June 11, 2008

Des Moines, Ia. - All-American Miles Smith of Southeast Missouri State has advanced to the semi-finals of the 400-meters at the NCAA Track & Field national championships. Smith had the 13th fastest prliminary time at 46.65.

Running in the second heat alongside national leader Lionel Larry of Southern California, Smith coasted in in third place. Larry won the heat in 46.38 with Arman Dixon of Sacret Heart second in 46.42 and Smith third in 46.65.

The top 16 advanced to the semi-finals which will be nationally televised on CSTV at 8:25 p.m. on Friday.

"Miles just wanted to qualify and he coasted in," said Southeast coach Joey Haines. "It was really windy and so all the times were slower than usual."

Long jumper John Berry failed to qualify for the finals, but finished 15th nationally with a jump of 24-11 3/4-inches.

"John jumped well and moved up five places having come in with the 20th best jump," Haines said. "He should be proud to be the 15th best long jumper in the nation."