FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 10, 2009

OTC Elite Announces New Additions to Roster

Eugene, Oregon – OTC Elite has announced several new additions to its roster for the 2009 track season.  These new additions hail from many different backgrounds throughout the world.  OTC Elite Coach Mark Rowland is excited about the challenge of working with several new athletes as well as an athlete that he has coached for several years; “I feel like each of the individuals joining the group has a lot to offer OTC Elite, and hopefully we can help them as well.”  New team members include Gabe Jennings, Mark Wieczorek, Ben Bruce, Jemma Simpson and Chris Thompson.

Gabe Jennings was the 2000 Olympic Trials Champion at 1,500 meters.  Gabe, who has been training in Eugene for over a year; has already run 3:58 in the mile indoors while wearing an OTC Elite singlet.  Jennings personal best at 1,500 meters is 3:35.21.

Mark Wieczorek just recently finished second at the USA Indoor Championships in the 800 meters in what has become a break-out season for the young half miler while training with OTC Elite.  Wieczorek’s personal best at 800 meters is 1:47.11

Ben Bruce, a versatile steeplechaser represented the USA in the NACAC championships in 2008.  Bruce’s personal best in the steeple is 8:31.

Jemma Simpson rejoins Coach Rowland who she has previously worked with in the United Kingdom.  Simpson was a 2008 Olympian at 800 meters for the UK, and has a personal best at 800 meters of 1:59.17.

Chris Thompson also hails from the United Kingdom; he was the 2005 European under-23 5,000 meter champion.  Thompson’s personal best at 5,000 meters is 13:24.

For further information regarding the team visit OTC Elite’s website at: www.otcelite.com.

Contact:
Rob Vermillion
[email protected]