First Ukiah boy to win the North Bay League cross country title in 11 years, Zellman tied the third fastest time  on the Spring Lake Park course — 15:05 — and beat his personal best on the 3.05-mile Santa Rosa circuit by more  than a half minute.

Zellman topped one of the fastest fields in league history, moving up the list of runners to  watch in the North Coast Section and state championships. He’s won all but two races this season and is running  strong heading into the biggest meets.

“He’s really picked it up this year. He got in the habit of winning,” said  Ukiah coach Chad Raugewitz.

CONFIDENCE HIGH:
Zellman has been Ukiah’s top runner all four years in school and barring injury is headed back to the state  championship meet for a third consecutive year. But his improvement was significant this season due to both  increased training and rising confidence.

“I think my biggest improvement this year is mental, knowing that I  should be up there,” he said. Starting the year with a triathlon, Zellman raised his mileage some and improved  his technique. He runs taller and stronger with the pace and kick to stay with the region’s fastest runners.
“It helps in the last mile. That’s where your turning cuts off and your strength comes in,” he said.

OFF THE TRACK:
When not running cross country and track, Zellman plays in a Ukiah recreational basketball league and is a tough  ultimate Frisbee player.

Zellman has a 4.2 grade point average. Math and engineering are his favorite subjects and academics, not running, will determine where he attends college. Still, Zellman would like to run at the college  level if he finds the right fit.