Posted: July 12, 2004

Athletics: Invaders' Riley, Long & Koczman Advance To Olympic Trials Finals

(INDIANAPOLIS) The Indiana Invaders' Zack Riley, Carri Long, and Jacob Koczman had strong performances on day two of the 2004 U.S. Olympic Team Track & Field Trials advancing them to the finals of their respective events; Hammer Throw, High Jump, and 800 meters.

Riley threw 68.17 meters in the hammer throw and will compete on Monday in the finals. Long cleared 1.82 meters in the high jump and will also compete in the finals on Monday. Koczman will join Riley and Long on Monday, as he advanced to the finals of the 800 with his time of 1:48.15 effort in the semi-finals.

Defending 2000 Olympic Trials Heptathlon Champion DeDee Nathan was fifth in the heptathlon and will not represent the USA at this summer's Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. This was Nathan's fourth US Olympic Trials, and she has finished in the top five each time. Nathan's career highlights included two fourth place finishes at the Olympic Trials in 1992 and 1996. She went on to the Olympic Games in Sydney in 2000 to finish ninth after her victory at the 2000 US Olympic Trials. Nathan is the also the current American Record Holder in the pentathlon after she won the 1999 IAAF World Indoor Championships.

Team Director Greg Harger said, "Nathan was in position to make the Olympic Team and put up her best score in two years. Going out on top would have been a story book conclusion to her career, but that doesn't happen often on the competitive field. She's had a good ride and she's ready to start the next chapter of her life. She'll hand the baton on to the next generation and we are very fortunate to have her planning to remain in our community and serve in a mentoring and coaching capacity." Harger added, "Koczman did a great job in navigating his way into Monday's finals. He's learning championship racing and has an opportunity to make a mark for himself in the finals. Riley and Long both put in solid efforts and advanced their way to their finals. We expect a good outing from everyone on Monday."

After Monday's competition featuring Riley, Sanders, and Koczman the Invaders will then see action again on Thursday after the two day break in competition on Tuesday and Wednesday with Adam Shunk competing in the High Jump and Greg Yeldell in the Triple Jump.

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.