File photo – McKinleyville’s Derek Ray

McKinleyville graduate Derek Ray has carried his incredible spring form in track and field into the summer.

After a top-10 finish at last month’s CIF state championships, Ray traveled to Eugene to compete in the Nike Outdoor Nationals this past weekend and had another outstanding performance.

The Mack star placed 23rd in the shot put while competing against some incredible competition and some of the best throwers in the nation.

Ray threw 54’ 10.75” (16.73 meters), which was the third best mark in the event by anyone from California.

The event was won by Michael Pinones of Texas with a mark of 20.09m.

The prestigious meet was held at Oregon’s Hayward Field stadium.

We’re still waiting to hear where Ray may compete in college, although there appears to be plenty of interest in the Mack standout, who placed first at this year’s North Coast Section Meet of Champions and eighth in state.

Ray, who also was an all-league first-team selection in football, set a PR of 58’ 0.75” in the shot put at the state championships.

Submitted photo – Submitted photo – Derek Ray, center, alongside Eureka’s Jamin Guilbert, left, and Joseph Gonzalez at a meet earlier this year.