As the last weeks of this spring track and field season come to a close, the Canton varsity team has pushed through a competitive season, set new records, and made many memories.
On May 27, Canton hosted their last regular meet of the season at home against Ogdensburg and Madrid-Wadington. At this meet, Canton seniors were honored for their hard work and dedication to the team. Additionally, Coach Porter received a heartfelt ceremony to celebrate his retirement. Student athletes shared their appreciation for his passion and love of coaching.
In the meet, Canton had wins in various events. A few include the boys and girls 4×800, the girls 100 meter hurdles, boys 100 meter dash, girls 1500, boys 1600, girls 3000, boys 3200, boys 400 meter dash, girls 400 meter hurdles, boys high jump, and girls long jump.
Seniors in the meet included John Wilcox, Darvay Williams, Kolten Worthley, Kaden Worthley, Caleb Wilkinson, Aiden Rodriguez-Doyle, Daniel Armendariz-Huang, Lucas Watts, Salma Moumen, Marilisa Salvi-Miguel, Lorelei Harper, Gretchen Braun, Julia Seeger, Lexi Stuntz, and Noah Gendebein. These senior athletes have served as irreplaceable role models for the Canton track and field program and will be greatly missed by their teammates and coaches.
Following this successful meet, excitement grew as the team headed towards Sectionals. On June 4 and 5, two days of impressive competition took place at St. Lawrence University. Despite it being the hottest meet on record this year, Canton athletes pulled through and gave their events everything they could. There were many tight races that had spectators on the edges of their seats.
In an exciting race, the girls 4×800 placed first. The team consisted of Lexi Stuntz, Salma Moumen, Hannah Ames, and Aurora Casserly.
The boys 4×800 team, consisting of Daniel Armendariz-Huang, Aiden Rodriguez-Doyle, Rylan Lee-Powell, and Noah Gendebein, also took first place.
In the boys 1600, Noah Gendebein placed first with a time of 4:33.
A new Canton record was set by the boys 4×100 team. James Trombley, Owen Matthews, Caleb Wilinson, and Dayshawn James ran the race in 45.67 seconds.
Kailin Backus showed her dominance in the 400 meter hurdles with her win and season best.
In the boys 800 meters, Noah Gendebein placed first, running the race in 1:58.
Salma Moumen placed first in the girls 3000 with a time of 10:30.
Rylan Lee-Powell won the boys 3200 with a time of 10:04.
The boys 4×400 team placed first in an intense race, beating out Franklin Academy by two seconds. The team consisted of Dayshawn James, Noah Gendebein, William Andes, and Daniel Armendariz-Huang.
Caleb Wilkinson placed first in boys high jump, jumping 5 ft. 10 in.
Owen Matthews jumped 20 ft. 1 in. in the boys triple jump, winning his event.
In the boys steeplechase, Lucas Watts finished first with a time of 10:36.
All event winners have qualified for states, which will take place in Middletown, NY on June 13 and 14.
At sectionals, the Canton boys placed first overall, while the girls placed third. Overall, the Canton track and field team became this year’s section champions with 279 points.
