Men's field events lead the way at AT&T USA Indoor Championships

BOSTON - Two of Team USA's strongest events will take place on the field with the men's pole vault and shot put in the 2006 AT&T USA Indoor Track & Field Championships, February 24-26 in Boston.

The AT&T USA Indoor Championships is the final event of USATF's Indoor Visa Championship Series and serves as the selection event for Team USA roster spots for the 2006 World Indoor Championships next month in Moscow, Russia. ESPN will televise the AT&T USA Indoor Championships on February 26 from 3:30-5:30 p.m., Eastern Time.

Prime-time pole vault

The men's pole vault is headlined by America's premier aerial acrobats. Leading the way will be the #1 ranked vaulter in the world, two Olympic gold medalists, an Olympic silver medalist, and the American Indoor and Outdoor record holder. Four of the leading competitors have all had their turn as the number one ranked pole vaulter in the world over the years.

Among the entrants:

Brad Walker, the 2005 World Outdoor Championships silver medalist and USA Indoor and Outdoor champion, ended his 2005 campaign ranked #1 in the world by Track and Field News.

Tim Mack, who held the #1 ranking in 2004, is the reigning Olympic gold medalist, having set a new Olympic record with a clearance of 5.95 meters/19-6.25 in Athens.

Toby "Crash" Stevenson won the silver medal at the 2004 Olympics and finished that season ranked #2 in the world. He is the 2004 USA Indoor champion.

The American Indoor and Outdoor record holder who was ranked #1 in the world in 2002, 38 year-old Jeff Hartwig is having a remarkable year after winning the pole vault at both the Millrose Games and the Tyson Invitational. His clearance of 5.73/18-9.5 at Millrose is the 2006 U.S. leader.

The 2000 Olympic gold medalist, Nick Hysong was runner-up at the 2005 USA Outdoor Championships runner-up and the 2001 World Outdoor braonze medalist.

Fans can count on these spotlight-stealers to put on their biggest show yet of the Visa Championship Series.

Heavy artillery in men's SP

The men's shot put once again will be a prominent event at this year's indoor championships, featuring Olympic and World Championships medalists, #1 ranked throwers and national champions galore. The top four competitors are currently ranked in the top six in the world.

The 2005 World Outdoor champion and two-time Olympic silver medalist, Adam Nelson propelled himself to #1 world ranking by Track & Field News in 2005, the third time of his career he's achieved the top world ranking.

Reese Hoffa, the 2004 World Indoor silver medalist, who is ranked #4 in the world, has the current world-leading throw and has a commanding lead in the 2006 Visa Championship Series following his victory at the Millrose Games (21.65m/71-0.50).

Christian Cantwell, the 2004 World Indoor champion, finished off his 2005 outdoor season with a fifth place finish at the World Championships and a ranking of #6 in the world.

A three-time World Outdoor champion and two-time Olympic medalist, John Godina will look to retain his 2005 national indoor title as well as his Visa Championship Series crown.

For more information on the AT&T USA Indoor Track & Field Championships, including schedule, ticket information and status of entries, visit www.usatf.org/events/2006/USAIndoorTFChampionships/

For more information on the Visa Championship Series, visit www.visachampionshipseries.com

Sponsors of the AT&T USA Indoor Track & field Championships are AT&T, Nike, Visa, Hershey's, 24 Hour Fitness, Gleukos, Gill Athletics and Sport Court. Local sponsors include the Boston Herald Coca-cola, Keyspan, Hilton Family of Hotel, MBTA and Hot 97.7FM.