BURNS: Locals shine in Hawaii

Brad Williams left Hawaii with sore muscles, sun-scorched cheeks and mixed emotions.

Williams' time was slower in his second appearance at the Kona Ironman World Championships, but you wouldn't know it from the post-race pictures.

He stood.

He smiled.

He clutched … a prized "umeke," a bowl-shaped award given out to Kona's various champions?

While the humidity, wind and a flat tire dissolved any hope of a personal-best finishing time, the 2004 Riverbank alum still accomplished one of his goals — a victory in the Ironman's Military Division.

An aircraft mechanic by trade, Williams teamed with Jolene Wilkinson to secure team honors for the Air Force.

Williams completed the world championship — a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run — in 9 hours, 47 minutes, 40 seconds. His time was slowed by a flat tire at mile No. 9 of the bike race.

He finished third in the men's category and was one of only three servicemen to crack the 10-hour mark. The Marines' Robert Hilton (9:32:54) successfully defended his title.

Wilkinson won the female division with a time of 10:31:14.

"I learned a lot about being patient, especially when I flatted on the bike," said Williams, who recently completed the Ironman 70.3 Austin (Texas) and qualified for the 70.3 world championships in Las Vegas next September.

"It is a long day there and you can't let things that are out of your control effect you or else the day can end up being an extremely long day, not like it isn't already or anything. I am going to take what I have learned from this year; go back to the drawing board with my coach and we are aiming to be on the starting line in Kona next year ready to improve on this year.

Three other locals completed Kona, held Oct. 13.

• Alessandra Battig, Modesto: This 23-year-old Modesto High grad joined Williams as one of The Bee's featured athletes in the days leading up to Kona. Battig finished in 12:20:29, placing fifth in her age group (18-24).

• Karen Painter, Le Grange: The 62-year-old defied age and the elements to finish 24th in her age group (60-64), crossing the finish line in 15:51:26.

• Kyle Dees, Oakdale: Dees, 57, crossed in 13:30:18, good enough for 17th in her age group (55-59).

High School Heisman

Oakdale's Hayley McIntyre (volleyball/track), Ripon's Cole Herrin (football/basketball) and Modesto Christian's James Warwick (basketball/track) have put themselves in position to strike sports' most famous pose: The Heisman.

The three are finalists for the California Wendy's High School Heisman, an award that recognizes seniors who have excelled in their athletic arena(s), as well as in the classroom and community. More than 45,000 seniors applied nationwide, with 2,677 from California. From that group, 20 — 10 boys, 10 girls — were named as state finalists.

On Nov. 5, one boy and one girl will be named state winners and advance to the national competition in New York City on Dec. 7. National finalists will be featured during a TV ceremony on ESPN, receive gold medals and $2,000 for their school.

The national winners will receive a crystal trophy, $10,000 for their school and recognition during the collegiate Heisman Trophy broadcast on Dec. 6.

Vera back with Tigers

Joseph Vera has returned to the Los Banos football program nearly two months after surgery to relieve pressure on his brain.

The senior was named an honorary captain for the Tigers' 29-0 victory over Central Valley two weeks ago, and was cleared to return to school last Friday. Though he can no longer play contact sports, Vera has been to every practice and traveled with the team to Livingston last Friday.

He cheered his boys from the sideline as they survived a scare, 28-18.

Head coach Dustin Caropreso says Vera's long-term outlook is positive, and that the two-way player is showing no ill-effects from a mysterious injury.

Vera complained of head pain during a Sept. 7 contest at Manteca High and collapsed along the sideline. He was taken to the hospital by ambulance and had surgery to relieve pressure on his brain shortly thereafter.

"Talking to mom and dad, everything looks good," said Caropreso, whose program presented Vera with a signed helmet. "He has some therapy he needs to do, but no long-term effects.

"He's the same Joseph I remember."

Yohey 'reins' supreme

Courtney Yohey continued her run of success in Reining Horse, earning her sixth invitation to the National Reining Horse Association's national finals Nov. 22-Dec. 1 in Oklahoma City, Okla.

The freshman at Enochs doubled up at the NHRA Northwest Affiliate Finals on Oct. 9-14, securing titles in the 13-and-under and Unrestricted Youth categories with a 71. That score netted her a saddle and another bid at nationals.

She was also the reserve champion with a 70.5 in Novice Horse Non-Pro Level 1, where she competed against adults.

Yohey leaves for Oklahoma City on Nov. 18 and rides 9-year-old gelding Imasmartlittlecheese.