April 23, 2006
(INDIANAPOLIS) Indiana Invaders' Dameion Smith threw a season best opener in the hammer throw to win with a mark of 70.22 meters at the Saint Joseph's College Puma Invitational on April 22, 2006. Smith bettered the USA Championship "A" Qualifying standard of 66.60 by over 3 meters.

Smith, a graduate of Avon High School and the University of Indianapolis, is a current resident of Center Grove, Indiana. Smith, a six-time NCAA Division II All-American, was a 2004 US Olympic Trials competitor and is the NCAA Division II hammer throw record holder.

Teammate Erin Nehus, competing at the Oregon Invitational, qualified for the US Outdoor Championships with her time of 33:57.92 in the 10,000 which earned her a third place finish. Nehus' performance was her first USA Outdoor Track & Field Championship qualifier.

Amber Plowden also competing in Oregon was second in the 100 meters with a time of 11.89 which is her best season opener.

Team Director Greg Harger said, "Smith, a hometown guy, will be energized competing in front of his personal supporters and fans at this summer's Outdoor Championships in Indianapolis. He's a young hammer thrower with the possibility of having a very long and successful career." Harger added, "Nehus and Plowden did a great job this weekend in their season openers. Nehus can now focus on rounding into PR 5,000 shape as a set-up for her nationals debut at 10,000 meters this June 22nd. Plowden can expect significant improvement over the next couple of weeks and has an excellent chance of posting her first USA Outdoor Championship qualifying mark this season."

The USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships will be held in Indianapolis and take place June 22-25, 2006. The event serves as the selection meet for the IAAF World Cup of Athletics, which will take place September 16-17 in Athens, Greece.