Ben Edwards, York College's men's track & field standout, raced his way into the history books Saturday as he became the Spartans' third All-American in the history of the program. On the final day of the 2011 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships, Edwards took eighth in the 400-meter finals to secure his place as an All-American.

"From the start on Thursday, I definitely surprised myself, pushing my body beyond what I thought I could do," Edwards said. "I came out today and I was a little nervous and ran a little tense, but I thank God for everything. Granted I didn't get the time I wanted to get but it gives me something to chew on for later."

Edwards qualified for the finals with a second-place heat finish on Thursday, courtesy of a school-record time of 53.16.

"Getting into the finals is a huge accomplishment," Spartan head coach Erick Camodeca said. "Especially coming here for the first time, it is a huge accomplishment in itself."

Overall, the 2011 NCAA Championships has been a tremendous experience for both Edwards and Camodeca.

"I wouldn't trade this experience for the world," Edwards said. "It is just something for the future York College athletes to reach after."

"It is indescribable," Camodeca said. "It is something you have to be here to experience. It's something I'll never forget."