Smith's feats worthy of attention

I wrote last year at about this time how, because he doesn't compete in the high-profile sports of football or basketball, track and field athlete Miles Smith flies under the radar when it comes to recognition by area fans.

I still feel that way -- and I still feel it's a shame, as I wrote last year -- because Southeast Missouri State's junior sprint sensation continues to stamp himself as one of the most accomplished athletes in not only school but local history.

Smith was a virtual unknown in national circles last year when he burst onto the scene to first win an NCAA outdoor regional title in the 400 meters and then place fifth in the NCAA outdoor championships.

That led to a whirlwind summer for Smith, who went on to establish himself as among the world's premier 400-meter runners.

Smith finished sixth at the USA track and field championships to earn a spot on his country's team for the world championships in Finland, where he won a gold medal in the 1,600 relay as the U.S. team blitzed the field, with Smith serving as a key runner in the preliminary rounds.

For anybody expecting Smith to come back down to earn this collegiate season -- it hasn't happened.

After finishing seventh in the 400 during the NCAA indoor championships, Smith placed third during last weekend's NCAA Mideast Regional in Knoxville, Tenn. He again qualified for the NCAA outdoor championships, set for Wednesday through Saturday in Sacramento, Calif.

While Smith won't enter the national meet as the favorite, he does have the nation's sixth-fastest time of 45.57 seconds, which is his best mark of the season but off his career-best 45.16 attained last year.

Considering the United States annually produces most of the world's premier 400 runners, I'd say Smith should again be regarded as a world-class athlete.

This week in California, Smith will try to solidify his status with another strong showing at the NCAA outdoor nationals.

Sure, Smith will rank as a decided underdog as he goes up against some of the universe's premier runners, a group in which he also has to be included.

But anybody who knows Smith's competitive nature and ability to thrive under pressure would not rule out a finish in the top few, and perhaps even a championship.

Here's wishing Smith the best in the NCAA meet, and also good luck to Southeast's other national qualifiers. Senior 400 hurdler Alonzo Nelson, and the 1,600 relay team of Nelson, sophomore Chris Poindexter, senior Walt Washington and Smith made the field through the at-large process because they are ranked in the top 20 nationally after strong regional performances.

For Southeast to have four athletes ranked among the nation's top 20 performers is quite an achievement and continues to speak volumes about the sensational program coach Joey Haines has built over the last 20-plus years.

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Speaking of Smith, he narrowly missed out on being the Ohio Valley Conference's 2005-06 male athlete of the year.

Smith placed second for the prestigious honor in voting by the league's athletics directors and sports information directors.

Samford senior forward J. Robert Merritt, the OVC Player of the Year in men's basketball, nosed out Smith for male athlete of the year.

On the women's side, Tennessee Tech junior softball pitcher Bonnie Bynum was honored, while Southeast senior track athlete Heather Jenkins received votes.

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One more note on the NCAA track and field meet: Many of the finals Saturday will be televised live by CBS. Since Smith is a good bet to reach the finals, and since the 400 is one of the marquee events, he should receive some air time.

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New Southeast Missouri State men's basketball coach Scott Edgar hasn't wasted any time in adding what appears to be strong talent to his program.

Thursday, Southeast finally received the signed scholarship papers from guard Marcus Rhodes, a touted prep school player in Cincinnati. I wrote about him last week.

A day before Rhodes made his commitment to Southeast official, Colorado transfer Calvin Williams -- a 6-foot-8, 210-pound forward -- said he also plans to join the Redhawks.

Williams saw only limited action for the Buffaloes as a freshman this past season, but he was a top high school player in Memphis and reports indicate that he would have challenged for a starting spot at Colorado next season had he stuck around.

Under NCAA transfer rules, Williams will have to sit out the 2006-07 season, but he will be able to practice with the Redhawks. He will then have three seasons of eligibility remaining, which bodes well for the future.

While Rhodes will take the scholarship previously held by freshman guard Eric Jones, who ran into academic problems and is transferring to a junior college, it is not clear whose scholarship Williams will be replacing.

There has been talk of Williams possibly taking the scholarship of junior guard Eric Burtin, who will miss the 2006-07 season after suffering a severe leg injury this year. For that to happen, Burtin would have to be placed on medical scholarship, which would mean he could not play any more for the Redhawks. But that's all just speculation right now.

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Best wishes to Edgar on a speedy recovery and rehabilitation after he underwent hip replacement surgery Wednesday at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

Reports are that the surgery was a success and I'm sure Edgar will be back on the recruiting trail in no time.

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Also best wishes and good luck to Mike Chavez, as Southeast's former offensive line coach begins a law enforcement career in South Dakota. He recently resigned from the Redhawks' football staff.

I got to know Mike fairly well during his six seasons at Southeast. He's a really good guy, and he built a reputation as a molder of offensive lines, with two of his former pupils -- Eugene Amano and Dan Connolly -- currently in the NFL.

One of Mike's sons, Jason, has been a top pitcher for the Plaza Tire Capahas the past few years, and he will continue to play for the team this summer.

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Two thoughts on the NCAA baseball regionals that began Friday:

I was surprised Missouri got a bid, but the Tigers did finish well to post a 31-25 record, although they fell short of expectations after being ranked 10th nationally in the preseason.

And you've got to feel good for St. Louis University, as the Billikens made the field for the first time since 1966.

The Billikens have struggled over the years, but they finally found a conference they could compete in -- the Atlantic 10 -- and that change made all the difference as they won the A-10 tournament to gain an automatic NCAA berth.

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Some spots are still available for the Capahas' annual summer baseball camp June 12 (8 a.m. to noon) and June 13 (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.) at Capaha Field.

The camp, for boys and girls ages 8 through 17, will be divided into age brackets and skill levels. Instructors will include Capahas manager Jess Bolen, his players, college coaches and area high school coaches.

Campers should bring their own gloves. The cost is $65, and includes lunch on June 13.

Checks, made payable to Capahas Baseball Team, can be sent to 2001 Perryville Road, Cape Girardeau, 63701. For information, call 335-6644.

Marty Mishow is a sports writer for the Southeast Missourian.