Thursday, January 25, 2007

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Jan. 25, 2007) - The East Tennessee State University track & field team has begun final preparations for the Niswonger Foundation Track and Field Invitational, that will be held in ETSU's Memorial Center January 26th and 27th.  This year's meet is the fifth year that the Niswonger Foundation will be sponsoring the meet and the 29th meet overall.

The meet will showcase some of the world's top collegiate, post collegiate, and professional athletes. Over 1,100 athletes from 60 teams will compete in the two-day event.  Athletes from Clemson and Virginia Tech will be in action, as well as some professional athletes from Reebok, Total Sports and others. Please click the entries tab above for complete listings.

This year's meet features the following six elite invitational events: women's and men's 3000 meter, women's and men's 60 meter dash, and women's and men's 60 meter hurdles. Some of the notable athletes attending Memorial Center next weekend will include: Laverne Jones (2004 Olympian in 200m), LaShawndra Ratcliff (7.42 in the 60m), Jacquelyn Coward (holds the fourth fastest high school record time in the nation with a 7.67 in the 55-meter hurdles), Chris Loyd (2004 Olympian in 400m and Dominica National Record Holder), Brendan Christian (6.62 in the 60m and 20.65 in the 200m), Preston Perry (6.71 in the 60m and 20.82 in the 200m), and Garland Porter (Indiana Invaders, 72-5.75 in the weight throw).

The meet begins at 11 a.m. Friday morning, and runs until seven o'clock Saturday evening.

Media Requests

All media requests and inquiries including credentials and interviews should be directed to the media relations contact for track and field Kevin Brown (423) 439-5612 or via e-mail etsusportsinfo@etsu.edu. Requests should be made as early as possible.