February 28, 2010

(Albuquerque) Mason Cathey’s 9^th place finish in the 2010 USA Indoor National Track & Field Championships Women’s 1500 meter final highlighted the Indiana Invaders return to USA Indoor National Championships after a one year hiatus. Hosted in Albuquerque, New Mexico for the first year of a three year agreement the championships were recognized as a successful event transitioning from a multi year stint in Boston. In addition to Mason Cathey competing in the 1500 meter finals on Sunday, James “Jimmy” O'Brien also competed in the men's 800 over the championship weekend.

Coach Greg Harger said, "Both Mason and Jimmy represented our newly revitalized program well as first time USA Indoor Nationals participants" Harger added, "Mason made great competitive progress in applying lessons learned from her first USA Nationals last summer. For an inexperienced athlete finishing 9^th when you roll in as number 16 on a list of 17… you are headed in a good direction. For Jimmy the environmental education and exposure to the extremes of tactical racing on display over this weekend was very productive. As a natural competitor I expect a sharp learning curve for him over 800 and 1500 meters in the immediate outdoor season". 

Mason Cathey was a first time 3000 meter steeplechase national qualifier for the Invaders in 2009. Cathey's best mark in 2009 left her #14 on the USA performance list in her first full season with the Indiana Invaders.

James "Jimmy" O'Brien as the newest member of the 2010 Indiana Invaders roster posted PR’s at both 800 (1:49.63) & 600 (1:18.06) meters in his first post-collegiate indoor season leading into his first USA National Championship appearance.

The Indiana Invaders 2010 Outdoor Season will open at the Sea Ray Relays in early April.

The Indiana Invaders, a not-for-profit organization competing at USA National Championships since 1999, provide a resident-based, athlete-centered support system based in Indianapolis, Indiana.