SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador.: July 12, 2007 ¨C Assistant track and field coach Drew Hardyk will represent the Nittany Lions on the international scene this weekend, serving as the men¡¯s head coach for the United States squad at the North America, Central America and Caribbean Athletic Association (NACAC) Championships in El Salvador. The trip will be Hardyk¡¯s first appearance on a US national staff.

¡°It is an honor to be selected as a coach to represent the United States in international competition,¡± said Hardyk. ¡°I am looking forward to helping the Team USA athletes bring home as many medals in this prestigious competition as possible.¡±

The US team includes a host of international standouts and collegiate stars, including several current and former Big Ten athletes.

Competition begins on Friday, July 13, and runs through Sunday, July 15. For more information on the competition, log onto the USATF website at http://www.usatf.org/events/2007/NACACChampionships/.