Sailors’ duo moves to finals

CLOVIS — Newport Harbor High throws coach Tony Ciarelli uses a phrase to motivate and teach his athletes.

It’s called Wasa Ki Shin. He says it stands for Technique, Energy and Spirit.

Newport Harbor seniors Ethan Cochran and Steve Michaelsen had their Wasa Ki Shin working on Friday night at the CIF State Track and Field Championships.

Cochran qualified first in the shotput and discus and Michaelsen qualified third in the discus for Saturday’s finals.

Marty Taylor, a junior at Newport Harbor, ended his season after he was 11th in the shotput. He had a personal record, with 58 feet, 2 inches. He needed to be among the top nine to qualify.

Cochran is trying to repeat as the state champion in the discus. He enters Saturday’s finals as the top seed after launching the discus 190-0.

Cochran, bound for UC Berkeley, had a personal record in the shotput with 64-6 1/2. It came on his first and only attempt. The throw ranks No. 1 in the state this season and it is the best mark for any thrower coached by Ciarelli.

Cochran is also ranked No. 1 in the state in the discus. He is trying to become the first athlete in Newport Harbor history to win state titles in the discus and shotput.

Michalesen, bound for Wake Forest, had a mark of 181-10 in the discus. This is Michaelsen’s second trip to the State Meet and the first time he’s reached the finals.

Newport Harbor junior Paige Tennison will join Cochran and Michaelsen in the finals.

Tennison is competing in the 3,200 meters. She finished fifth at last week’s Masters Meet.

— From staff reports