June 6, 2006

Sacramento, Calif. - Southeast Missouri State University junior Miles Smith begins competition in the NCAA championships on Wednesday, 8:10 p.m. (CDT), when he runs in the preliminary round of the 400-meters. Smith has the second fastest time in his heat.

Smith, who was fifth in last year's NCAA finals, will be in the third of five heats in the 400-meters. He will be in lane six and goes in with the second fastest time in the heat at 45.57. Ricardo Chambers of Florida State has the fastest time at 45.52.

Other competitors in the third heat include Justin Oliver, Texas A & M (46.10); Harrison Hertault, Columbia (46.12); Terrance Benton, Hampton (46.54); and Bruce Jackson of Washington (46.99).

The top two finishers in each heat plus the next six fastest times advance to Friday's semi-final round that will be televised live by CSTV.

Hurdler Alonzo Nelson and the Redhawks 4 X 400-meter relay team of Nelson, Smith, Chris Poindexter and Walter Washington will compete in the preliminary round on Thursday.