The Saskatchewan High School Athletics Association announced on Friday that they canceled the 2011 SHSAA Track and Field Championships, to be held in Regina June 3-4, due to the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation announcing that all of its members were withdrawing voluntary services until further notice.
Due to this year’s provincials being canceled, that meant that Friday’s South Central District Track and Field Meet was the meet last of the year, and for some like Vanier’s Chris Sanford, it was their last meet of their high school careers.
The Grade 12 said he wanted to end his high school career out with a bang and was able to do so, finishing in the top two in both of his events. Sanford’s first place finish came in long jump with a 6.12m and second in the triple jump with 12.39m, behind teammate Keegan Arnyek who jumped 12.48m.
“I was kind of surprised with how well I did in long jump, it was so cold and rainy, but I don’t know, it could be my last track meet in my high school career, so I thought I’d come out, have fun and do the best I could,” said Sanford. “It kind of went my way.”
The coaches did their best to mask the situation and to keep their athletes focussed.
Vanier’s head coach Leanne Meili, who had Grade 11 athlete Keegan Arnyek is her ear throughout the morning, told him to compete as if there was going to be provincials next week.
See more in Friday's Times-Herald.
