Aug. 16, 2007

For Immediate Release

Date: Thursday, August 16, 2007

Contact: Staci Schottman, NAIA Director of Public Relations and Communications, 816-595-8116

JOHNSON CITY SELECTED TO HOST THE 2008 NAIA INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Community Embraces NAIA Championship Experience

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has selected the Memorial Center Mini Dome in Johnson City, Tenn. as the site for the 2008 NAIA Indoor Track and Field National Championships, scheduled March 6-8.

"We are back in Johnson City for the eighth consecutive year because of the tremendous efforts by the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce and the championship team they've assembled with partners throughout the community," said Ruth Stein, NAIA championships administrator. "Hosting national championships is a huge undertaking and this team goes the extra mile to make NAIA indoor track and field a first class experience."

Johnson City embraces event and recognizes NAIA student-athletes for their commitment to the sport. Over 900 participants from nearly 100 NAIA institutions will compete in 42 events over the course of three days this March. The city provides opportunities beyond those taking place on the track. During their visit NAIA student-athletes present the association's flagship program Champions of Character to 1500 children in the Johnson City community.

"Everyone in Johnson City is thrilled to be hosting the 28th annual women's and 43rd annual men's indoor track and field national championships," said Karen Hubbs, sports development manager at the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce. "We are very excited about this event and what it means to our community. The student-athletes are first-class competitors on the track and then give back through the Champions of Character program." 

Top track and field talent from the United States and Canada look to qualify for this Tennessee favorite. Last year Azusa Pacific University (Calif.) claimed its fifth men's indoor track and field title while Oklahoma Baptist secured its second women's crown.

NAIA Women's Indoor Track and Field
NAIA Men's Indoor Track and Field

ST. LOUIS SPORTS COMMISSION TO HOST THE 2008 & 2009 NAIA OUTDOOR TRACK AND FIELD NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Over 1100 student-athletes to compete at Ralph Korte Stadium in May

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) awarded the St. Louis Sports Commission the 2008 and 2009 NAIA Men's and Women's Outdoor Track and Field National Championships. Over 1100 NAIA student-athletes from across the country will travel to the St. Louis area for the 57th annual men's and 28th annual women's NAIA outdoor track and field event held at the storied Ralph Korte Stadium, May 22-24, 2008.

Over 150 NAIA colleges and universities, spread throughout the United States and Canada, sponsor both men's and women's outdoor track and field. This event is the largest NAIA national championship based on number of participants and will book approximately 2000 hotel room nights in the city contributing nearly one million dollars in economic impact.

"St. Louis is thrilled to host the 2008 and 2009 NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships. This is a wonderful event featuring incredible student-athletes at the top of their discipline," said Chris Roseman, St. Louis Sports Commission vice president for event acquisition and management. "We look forward to treating the student-athletes, their support staff, their fans and the NAIA to the championship experience St. Louis is known for."

Ralph Korte Stadium, located just minutes from downtown St. Louis, will be home for the first time to NAIA student-athletes for three days as young men and women compete in 48 events. The 3,000 seat stadium features a 400 meter, eight lane track with a balsam surface. The stadium was the host site for the NCAA Division II track and field championships in 1997, 1998 and 2001.

"St. Louis is a natural fit for the NAIA Track and Field National Championships. As a city with strong ties to the track and field community, St. Louis has the right people on its team," said Ruth Stein, NAIA championships administrator. "This will be a phenomenal experience for competitors, staff and fans alike."

In 2007 Azusa Pacific University (Calif.) captured the women's title and Oklahoma Baptist University took home the men's honors.

NAIA Women's Outdoor Track and Field
NAIA Men's Outdoor Track and Field