RUNNER OF THE YEAR

Alan Yoho, Flintridge Prep, Sr.

After winning the Division V sweepstakes race at the Mt. San Antonio College Invitational in a lifetime-best 14 minutes, 58 seconds, Yoho said he wanted his talent to be measured against the best runners in the state, regardless of division.

By the time the state final arrived, he had no problem earning that respect and recognition.

Yoho became Flintridge Prep’s first Southern Section and state champion, winning the latter title in a Division V record 15:11 on Nov. 30 at Woodward Park, eclipsing his own standard of 15:23 set Oct. 12 at the Clovis Invitational.

Yoho, the Prep League champion who also won at the Stanford Invitational, led the Rebels to their first section title since 2004 and a fourth-place finish at the state championship.

Perhaps Yoho’s most impressive achievement came in the only race he didn’t win all season, finishing ninth in 15:14 in his debut at the Nike Cross Nationals to earn All-America honors and give California three athletes in the top 10, posting the best finish by a local male runner in Oregon since 2006.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Rene Paragas, Saugus

All throughout the regular season,