Princeton tracksters to run Down Under

PRINCETON — Two of Princeton High School’s leading track athletes have been selected to participate in the 2007 Down Under International Games in Australia this summer.

PHS seniors Aly Marti and Jesse Strakis will be part of a 16-member Illinois track squad that will compete against American and Australian athletes in the meet scheduled for early July in Australia.

The two-day international track and field meet of the Down Under Games will be the highlight of a 12-day trip to Australia and Hawaii. The competition will take place at the Gold Coast campus of Australia’s Griffith University, on a track built as a practice venue for teams preparing for the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

The Down Under Games are an annual, “by invitation only” competition sponsored by International Sports Specialists Inc. of North Logan, Utah. To be eligible to participate in the Down Under Sports Tours ,each athlete must have a coach’s nomination or be on a pre- or post-season honors list.

Marti, a distance runner, has been a four-year member of the PHS track and cross country squads. She was a three-time MVP in cross country, and has run in the 3200 meter relay at the IHSA Girls State Track Championship during each of her first three years of high school.

Marti is also active in band, choir and theatre activities during her years at PHS. She is the daughter of Jill and Andy Marti of Princeton.

Strakis will pole vault and also participate in intermediate distance events and relays. In 2006, he finished 20th at the IHSA state boys’ state track meet after qualifying by taking second at IHSA sectional with a vault of 12 feet. He also participated in soccer at PHS for four years, was a team captain for the 2006 season and named Most Valuable-Defense.

While at PHS, Strakis also participated in band. He is the son of Steven and La Donna Strakis of Princeton.

Marti and Strakis will be raising money to cover transportation and participation costs. Contributions can be sent to Marti at 203 S. Vernon, Princeton, or Strakis at 20852 2215 E St., Princeton. Checks can be made payable to International Sports Specialists Inc., (or ISSI).

More information can be obtained from the ISSI website at www. issi-usa.com.