With his first season of outdoor track and field under his belt, Patrick Casey has plenty to be happy about. Casey finished in eighth place with a time of 3:45.19 at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in the 1,500-meter run on Saturday.

After falling into last place for much of the race, the Laurel, Mont. native made a bold move with about 400 yards to go before the bell lap as he sprinted to the front of the field. He held the lead for what he thought would be his first national title but unfortunately the competition got the best of him as he wasn't able to hold them off and crossed the line in eighth place.

“I went out with one of the slowest laps in the meet,” said Casey. “I was able to maneuver in the pack and was a little impatient headed into the final lap. I thought I'd be able to hold it and I gave it my best. There were really some great competitors out there today.”

His 3:45.19 finish among the top-eight may not have been a best time but it was enough to secure him his second All-American nod. Casey was named to the All-American squad back in 2010 after finishing third in the mile at the indoor championships.

“We're obviously thrilled that Pat got his second all-american award today,” said head coach Dale Kennedy. “He really put forth a great effort in a race that is less about time and more about where you finish. He truly has represented Montana State is a great way.”

Casey's race closes out the 2011 track and field season for Montana State.