The event is the largest NAIA national championship based on number of participants

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) awarded Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Ind., the 2010, 2011 and 2012 NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships. Over 200 NAIA member institutions sponsor outdoor track & field and over 1,300 NAIA student-athletes will compete in the 59th annual men's and 30th annual women's outdoor track & field events beginning May 27-29, 2010. The event is considered the largest NAIA national championship based on number of participants.

"During the site selection process Indiana Wesleyan stood out as a site that could offer the total championship experience package," said Ruth Stein, NAIA Championship Sport Manager. "Indiana Wesleyan has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to NAIA track & field, including a broad investment in both their indoor and outdoor facilities. In addition, the host team is dedicated to create a phenomenal experience for student-athletes, fans and the Marion community."

Indiana Wesleyan has a great reputation for hosting events of this scale and honored to showcase the school and facilities. The host venue is in the midst of a $300,000 upgrade including additional seating, state-of-the-art scoreboard, larger press box and new hammer-throw area. Mark DeMichael, Indiana Wesleyan athletics director, and his team will create a championship experience, similar to the Olympic Village type atmosphere, designed to provide a first class event for NAIA student-athletes, fans and officials.

"Indiana Wesleyan University is ecstatic and honored to have the opportunity to host the NAIA Outdoor Track & Field National Championships for the next three years," said DeMichael. "Our goal is to provide a championship experience that will be a career highlight for each student-athlete, coach and fan that makes the trip to Marion, Ind. We are also excited for our community of Marion and Grant County to witness world class NAIA athletes who represent the Champions of Character initiative."

Indiana Wesleyan hosts several expansive meets each year including the National Christian College Athletic Association National Championships and the Indiana Little State Championships. With USA Track & Field headquartered an hour away in Indianapolis, the state is widely known for the support and promotion of the sport throughout the country.

The 2010 event marks the first time for the NAIA track & field national championships to be contested in the state of Indiana. Most recently St. Louis, Mo. was the host city. To learn more visit www.NAIA.org or contact Ruth Stein at rstein@naia.org.  

About the NAIA

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, is the governing body for athletics programs at its nearly 300 colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. The long-held mission of the NAIA is to promote the education and development of well-rounded students and productive citizens through intercollegiate athletics. The Association offers equitable access and opportunities for participation in its 23 national championship events held annually throughout the country.

Today, the NAIA strengthens its commitment to student-athletes and strives to enrich their college experience by supporting academic achievement and character development. NAIA Champions of Character is the association's innovative flagship program designed to instill character values in student-athletes, coaches and youth in the communities it serves. To learn more visit www.NAIA.org.