COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Two freshman athletes from BYU have won the coveted title of being the top junior athletes in the United States in their respective events, and have earned the right to represent the United States at the 12th Annual IAAF World Junior Track and Field Championships in Bydgoszcz, Poland from July 8-13.

Chase Dalton, a native of Tigard, Ore., won the U.S. title in the decathlon with an "A Standard" score of 7,202 points, while Curtis Carr, a native of Nashville, Ind., won the Junior National Championship in the 3,000-meter steeplechase in a qualifying time of 8:55.64.

"We have had a few athletes over the years win at U.S. Junior Nationals," BYU head men's track and field coach Mark Robison said. "But, we have never had two athletes win in the same year. This is a pretty big deal for two of our freshman athletes to win at Nationals and to have the opportunity to represent the United States in an international competition. Holy cow, this is such a big deal for them, and for our program."

Dalton, who finished second at the Mountain West Conference Championships in the decathlon in May and competed in the javelin at the NCAA West Regional Championships, earned the right to represent the United States by defeating 17 other athletes at the U.S. Junior National Championships over the weekend, including second-place finisher Weston Leutz from North Dakota State by 79 points.

"Being the best in the country is a great feeling," Dalton said. "It's unreal."

For Dalton, making the U.S. team almost didn't happen. Following the two heats of the 400-meter competition, BYU coach Patrick Shane was called to the press box where he was informed Dalton had been disqualified for running on the lane line -- a legal advantage at the NCAA level, but a disqualification under IAAF rules. Shane began the process of protesting, but was told there was nothing that could be done.

After nearly five hours from receiving the news he had been disqualified, and figuring his dream of going to Poland had been dashed, Dalton learned there had been an error in the disqualification. When noting the bib number and hip number that Dalton was wearing during the heat, it was determined they had identified the wrong athlete from BYU. Instead, teammate Jordan Calderwood was disqualified for running on the lane line and Dalton was cleared of the infraction.

"It was the worst five hours of my life," Dalton said. "Obviously I felt bad for Jordan, but I was confident I had not run on the line. I was so relieved when they told me I had not been disqualified. This is something I had worked so hard for."

For Dalton, making the trip to Poland -- his first-ever trip outside the United States -- will mark the end of a year-long goal.

"After competing at the U.S. Junior National meet last season, I made a goal to come back and earn the chance to go to Poland," Dalton said. "When I found out that the World Championships were going to be in Poland from July 8 through July 13, I put it on my calendar and have been working towards going ever since.

Carr, who finished fourth at the MWC Championships in May in the 3,000-meter steeplechase after hitting a barrier, falling to the track, getting spiked by a competitor, and then getting up to continue the race, won the steeplechase in Ohio this past weekend by defeating a field of 22 other athletes. His time, 8:55.64, eclipsed the world qualifying standard by nearly 15 seconds.

"We have two outstanding young men who will not only be representing the United States, wearing USA on their uniform, but also will be representing BYU at an international competition," BYU coach Patrick Shane said.

Shane will also represent the USA and BYU at the World Junior Championships. For the second time in his career, he will be serving as the head coach for the women's USA Junior National Team. Shane has previously served as the head women's coach at the World Junior Championships in Kosovo, and as an assistant coach at the world championships in England.

• Men's basketball season tickets go on sale: Season tickets for the 2008-09 BYU men's basketball season are on sale now at the Marriott Center Ticket Office (800-322-BYU1 or 801-422-BYU1, hours 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) or online at BYUtickets.com.

Existing season ticket holders will have from June 23 to July 30 to order tickets. The Marriott Center Ticket Office will begin accepting new season ticket orders on June 23 as well. Seat assignments will begin after the renewal period. Single-game tickets will go on sale in October.

Fans purchasing tickets using eChecks instead of a credit card will receive a complimentary gift with their season-ticket purchase. Using eChecks saves BYU Athletics money that would otherwise be spent in credit card fees. Additionally, fans can link their account through BYUtickets.com for the easiest way to purchase tickets to all BYU events and receive timely information about postseason competitions and other promotions.

Season-ticket prices start at just $75 for upper bench tickets. Upper chair tickets are $142 while lower chair seats are $269 and prime lower chair are $337. Cougar Club members can obtain prime lower chair seats at a 20 percent discount of $269. BYU faculty and staff tickets are $149, while faculty/staff adult guest tickets are $174.

Students can purchase an All-Sport Pass for $95 to gain access to all BYU sporting events, including BYU football and basketball. BYU All-Sport Passes will go on sale online beginning Aug. 1.

BYU's yet-to-be-released 2008-09 men's basketball schedule will include the second Atlantic Coast Conference team to ever play in Provo when Wake Forest comes to the Marriott Center.