Steiner, Norberg and Niedermeyer receive grants from USATF

[rainbowgirl28]

http://www.usatf.org/news/view.aspx?DUI ... 0_11_42_46

USATF Foundation awards development grants to 12 elite athletes
06-20-2007

Contact:
Tom Surber
Media Information Manager
USA Track & Field
317-713-4690
INDIANAPOLIS - The USA Track & Field Foundation has presented Elite Athlete Development Grants to 12 athletes, USATF Foundation Director Tom Jackovic announced Thursday.

The USATF Foundation Elite Athlete Grant Program contributes to the pursuit of world-class performances by American post-collegiate track and field athletes. Athletes must meet minimum performance standards to be eligible.

Athletes receiving $3,000 grants include hammer throwers Loree Smith and Bethany Hart, discus thrower Aretha Thurmond, pole vaulter April Steiner, hammer thrower Travis Nutter, javelin throwers Mike Hazle and Leigh Smigh, triple jumper Tiombe Hurd, 110m hurdler David Oliver, pole vaulters Justin Norberg and Darren Niedermeyer, and long jumper Robby Hughes.

A finalist in the men's pole vault at the 2004 U.S. Olympic Trials, Justin Norberg enjoyed his finest season in 2005 highlighted by his fourth-place finish at the USA Outdoor Championships.

Steiner has become a fixture at the top of the U.S. rankings. Steiner has competed in the last five USA Outdoor Championships, with her best finishes in 2005 and 2006 when she placed sixth at each.

Darren Niedermeyer was third in the men's pole vault at the 2007 AT&T USA Indoor Championships in Boston, with an indoor personal best clearance of 5.60 meters/18 feet 5.50.

The USATF Foundation provides a means to attract and guide funds to new and innovative track and field programs with an emphasis on providing opportunities for youth athletes, emerging elite athletes and anti-doping education. The Foundation depends on donations from its Board of Directors and from generous fans of track & field.

The Foundation assists people of all ages, all walks of life, and all ability levels in finding enjoyment and accomplishment and achieving fitness through our inclusive sport.

For more information on USA Track & Field and the USATF Foundation, visit www.usatf.org/foundation .

[PVAlly]

Congratulations to April, Justin, and Darren!! I'm sure the grant will help them as they continue their elite pole vaulting careers! Good Luck!