COTTONWOOD – Yreka Miner Zach Stoner came in as the favorite to win the 400m race at the Northern Section CIF finals, held at West Valley High School last Friday, and he didn’t disappoint his fans. Coming into the final turn, Stoner had control of the race, and smoked his closest competition by nearly a second, running a 49.36. Stoner was also part of the fourth place Yreka 4×400 relay team, which included Manny Barragan, Ryan Pyles and Paul Gillingham.

Yreka’s head track coach Orlyn Culp was selected as one of two North Section Honor Coaches—track’s equivalent of coach of the year.

Etna’s Skyler Schneider battled an injured knee as well as the competition to finish second in both the High Jump (6’4”) and the 200m (23.20). Perhaps the biggest positive surprise for Siskiyou County athletes was a stellar performance by Etna frosh Emily Loogman. Loogman, despite coming in with a low seeding time, took third in the 110 High Hurdles.

Royce Autry was the top finisher for Mt. Shasta High School, finishing third in the 100m (11.19). The only other Siskiyou County top-three finisher was Zack Boyd from Tulelake in the 300m Intermediate Hurdles (41.04).

Stoner will move on to compete in the state finals this Friday at Cerritos College. Stoner has the eighth fastest 400m time in the state this season at 48.87. Nico Reaves from Lincoln High School in San Diego has the quickest time at 47.33.

For complete results go to athletic.net