Eighth annual USATF National Club Championships begin

Top track clubs from around the country will compete at the 2008 USATF National Club Track & Field Championships, July 18-19 at the Olathe District Activities Center in Olathe, Kansas.

Team awards will be presented to the top three men's and women's teams. teams (men and women). The "Overall Men's & Women's Combined Team Champion" also will be recognized with a team award.

Nearly 300 athletes from more than 30 top clubs from throughout the U.S. will compete for national honors. Recognition will be given to the "Most Valuable Male Athlete" and the "Most Valuable Female Athlete," (based on the total number of points scored). Additional recognition will be given to the "Outstanding Male Performer of the Meet" and the "Outstanding Female Performer of the Meet," (based on the top performances using IAAF scoring tables).

The Shore Athletic Club of New Jersey swept the men's and women's team titles amid tough competition at the 2007 USATF Club Championships at Icahn Stadium in New York City.

Both titles came down to the 4x400-meter relay, the last event of the competition, and both ended up being narrow victories for Shore over hometown favorite and defending men's team champion Executive Track Club (Metropolitan).

Led by Obra Hogans' victories in the 200m and 400m, Shore AC's men tallied 153 points, with Executive TC five points back with 147. VS Athletics (Southern California) scored in 16 of the 23 events to finish a strong third with 110 points. Greater Boston Track Club (New England), the 2002 men's champions, finished fourth with 55 points and Club Northwest from Washington scored 50 points to round out the top five.

Hogans also anchored the Shore AC 4x400m relay to a dramatic victory. His 20 individual points were the most scored by any male athlete during the two days of competition, earning him the Most Valuable Male Athlete award.

In the women's competition, Shore AC benefited from the 30 points scored by 46-year old Oneithea Lewis, outscoring Executive Track Club 123 points to 119. Also a national champion in masters competition, Lewis won the shot put, discus and hammer throw to lead her club.

For more information on the 2008 USATF National Club Track & Field Championships in Olathe, Kansas, visit: www.usatf.org.