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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Alfredo Santana added another chapter to his storybook career as an Explorer on Saturday evening at the NCAA Preliminary Championships, placing third in his 1500m heat and qualifying for the NCAA Final Round Championships. The senior ran a 3:45.65, finishing only behind Columbia's John Gregorek (3:45.27) and Boston University's Rich Peters (3:45.39).

"Alfredo had a great two days of racing in the 1500 meters at NCAA Preliminary rounds," head coach Dan Ireland said. "He ran outstanding races both days against very competitive fields. This a great accomplishment for not only Alfredo but for the Explorer Track and Field program as well."

Santana's mark easily pushed him along to Eugene, Oregon, the host of this year's championships. He finished third overall in the 24-runner field, of which the top 12 runners advanced.

The Nueva Esperanza product is the first Explorer to qualify for the final round championships since Quigley qualified for the 5k and 10k in 2008. He becomes just the second La Salle runner in history to qualify for the 1500m championships (Brian Gallagher – 1998).

"Alfredo has worked extremely hard to continue the strong tradition at La Salle of competing hard and taking advantage of every opportunity that presents itself," Ireland added. "I am really happy for him and look forward to seeing what he can accomplish at the NCAA Finals in Eugene."

Later in the evening, Santana ran a 15:04.31 in the 5k, coming in 41st (48-runner field).