July 23, 2000

Brendon Falconer Leslie Vidmar

(SACRAMENTO)- Phil McMullen (Asics) of the Indiana Invaders' training group captured fourth in the decathlon at the 2000 Olympic Track and Field Trials. Invaders' Collette Liss (5000 meters), Steven Parker (high jump), and Leslie Vidmar (shot put) also completed their respective competitions.

McMullen's second place finish in the final event, the 1500 meters, vaulted him from 6th to 4th place. Tom Pappas (adidas) finished first with 8467 points while Chris Huffins (Oakley International) finished second with 8285 points.

McMullen's best performance is 8097 points which meets the Olympic A standard (8050) and would allow McMullen to compete at the Olympic Games if either of the top three finishers are unable to compete. McMullen plans to compete in the USA vs. Germany Decathlon set for August.

Liss set a new personal best in the 5000 meter finals in Hornet Stadium with a twelfth place finish of 15:49.85.

Parker failed to clear the opening height in the high jump. Only 11 of the 22 in the high jump field cleared opening height of 2.20m (7'02.50").

Vidmar placed 11th in the field of 18 with a toss of 49'7". "Not up to par," said Vidmar in regard to her throw in the shot put. Vidmar entered the Olympic Trials with a tenth place national ranking.

Thursday, McAfee & Sanders completed competition for the Invaders.

John McAfee sprained his wrist and ankle in a fall during his qualifying section of the 400 meter hurdles.

Hope Sanders' 2:04.76 in the opening round of the 800 was faster than the top two finishers in the first section of the 800 meters. Sanders' qualifying section saw 6 of 7 competitors making the finals. Sander's was 0.14 seconds from qualifying for the finals.

"Two years ago we didn't have a team and now we have taken 13 athletes to the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials. We placed one on the Olympic Team. Numerous other athletes reached the finals in their respective events. We are extremely proud of each and every one of our Invader athletes. Please stay tuned through 2004, because the Invaders expect to become a force in United States Track and Field competition," said Head Coach Buhler.

Top Invaders' Performances at 2000 Olympic Trials
1st - Heptathlon	DeDee Nathan		6343 points
4th - Decathlon		Phil McMullen		7954 points
7th - 1500 meters	Collette Liss		4:13.45
11th - Shot Put		Leslie Vidmar		15.12m
12th - 5000 meters	Collette Liss		15:49.85
13th - Javelin		Jamie Strieter		50.28m
14th - Discus		Angie Joy		50.26m