AUHS athlete does well at state finals

DISCUS THROWER DEREK NICHOLS

CLOVIS - Anderson High School senior Derek Nichols finished seventh in the boys discus final at the CIF state track and field championships on Saturday.

It was the highest finish for a Northern Section athlete in this year's state meet.

After qualifying seventh on Friday, Nichols finished in the same spot with a throw of 166 feet, 11 inches at Buchanan High School.

The Cubs senior was consistent throughout the final, but he never could uncork a toss to top his personal-best of 170-0, which he threw at the Northern Section championship meet on May 29 at West Valley High School.

All six of Nichols' throws in the finals were fair and ranged from 157-0 to 166-11. He opened with a 163-9 and was ninth and last until his fifth throw moved him past two competitors.

Matt Darr, a junior from Frontier High School in Bakersfield, won the boys state discus title with a throw of 192-0. Darr opened with a 184-0 to lead and then got his top mark on his third attempt.

Nichols' result continues the recent success section throwers have had in the event. West Valley's Jake Fuller finished third in the state meet in 2007 and fifth in 2006. Enterprise's David Nichols was second in the state as a senior in 2003.

Derek Nichols was one of three Northern Section champions to qualify for Saturday's finals, but he fared the best.

West Valley sophomore Corissa Storms finished 25th in the girls 3,200 in 11 minutes, 8.29 seconds.