(INDIANAPOLIS) - The Indiana Invaders, a post-collegiate field & track club based in Indianapolis, had five athletes finish in the top ten at the 1999 USA Indoor Track & Field Championships held at the Georgia Dome on February 26-27. Eight members of the Invaders competed in the meet. Defending champion Connie Price-Smith, of Bloomington, finished second in the shot put with a toss of 18.62 meters, behind Teri Tunks' throw of 18.91 meters. Both Price-Smith and DeDee Nathan, of Bloomington, will represent the United States at the I.A.A.F. World Indoor Championships in Maebashi, Japan on March 5-7. Nathan, who competed in the 60 meter hurdles, was selected to the team in the pentathlon.

Sean Robbins, a graduate of Ashland University, finished fifth in the long jump with a leap of 7.96 meters. Tye Harvey, a graduate of the University of Minnesota, placed sixth in the pole vault with a personal best of 5.60 meters.

Hope Sanders, a graduate of the University of Illinois, finished 7th in the 800 and Steven Parker of Southport High School and Indiana State University, was ninth in the high jump.

"Given that this is our first appearance in a national championship, we have to feel good about the experience, progress, and direction we are headed." said Invaders' Head Coach Chris Buhler. " We have surprised a few people in our sport. Yet, this is just the beginning and we expect to make Indianapolis the home to America's best field & track team in the coming months." added Buhler.

The Invaders, a not-for-profit organization, present an innovative approach to track & field by providing a resident-based, athlete-centered support system unique to the sport in the United States. Athletes have access to an employment network, affordable housing, world class training facilities, and support for competition travel expenses.