hope Sanders and team newcomer, Jason Briggs, did not advance with their times of 2:05.79 and 1:50.25, respectively in the openning round of the 800.

Donnie Fellows, a graduate of Purdue University, finished 19th in the 10,000 with a time of 29:37.64.

Team Director Greg Harger said, "Nathan's been in this spot before and she knows how to win. In reality she's in great position to make her second Olympic Team, as pre-competition favorite Shelia Burrell is behind her and she's less than 100 points behind the leader." Harger added, "Koczman did a great job dealing with the traffic and advancing to the semi-finals. Sanders and Briggs performances were disappointing but their careers are long from over and this experience should serve them well in the near future. Fellows wrapped up a challenging season with many changes off the track that will allow him a great training situation in the years ahead so this is not a disaster by any means as he keeps his focus on the big picture."

Day Two of the Olympic Trials will see Indiana Invaders' DeDee Nathan complete the heptathlon, Zack Riley in the qualifying round of the hammer throw, Carri Long in the qualifying round of the high jump, and Jacob Koczman competing in the semi-finals of the 800.

2004 U.S. Olympic Team Track & Field Trials Results: www.usatf.org/events/2004/OlympicTrials-TF/schedule.asp.

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