November 3, 2004
(INDIANAPOLIS) The Indiana Invaders have been designated as a USA Elite Development Club by the United States Governing Body of Athletics, USA Track & Field. The designation is for the upcoming Olympiad, as the team prepares for the next four years heading into Beijing, China for the 2008 Olympic Games.

The Invaders' roster is comprised of elite athletes competing in USA Track & Field National Championship competitions in Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field, and the Marathon. The team serves men and women in all track & field events. Team members are in most cases residents of Indiana and generally live and train in Indianapolis. The most recent team highlight includes 16 Invaders qualifying for the US Olympic Team Trials with five top 10 finishes in addition to multiple US National Club Championship Team Titles.

The "Elite Development Club" designation is one part of USA Track & Fields' club revitalization efforts intended to expand and broaden opportunities for America's track & field athletes to continue their participation and development outside of and beyond university-based track & field programs through USATF clubs.

Team Director Greg Harger said, "This is an important step in USA Track & Field's continued club revitalization efforts. As a model for the sport, the Invaders appreciate the recognition and are dedicated to taking the lead in our community with elite track & field development." Harger added, "This designation and the authority created for the member Elite Development Clubs sets up a unique opportunity for the coaches and clubs truly involved in Elite Development to have meaningful self-governance of their club championship program."

A total of 19 clubs, from throughout the United, were designated as "Elite Development Clubs" by USA Track & Field. The clubs represent communities from 10 states. The list of clubs include: Asics Aggies Running Club (CA), Atlanta Track Club (GA), Boston Athletic Association (MA), Bryn Mawr Running Club (PA), Club Northwest (OR), NIKE Farm Team (CA), Genesee Valley Harriers (NY), Greater Boston Track Club (MA), Hansons-Brooks (MI), Indiana Invaders, Kansas City Smoke (MO), Lords of the Rings (WI), Santa Monica Track Club (CA), Syracuse Chargers Track Club (NY), Team USA Minnesota, Team Eugene (OR), Track West (CA), Transport adidas (CA), and the Wisconsin Runner Racing Team.

Who are the Indiana Invaders?
http://www.indianainvaders.com/releases/00/who_are_the_invaders.asp

The Indiana Invaders, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1998, presenting an innovative approach to track & field by providing a resident-based, athlete-centered support system unique to the sport in the United States.