Posted: December 7, 2004

Athletics: Indiana Invaders Finish Sixth At USATF Cross Country Nationals

(INDIANAPOLIS) The Indiana Invaders women's cross country team took sixth at the 2004 USATF National Club Cross Country Championships on December 4th in Portland, Oregon.

In the team scoring, the Invaders were led by University of Washington graduate Anna Aoki in 24th. Aoki was followed by teammates Heather May (36th), Lesley Read (40th), Stephanie Dueringer (53rd), Keisha Banks (58th), Jessica Textoris (59th), and Amy Manson (68th).

The Invaders scored 212 points finishing behind See Jane Run (76 points), NIKE Farm Team (79 points), Boston Athletic Association (84 points), Wisconsin Running Racing Team (108 points), and Run AZ (166 points).

Coach Greg Harger said, "The team put forth their best effort on this day. This was a very challenging cross country course that afforded no place to hide your cross country fitness. Overall this was the most competitive club championship we have seen in our five appearances at club nationals. The growth of this event in terms of competitive performance levels is very encouraging." Harger added, "We look forward immediately to next year's championship when these athletes have the opportunity to toe the line with fitness more in-line with their athletic resume PR's. The bar being raised by several clubs, new and old, is exactly what the Club environment needs to become a stronger force in its contribution to meaningful elite athlete development. We look forward to the challenge of returning to a team performance level that respects our fellow competitors by being at our expectation level for championships next year in Rochester, New York."

With more than 60 clubs and a total of 890 athletes in competition this was the largest cross country championship event in the history of US cross country. The 2005 USATF National Club Cross Country Championships will be hosted by the Genesee Valley Harriers on November 26, 2005 in Genesee Valley Park, New York.

2004 USATF National Club Cross Country Championships USATF.org.

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