MARCH 19, 2000

(INDIANAPOLIS)-- Collette Liss (Valparaiso, IN) will represent the USA at the 28th IAAF World Cross Country Championships in her first national team appearance. The oldest and most distinguished international distance running championship in the world will be hosted tomorrow at the Algarve resort, Vilamoura, Portugal.

Chris Buhler

"The World Cross Country Championships are the ultimate test for a distance runner as this race brings to the same starting line the very best in the world from milers to marathoners.", said Invaders Head Coach Chris Buhler. He added, "This experience for Collette is the beginning of a base of experience that will be needed for her to compete effectively against the best in the world."

Liss rounded out the USA Women's team selections that were choosen in Greensboro, North Carolina in February and is fresh off a 2nd place finish in the USA Indoor National Track & Field Championships' Mile. "first and foremost, I expect to give a competitive effort as I'm not interested in just showing up for the experience.", said Liss. She added, "Coach Buhler and I have prepared specifically for this race since last fall, I'm ready to compete and I expect to contribute to my team's score."

Six championship races are set for March 18-19. Saturday, the Junior Women's race at 11:00 AM, the Senior Men's 4km race at 11:40 AM and Senior Women's 8km race at 12:10 PM. On Sunday, the Junior Men's race starts at 10:30 AM, the Senior Women's 4km race at 11:15 AM and the Senior Men's 12km race at 11:55 AM.

For further information, please contact Greg Harger.

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