CANTON — There was a point in time when the Canton High boys cross country team was ahead of the pack. In a four-year span from 2008-11, the Warriors won two NCCC championships, 38 consecutive dual meets, one Class SS state title and three Class SS second place trophies.
The Warriors have fallen back into the pack. Canton will be good but they probably won’t be a title contender. Ellington, Bolton, Coventry and Suffield look sharp and Avon is a deep team that will probably keep them in contention.
The Canton girls cross country team hopes to build upon its success of a year ago. The Warriors return virtually their entire starting lineup.
The boys team (9-4, 9-4 NCCC) lost their top four runners including their top runner Matt DeMarco and their No. 3 runner Julian Franklin. The Warriors will look to the Yost brothers (James and Dean) to lead the squad this fall. Athan Chekas, who ran on the 2011 team, returns after spending a year playing soccer.
Three sophomores – Zach Oliver, Jake Whittingslow and Will Briggs – hope to crack the varsity lineup.
“We have a couple of newcomers who have been able to hold their own in practice and there are a number of runners who have made significant improvement,” Canton coach Tim O’Donnell said. “I would say we’re looking to finish in the top five of the conference and try to be in the top four in Class SS.”
Last year, Canton was fifth in the NCCC and third in Class SS, sparked by DeMarco who was sixth in Class SS and earned a berth at the State Open.
The Canton girls cross country team (7-6, 7-6 NCCC) returns virtually its entire squad. Four different girls ran in the No. 1 spot a year ago and they are all back – Eliza Chekas, Leigh Ann Rossitto, Emily Coleman and Emma Frawley. Veteran runner Emily Jarka also returns.
Freshmen Emily Briggs and Ali Bahre provide some depth and competition for the other runners on the squad.
What can Canton accomplish? The NCCC is tough with defending Class MM champion Avon and outstanding programs in Ellington and Granby. But Canton hopes to improve on its performances from a year ago. The Warriors were sixth at the NCCC championship meet and sixth in Class S.
BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
Coach: Tim O’Donnell, 13th season (108-37)
Last year: 9-4, 9-4 NCCC, 5th NCCC championships, 3rd Class SS
Key losses: Matt DeMarco, Julian Franklin
Top runners: James Yost, Dean Yost, Athan Chekas, Zach Oliver, Jake Whittingslow, Will Briggs.
Outlook: Canton is looking for another solid season from the boys team. Warriors are aiming for a top five finish in the NCCC and a top four finish in Class SS.
GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
Coach: Jeremiah Berard, 1st year
Last year: 7-6, 7-6 NCCC, 6th NCCC championships, 6th Class S
Key losses: None
Top runners: Eliza Chekas, Leigh Ann Rossitto, Emily Coleman, Emma Frawley, Emily Jarka, Emily Briggs, Ali Bahre.
Outlook: With virtually its entire team returning, Canton looks to improve on their performance of a year ago.
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