May 5, 2003
(INDIANAPOLIS) The Indiana Invaders have added Olympian Samuel Okantey, a citizen of Ireland formerly of Ghana, to the team's roster. Okantey, a top flight triple jumper, competed for both Central Michigan University and Syracuse University during his NCAA career.

Okantey's international career highlights include top finishes throughout Europe at meets in Germany, France, Sweden, Switzerland, and Spain. Okantey was second at the African Championships in 2000. Okantey also qualified for the 2000 Olympic Games.

Okantey, as an NCAA All-American, has the unique distinction of capturing conference titles in both the Mid-American Conference and the Big East Conference. Okantey also holds school records at Syracuse in the triple jump.

Okantey will be the fifth Olympian, to wear the Invaders' uniform since the formation of the club in 1998. Okantey joins Olympians Tanko Braimah (400m relay), Stevimir Ercegovac (Shot Put), DeDee Nathan (Heptathlon), and Kirt Thompson (Javelin).

Team Director Greg Harger said, "Okantey has a tremendous amount of talent and has a very unique background. His addition to the team will bring an immediate boost to the depth of our jumps group." Harger added, "Okantey brings additional experience and enthusiasm to our training environment. We look forward to supporting his quest for international success throughout his athletic career."

In addition to adding a fifth Olympian to the team's roster, the Invaders have also produced 7 individual National Champions, one World Champion, one American Record, and have had three American Record Holders, or former record holders, to wear the Invaders' uniform since the formation of the club in 1998.

For further information on the Indiana Invaders, please contact Greg Harger at 317 289-4018 or online at: (email)