Afleet Alex is an All-American.

The former Wheeling racer was named to the 2007 American Greyhound Track Operator Association’s All-America first team earlier this week at the group’s convention in Las Vegas.

Joining Afleet Alex on the first team are Flying Stanley (captain), Flyin Bridgeport, Switzler Jammin, Dreamy Blossom, KJ’s Yukon Gold, Coldwater Torres and Kiowa Willowwisp.

The second team is comprised of Kay V Tatoo Tony, Brady Thomas, HDM Juana, Ohboompowsurprise, Santa’s Playgirl, Pat C Clement, BH’s Rackem Up and Bart’s Ace High.

Afleet Alex broke in at Wheeling in July 2006, moving up the ladder to Grade AA in 11 starts. In 37 career starts at the Wheeling Island oval, he had 16 wins, including 11 in Grade AA, 8 seconds, 5 thirds and 2 fourths in 37 starts — an 83 percent mark on the pay sheet.

Heading south in early 2007, Afleet Alex went on to capture the $140,000 Mardi Gras Challenge. He also ran fourth in the final of the $50,000 First Coast Classic on the Jacksonville circuit.

An October 2004 greyhound out of Gable Dodge-Darragh, Afleet Alex posted 19 wins, 5 seconds, 4 thirds and 4 fourths in 37 races in 2007. During one stretch, he won seven straight at Orange Park.

Owner Lester Raines was ecstatic upon hearing the news.

“I’m tickled to death. It’s a great feeling,” Raines said. “Alex came from our own breeding program and Steven Boyd did a fantastic job raising him.”

Joel Roden, who trained Afleet Alex at Wheeling, knew early on the sprinter was something special.

“I feel he’s one of those dogs who can make a name for himself (on the national level),” Roden said before Alex left Wheeling. “He’s got a good break, rush and he’s not short. He’s a very consistent greyhound.”

Roden said the All-American honors were well-deserved.

“Afleet Alex is the total package and he’s always ready to roll,” Roden noted. “He’s a very nice greyhound from an awesome litter which includes Roar Of The Cat and Mongoose Manny.”

Following are capsules of the other first team All-America selections:

Flying Stanley: Won the Rural Rube Award as the nation’s top sprinter; earned more money in 2007 than any greyhound in history; won the Derby Lane Million, the Mardi Gras World Classic, the Derby Lane All-Star Kennel Preview and the Derby Lane Fall Sprint; 2007 combined record — 59-35-3-4.

Flyin Bridgeport: Won the Flashy Sir Award as the nation’s top distance runner; won the Derby Lane Distance Classic and Challenge; fourth in the St. Petersburg Derby, second in the Derby Lane Million Consolation and a finalist in the T.L Weaver Memorial at Derby Lane; 2007 record — 63-26-12-12-3.

Switzler Jammin: Won the He’s My Man Classic, St. Patrick’s Day Invitational, Father’s Day All-Star Classic and Poker Run Stake at Palm Beach; second in the Palm Beach Grand Classic; Palm Beach win leader — 42-22-6-4-3.

Dreamy Blossom: Won the Palm Beach Grand Classic; combined 2007 record — 19-13-3-2-1.

KJ’s Yukon Gold: Won Iowa Breeders Classic; runnerup in wins at Bluffs Run — 63-28-9-4-5.

Coldwater Torres: Won Sprint Championship and two Night of Stars features at Phoenix; set new track win record — 53-45-4-2-0.

Kiowa Willowwisp: Had highest win percentage (88.2 percent) and highest quiniela percentage (96 percent) of any greyhound in the country while racing at Flagler and Mardi Gras — 51-45-4-0-0; had win streaks of 17 and 13.

Pawloski can be reached at sjpawloski@yahoo.com