December 11, 2002
(INDIANAPOLIS) The Indiana Invaders men's and women's cross country teams will compete at the 2002 Fall USATF National Cross Country Championships on December 14th in Rocklin, California. The meet will be held on the campus of Sierra College. This is the Invaders fourth year of fielding full men’s and women’s squads since being founded in 1998.

In the men's competition, the Invaders seek to improve on their seventh place finish of last year. Members of the Invaders men's team to compete in the meet are Donnie Fellows, Rick Sluder, Geoffrey Fleming, Todd Moroney, Gareth Wilford, Paul Howarth, and Jason Bialka.

Coach Greg Harger said, "We are looking forward to being a real factor in the men's race for the first time in our 4 year history. We have a little depth and some guys that are hungry for a little respect. This team has at its core the makings of a national championship team in the future." Harger added, "They will compete with pride and the knowledge that they are now a competitive team at the national championships."

In the women's competition, the Invaders as the defending national champions from 2001 will be battling the field with a completely revamped line-up. "This group of athletes is excited about establishing their own identity and challenging for a top finish," said Harger. The team captured two consecutive runner-up finishes in 1999 and 2000. Members of the Invaders women's team to compete in the meet are Stephanie Dueringer, Mary Duerbeck, Leah Nilsson, Keisha Banks, Susie Motl, Monika Stupian, and Kim Lorenz.

Harger said, "Competitions focused on team scoring are a key element to bringing experience to young, emerging elite athletes in preparation for national and international competition. Added Harger, "Team scoring from community based clubs is the best thing we can do for our sport at the grass root level as it involves everyone from our community in a winning and positive identity with which many want to be associated."

The Sierra College championship course is a spectator-friendly, challenging course with rolling hills and multiple turns.

The meet's team champions will receive the Fred Wilt Traveling Trophy, an award presented in memory of Fred Wilt, a former NCAA Cross Country Champion while at Indiana University, the Head Women's Track and Cross Country Coach at Purdue University and a member of the National Track & Field Hall of Fame.

2002 Fall USATF National Cross Country Championships
http://www.venuesports1.com/xcnatls/

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