By Bill Choy
@SDNBillChoy 
Updated Nov. 26, 2013 @ 11:01 am 

ETNA

Michael Martin has already accomplished a feat in his first year on the high school level that many cross country runners strive for but never reach.

The Etna High Lion freshman has earned a berth to the California Interscholastic Federation State Cross Country Championships in Fresno on Saturday.

Martin qualified to race in Division 5 at State by running a time of 17:52.06 at the Northern Section Championships in Cottonwood, Calif., on Nov. 14.

"I think it's pretty cool," Martin said. "I was surprised."

His time placed Martin in 4th in D5 and 32nd overall and was the third freshman to cross the finish line out of 170 runners.