Logger Freshman Alex Rhodes placed third in the 400m dash in the USA Track & Field Under-20 Championships the past two days at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon. Going into this week's competition, Rhodes was ranked 6th place, and he explained that he went into the race "hoping for a 6th place finish to ensure [his] place on the podium and a spot as an alternate on Team USA." However, he obviously far surpassed his own expectations with the 3rd place finish. Rhodes broke his own school record and personal record during the final heat of the USATF U20s, breaking 46 seconds for the first time with a time of 45.93, something he explained is a "huge milestone for all 400m sprinters".

The top two finishers in the 400m at this week's USATF U20s will represent the nation in the 400m at the World U20 Championships. Rhodes, as he finished in third place, will be running the 4x400 relay, and be considered the first alternate in the open 400m. Said Rhodes, "I still haven't wrapped my head around the situation and what has happened. It's a lot to take in, to have come this far so quickly and to be representing the Loggers on Team USA at the U20 World Championships."

Head Coach Lisa Kushiyama continues to praise Rhodes - the only male athlete competing at the USATF U20s from a D3 college or university - and his hard work: "I could not be happier for Alex! I am so proud of the work he's put in and everything that he's accomplished in his college career so far! Outside of his athletic talents, he has unbelievable mental fortitude and is a true competitor."

Rhodes will participate in official screening for Team USA on July 8th. World U20 Championships are held the last weekend of August, in Lima, Peru.