~ Southeast's former star will try to make the U.S. team.

Former Southeast Missouri State All-American Miles Smith is faring well on a national stage.

Smith, who completed his Southeast eligibility in 2008, advanced to today's 400-meter finals at the USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Ore.

Smith finished third in his heat during Friday's semifinals, with the top three in each of two heats making the finals.

Smith's semifinal time was 46.08 seconds, the seventh-fastest among the eight qualifiers for the finals. Six competitors broke 46 seconds, led by Kerron Clement at 45.08.

The top three finishers in the finals earn berths on the USA team for the IAAF World Championships in August in Berlin, Germany.

Several others from the finals also could be selected for the 1,600-meter relay pool for the World Championships.

Today's 400-meter finals are scheduled to begin at 8:02 p.m. and will be televised nationally by ESPN.

Smith will be aiming for a berth on his second World Championship team after he was selected for the 1,600 relay on the 2005 squad following his sixth-place finish in the 400 at the USA Championships.

Smith earned a gold medal as an alternate on the USA's victorious 1,600 relay team at the 2005 World Championships in Helsinki, Finland.