BERKELEY, CALIF. — Nearly a year after setting Washington state’s new standard javelin record with a state finals throw of 202-9 in 2005, North Kitsap High School alumnus Ryan Young is back in record-breaking form.

He’s in a new state and wearing new colors, but the 6-foot, 5-inch University of California freshman retains the undeniable ability to become one of the best throwers in the school’s history, just as he did at North Kitsap in his yesteryears.

“Ryan’s a rare talent, he’s already the No. 7 junior in U.S. history,” said Cal head track and field coach Chris Huffins. “Ryan, himself, is a very special kid. Anyone who comes into our program willing to listen and learn has the ability to do special things.”

In his first meet as a Cal Bear, Young has already accomplished a special start. At the Hornet Invitational March 25 in Sacramento, Calif., he launched a throw of 232-10, claiming one half of the Cal event sweep as well as a new freshman record. He topped the previous Cal freshman record by more than 30 feet, surpassing Adam Burgh’s mark of 200-40 set in 2004.

The mark also qualified him for the NCAA regional meet and proved his stance at the top of the Cal ranks as junior All-American Golden Bear Paul Tienert finished second in the event with a throw of 230-07.

And even more impressive, Young’s throw was the No. 7 all-time throw for U.S. juniors (19 and under), passing Breaux Greeg on the list, who is the current American senior (19 and older) national record holder in the event.

“It’s huge and it’s really cool but it’s not gonna hold up all year,” Young said of his breakout performance. “I just gotta keep throwing every day and keep getting better.”

He has the potential, too, as Young is equipped with the tools that could make him one of the best.

Coach Huffins has been credited with reviving Cal’s track and field program since taking over as director in 2002. From 2002 to 2005, the Huffins-led Bears have sent more athletes to the NCAA Championships than in any other three-year span for Cal (12 in 2003, 13 in 2004 and 15 in 2005). Under Huffins, Bear athletes have practically re-written the Cal record books — which continues with Young.

“I’m learning more everyday as I’m being coached,” Young said. “A lot of it’s been strength and conditioning and quite a bit has been (focused on) technique.”

“The biggest things Ryan’s got going is his height and a very, very, very live arm; Ryan can throw a baseball the length of our field (100M),” Huffins said, adding that another of Young’s best qualities is his ability to learn and assimilate lessons on technique. “There aren’t very many freshmen who are that talented who are also that humble and willing to work that hard.”

Young said his focus has been almost completely zoned in on school and throwing since he arrived at Cal-Berkeley in the fall. He estimated he spends an upwards of 20 hours a week working on his javelin technique and strength conditioning.

“His technique is pretty good for a freshman but by no means refined and ready for world Olympics competition,” Huffins said, an Olympic athlete himself.

With that being said, Huffins estimates Young will be “one of the nation’s elite for his foreseeable career,” he added.

Today, Young is looking to prove himself as such at one of the country’s premiere track and field meets, the Clyde Littlefield Texas Relays, in Austin, Texas.