February 11, 2012

(Indianapolis, IN) The Indiana Invaders' Drake Sterling and James "Jimmy" O'Brien posted USA National Indoor Championship Qualification Marks for 800 meters today as featured athletes in the Special 800 held at Grand Valley State University's Big Meet.

Drake Sterling (1:49.24), James "Jimmy" O'Brien (1:50.08) and Juan Carrillo (1:50.74) swept the top three places of Saturday's Special 800 with an assist from teammate Ricardo Bell setting the pace.

In a preview of Saturday's Special 800, Friday evening's first section of the Invitational 800 had Drake Sterling and Juan Carrillo finishing 1st and 2nd while the race was marred by Jason Springer pulling up with a foot injury early in the race. A full medical evaluation on Springer's foot will be completed next week working with St. Vincent Sports Performance Center.

Coach Greg Harger said, "The GVSU Big Meet with its excellent high performance atmosphere once again paid some nice race dividends. Sterling posted another win and another PR in securing his first USA National Championship qualification standard as he continues to progress rapidly this season. O'Brien went about the business of qualifying for his 4th USA National Championship 800 meter race and is in a very good position with his experience to make another run at a spot in the finals at nationals". Harger added, "Carrillo has rebounded nicely from his minor injury and is at the doorstep of USA Standards while Bell seems to be recovery nicely from a bout of over-training syndrome.  Bell really stepped up nicely for his teammates and delivered on solid race pacesetting this weekend".

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.