POULSBO — Eleven seems to be Ryan Young’s lucky number these days.

The North Kitsap High School junior, who won a state title this year for his skills with the javelin, came away with an 11th place finish at the junior nationals track and field competition June 25-27 at College Station, Texas.

He was also ranked 11th in the Track and Field News magazine among high school men and No. 11 on Dye-Stat.com, a track and field Web site.

Young finished just outside of the top 10, despite having a bruised meniscus and inclement weather at the event, with a top throw of 176.2 meters.

“I didn’t know what to expect really,” Young said. “It was a new experience for me.”

Competition was suspended on June 25 due to thunderstorms — not exactly an opportune time to be holding a metal rod, especially in the more intense storms of the American South.

“Lightening bolts were dropping all around us,” Young said.

The top nine throwers went to finals competition. Nonetheless, Young said the national event was an eye opener.

“I gained a lot of experience from it and going into next season, I know I’ll be more composed,” he said. “I know the quality of throwers I’ll be up against.”

Young was also named first team All-Narrows League for the spring season in track and field.

The Vikings junior will now practice his basketball skills, playing in summer and fall leagues and pick up the javelin again likely at the start of next year’s track season.

Young is still accepting donations to help cover travel expenses on the trip, which can be made through his coach, Tim Adams. For more information on how to donate, contact Adams at (360) 598-8480.