March 2, 2006

Cape Girardeau, Mo. - Southeast Missouri State standout Miles Smith and members of the Redhawks 4x400-meter relay team will join top athletes from around the nation at the Iowa State Last Chance Track and Field Qualifier on Saturday, March 4, at the Lied Recreation Athletic Center. This meet is the last chance for athletes to qualify for the NCAA Indoor Championships held March 10-11 at the University of Arkansas.

Smith currently ranks ninth nationally in the 400-meters with a best time of 46.67. Only the top 16 times nationally qualify for the NCAA finals.

"Miles is ready to run a fast time and move up in the rankings," said Southeast coach Joey Haines. "He would like to be in at least the top five going into the national finals."

Xavier Carter of Louisiana State has the nation's fastest time in the 400 at 45.89.

The Southeast 4x400-meter relay team will also attempt to qualify. The team of Alonzo Nelson, Chris Williams, Walter Washington and Smith has timed 3:10.89 this season.

"Our relay team really needs to run about 3:08 to have a chance to make it to the finals," Haines said. "We will be running against the top relay teams in the nation on Saturday at Iowa State and hopefully we can lower our time."