JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (January 16, 2007) - East Tennessee State University head track and field coach David E. Walker hosted a press conference luncheon this afternoon at the Holiday Inn to discuss the 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. 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 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) and Preston Perry (6.71 in the 60m and 20.82 in the 200m).

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.

A detailed scheduled, list of entrants, and results from the meet will be posted on http://www.cfpitiming.com/2007%20Indoor%20season/ETSU_Niswonger_Invite%202007/ETSU_Niswonger_invite_2007.htm.

Media Requests

All media requests and inquiries including credential and interviews should be directed to the media relations contact for track and field Kevin Brown at (423) 439-5612 or via e-mail at [email protected]. Requests should be made early as possible.