June 23, 2007
(INDIANAPOLIS) Indiana Invaders' Julia Rudd posted a career best in the 3000 meter steeplechase at the USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Rudd's 10:15.76 effort in the semi-finals was the fastest time not to make the finals.

Rudd, an eleven-time NCAA D-III All-American while at UW-La Crosse, has been with the Invaders for nearly ten months and is focused on next year's Olympic Trial's steeplechase. Rudd improved her best steeple chase mark by 10 seconds and also ran personal best at several other distances in her rookie season with the Invaders.

Team Director, Greg Harger, said, "Rudd has handled the post-collegiate transition months fairly well and we have identified key components for her next training cycle. She has a great opportunity to make the Olympic Trials in 2008." Harger added, "With new additions to our women's steeple training group we anticipate a strong women's cross country team this fall along with the emergence of additional Olympic Trial's contenders in the women's steeple."

Since 1999, the Invaders have had one IAAF World Indoor Champion, one IAAF World Indoor Bronze Medalist, eight USA National Champions, one USA Olympic Team Member, nine USA National Team Members and 132 USA National Championship Qualifiers.

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.