JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Jan. 21, 2009) - East Tennessee State University head track and field coach David E. Walker hosted a press conference luncheon this afternoon at the Best Western to discuss the final preparations for the Niswonger Foundation Track and Field Invitational, that will be held in ETSU's Memorial Center January 30th and 31st. This year's meet is the seventh year that the Niswonger Foundation will be sponsoring the event and the 31st annual track and field meet overall.

"Coach (Walker) takes pride in hosting this annual meet, and he has a tremendous staff to make this a special event each year," said ETSU Director of Athletics Dave Mullins. "Dave has built an all-around solid track program over the recent years and continues to bring in fine athletes; while he and his staff have the passion and commitment to help produce championships as well."

The meet will showcase some of the world's top collegiate, post collegiate, and professional athletes. In addition, the KTC High School Indoor Track Classic will be taking place during the same time as the collegiate Niswonger meet. Also, for the third straight year, the Elementary School Shuttle Relays will take place on Friday evening at 7 p.m.

The expected numbers for the collegiate teams range from 60-to-80 programs, and over 850 competitors for the high school meet will be in attendance. The teams are coming from all around the southeastern region; which includes high school programs and club squads. An exact number of teams will be announced once the registration process closes next week.

"I appreciate all the help the Niswonger Foundation and my staff have provided for making this a successful event over the years," mentioned Walker. "We always had great athletes participate here in the past and we continue to bring them back each year."

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.

There was a great turnout at today's press conference which included a number of media members, Niswonger Foundation members, community representatives, ETSU track and field coaches and athletic staff.

A detailed scheduled, list of entrants, and results from the meet will be posted on http://www.cfpitiming.com/.

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) 439-5263 or via e-mail at [email protected]. Requests should be made early as possible.

Please visit www.ETSUBucs.com for more information regarding the ETSU track and field team and all other athletic news.