As the 2025 spring track and field season kicks off, Canton’s varsity team is already brimming with progress and enthusiasm, from our newest athletes to our most experienced seniors. The team has started the season off strong, setting new personal and overall records within the first few meets.
Coach Porter commented, “The team is off to a solid start. We have a nice mixture of newcomers and veterans and most of them have bought into the process of daily improvement. I have enjoyed the positive energy coming from training sessions and have been impressed with the work ethic.”
To kick off the meet season, many athletes attended the Bev Griffin Shamrock Invitational on Saturday, May 3. At this competitive meet, the boys team placed first overall and the girls placed fourth. Canton athletes took first in a variety of events, including steeplechase, the girls and boys 4×800 relays, high jump, long jump, the boys 4×400 relay, the 800 meters, the 1600 meters, and the boys 4×100 relay.
In addition to these first place finishes, a new meet record was set by the Canton boys distance medley relay with a time of 11:49. The team consisted of seniors Rylan Lee-Powell, Aiden Rodriguez-Doyle, Daniel Armendariz-Huang, and Kaden Worthley. Lee-Powell also set a meet record in the boys 3200 with a time of 10:14.
On May 5, newer athletes to the varsity track and field team competed at an invitational at Norwood-Norfolk. The coaches are excited to have new athletes join the growing team.
The Canton track and field team has athletes to fill up the majority of events offered in meets and is able to excel at many because of the athletes’ hard work and this year’s extensive coaching team.
Coach Kiah noted, “The overall chemistry and comradery has been exemplary thus far and both teams are putting in hard work on a daily basis. The well rounded coaching staff has allowed the athletes to flourish in their respective events.”
On Thursday, May 8, Canton hosted a home meet with Norwood-Norfolk and Malone. The athletes all competed well, despite the stormy conditions.
On Saturday May 10, select athletes attended the Madrid-Waddington American Legion Invitational. Canton had wins in the girls 3000 meters, girls 400 meter hurdles, boys 800 meters, boys 1600 meters, and the boys 3200 meters. Overall, the boys placed first and the girls placed fourth.
On May 17, the Van Dusen Invitational will take place at Ogdensburg.
In regards to the approaching weekend, Coach Porter noted, “We are very much looking forward to the upcoming Van Dusen on May 17 and will have a great idea where we are individually and as a team at that time.”