Three Stallions advance to state

Somewhat lost in Madera South’s Eduardo “Lalo” Herrera’s just-missed attempt at the distance triple (800 meters, 1,600 meters and 3,200 meters) at the Central Section Master’s Championship (Valley Championship) Saturday at Buchanan-Clovis’ Memorial Stadium, two other Madera South runners advanced to the CIF State Track and Field Championships on June 2-3 at the same facility.

“There are three states in the nation that their state meet is considered national-type meets — Florida, Texas and California,” Madera South track coach Eloy Quintana said. “Just to have one kid is phenomenal. For us to have three, holy smokes, that’s huge.”

Not only did Herrera qualify in three events, although he will just run the 1,600 meters and 3,200 meters, fellow 3,200 meter runner Miguel Villar will continue his season as well, along with Kim Montoya, the school’s first-ever sprinter to qualify for the state meet.

“Kim Montoya has been a great leader and great example for young ladies in this community,” Quintana said. “She shows what it means to be mentally tough and take care of business.” ...