MARION, Ind. -- Indiana Wesleyan University has been selected as the host site for the NAIA National Track and Field Championships beginning in 2010.

The national championship meet is the largest event to ever be hosted by Indiana Wesleyan athletics. The NAIA will hold the track event in Marion for the next three years through 2012.

"We are so excited to have the opportunity to host athletes, coaches and fans from all over the United States and Canada," said Indiana Wesleyan Athletics Director Mark DeMichael. "We are committed to putting on an event that will make Indiana Wesleyan University, the City of Marion and all of Grant County proud."

Approximately 1,300 student-athletes, 400 coaches and staff members and 3,000 fans will descend on Marion for the 59th annual men's championship and the 30th annual women's championship on May 27-29, 2010.

DeMichael said, "In IWU Athletics we have been looking for different ways to collaborate with the city of Marion and all of Grant County, and hosting the NAIA National Track and Field Championships is a tremendous opportunity for that to happen."

The three day national championship will be contested at the Indiana Wesleyan track in the Outdoor Sports Complex on the IWU campus. Renovations on the track have already begun to accommodate the very large meet, with work being done to add seating and expand the press box area.

One event will be contested outside of the track area. The city of Marion will be the site of the marathon that will cover 26.2 miles.

"The success of our bid to host this championship is a testament to the benefits of teamwork and collaboration," DeMichael said. "Without the vision of Indiana Wesleyan head track and field coach John Foss, the support of Indiana Wesleyan Executive Vice President Todd Voss and President Henry Smith and the cooperation of Mayor Wayne Seybold, this event would not be coming to Marion."

With the NAIA National Championships in Marion for the next three years, an influx of talent will annually come to Indiana Wesleyan.

"The NAIA Track and Field National Championships is one of the most significant championships around," said Foss. "There are a large number of Olympic athletes competing in the NAIA. A lot of talent will be coming to Indiana Wesleyan, Marion and Grant County over the next few years."

Foss continued, "I am very excited about the national championship coming to Indiana Wesleyan. It will be track and field at a very high level."

With the arrival of the national meet, Foss believes the Indiana Wesleyan track and field program will benefit and continue to improve.

"The experience of hosting the meet will be great for our student-athletes as we can bring in some great competition to our home track," Foss said. "This should give more inspiration to our athletes as they know what kind of talent will be here."

Indiana Wesleyan track and field has been a very successful program of late and the hope is that the national meet in Marion will help further advance the program to the ultimate goal.

Stated Foss, "It's very inspirational for the Wildcats as the men's team has finished as high as sixth and the women have placed 12th at the national meet. This is a step in the right direction for Indiana Wesleyan to contend for a national championship."

Continue to check www.iwuwildcats.com for updates on the NAIA National Track and Field Championships as more details become available.