October 6, 2001
(INDIANAPOLIS) The Indiana Invaders open with their first scored cross country meet of the season on Sunday October 7, 2001 at the Genesee Valley Harriers' Cross Country Invitational at Black Creek Park in Rochester, NY. Invaders' Collette Liss, a native of Valparaiso, Ind., returns to defend her 2000 individual title and as a team the Invaders look to defend their 2000 women's team title.

"Last year we put 5 women in the top 10. We are equally good if not better this year. If we do what we're suppose to do, I'm not worried about the outcome. We have two women who can run 16:10 or below and three others at or below 17:10. This is the first time this season for all seven of the ladies to jump on the cross country course together and they should do just fine," said head coach Chris Buhler.

The Invitational is located 15 minutes from Rochester, NY in Black Creek Park. The course features an all dirt/grass and wood chip trail layout. The Invaders women's team will face the 1999 Mayor's Cup team champion Syracuse Chargers, the Toronto Olympic Club, Buffalo's Checkers AC, and the host team Genesee Valley Harriers.

On the women's side, Liss will be joined by teammates Priscilla Hein, Kelly French, Susie Motl, Keisha Banks, Judy Porter, and Leah Nilsson. Hein placed 10th at the 2001 World Cross Country Trials, French finished fourth at the 2000 Canadian Olympic Trials and Porter competed in the 3000 steeple chase at the 2001 USA Outdoor National Track & Field Championship.

On the Men's side, three Invaders Rick Sluder, Todd Moroney, and Phil Hudnall will compete against a strong Kenyan field and several very competitive east coast teams including Greater Boston TC, Toronto Olympic Club, Philadelphia TC, Syracuse Chargers, Ithaca's High Noon AC, Buffalo's Checkers AC, and the Genesee Valley Harriers. Sluder finished 6th at the 2000 Fall USA National Cross Country Championship.

Genesee Valley Harrier Invitational:
http://www.gvh.net

For additional information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg Harger at 317 289-4018 or online at: (email)