February 24, 2007
(INDIANAPOLIS) The Indiana Invaders are headed to the 2007 AT&T USA Indoor Track & Field Championships in Boston, Massachusetts on February 24-25, 2007. The Invaders are led by defending high jump champion Adam Shunk.

Shunk, representing NIKE, returns to Boston to defend his 2006 title as he competes in the high jump. Shunk has represented the United States on two US National Teams including the World Indoor Championships held in Moscow, Russia in 2006 and the eight-nation DecaNation competition held in Paris, France in 2005. Collegiately, Shunk took top honors in the high jump by winning the NCAA Indoor Championships in 2003.

Amber Plowden, an emerging sprint star for the Invaders, enters into the championship with the ninth fastest seed time of 7.32 in the 60 meters. Plowden is a former NCAA Division II Champion in the 100 and an eight-time D-II All-American.

Chris Thomas, a newcomer to the USA Championships, will see action in the 60 meter hurdle. This is Thomas' first USA Championship.

Most people, sports fans and non-fans alike, are well aware of the 4-minute mile and its significance as a mark of a world-class athlete. Now, imagine if someone had run a 4-minute mile every year for the past two decades. Invaders' Pat Manson has a unique distinction on his athletic resume. Manson, a legendary pole vault veteran, has cleared 18 feet in the pole vault for 22 straight years.

Team Director Greg Harger said, "Shunk is back to defend his title. Plowden is looking to make her mark in the sprints. Thomas will gain valuable experience in his first championship outing. Manson is a legend in the pole vault and will be in the mix." Harger added, "We have a small but solid group competing this weekend. We're looking for some good finishes and additional championship quality competition opportunities. In many cases, for the athletes not competing this weekend, we have downplayed this indoor season to maximize our specific training and put our performance peak in line with the dates for the Olympic Trials in July of 2008."

AT&T USA Indoor Track & Field Championships:
http://www.usatf.org/events/2007/USAIndoorTFChampionships/

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