Monday, February 22, 2021

Fall 2 TODAY! Couple of Reminders!

Some Important info for our Fall 2 student athletes as you begin your journey as a team today:

1. There is a NEW googleform for the daily screener. If you played a sport in fall1 or winter, the link you were using will no longer work for Fall 2. Please use this one below and delete any links to the old one. 

Fall 2 Wedge Season Daily Health Self-Screener

2. IF you have traveled to a state identified by the State of Massachusetts as one you must quarantine upon return, you must quarantine and miss athletics for 14 days OR provide us with a negative PCR test. 


Saturday, February 20, 2021

What a winter season- Thank you!

With our Gymnastics team participating in the Hockomock Gymnastics Cup today, the 2020-21 winter Bulldog season comes to an end.  It has been an amazing two months. 

We took home two league divisional titles this season- Boys Ice Hockey and Girls Ice Hockey- each with truly dominant seasons.  

But it wasn't the championships for which this season will be remembered. Our winter teams competed during some of the darkest days of the Covid-19 pandemic.  They had no idea what each day would bring.  They were constantly prepared for getting disappointing news.  They navigated mask-wearing ("pull that over the nose!), social distancing, quarantines, cancelations, postponements, reschedules, and so many other curveballs but they handled it all in stride.  It was so clear when you watched any of our teams this winter that they were simply thrilled to be competing and thrilled to be standing by their teammates (albeit 6' by). 

In many ways, the winter 2020-21 season really reminded all of us what is important in sports- friends, fun, competing, sacrifice, selflessness, perseverance, resilience and supporting one another. 

This winter season was truly a team effort. 
  • We saw coaches work outside of their comfort zones but never lose sight of the important things. 
  • We saw coaches step up and fill-in for each other.
  • We saw parents step-up and fill-in for coaches. 
  • We saw CHS alumni step up and help us live-stream action when folks couldn't witness the action in person.
  • We saw bus drivers, custodians, faculty members, photographers, reporters, referees, judges and other game officials all step up and work under challenging conditions to make sure our Bulldog student athletes were able to enjoy a season. 
  • We saw our school administration, School Committee and the community at large support our seasons in so many ways- mostly behind the scenes. 
  • We saw our Athletic Trainer work tirelessly to keep our kids safe. (Click Here for that tribute!)
  • Most-importantly, we saw our Swimmers, Gymnasts, Basketball players and Hockey players all give their all, under the most trying of circumstances. 
On behalf of the CHS Athletic Department, a big thank you to all of those mentioned above with a special thank you to coach Abbott, Reardon, Gordy, Donahue, Botsio, Choquette, Regan, Dineen, Cavanugh, Murtaugh, Shuman, Connolly, Ford, Aldrich, Maffeo, Koen and all of those who volunteered their time to help pull off what was an improbable season! It's moments like these that having some of the best coaches in the state really pays off!

Thank you! On to Fall 2!

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Volleyball, Football, Winter Track and Cheer set to start Monday

 Hello Bulldog Nation! 

Below is important information for ALL registered Fall 2 Wedge season athletes.  The Fall 2 sports season will feature Girls Volleyball, Football, Winter Track and Cheer (non-competition).

This is MUST READ info for Monday!

Sport Specific info can be found at the bottom 

CHS Athletics Self-Screen Health Questionnaire- 
As part of our CHS Athletics Covid-19 Protocols, all who participate in CHS Athletics activities (games, meets, practice, meetings, etc.) must complete our CHS Athletics Self-Screen Health Questionnaire DAILY- and as close as possible to the time you are actually participating in CHS athletics that day.  The questionnaire must be completed by student athletes, coaches, referees, spectators and other game officials.  We ask that everyone do their part to keep us all safe/healthy, by making this daily task a priority. 

The link to the Self-Screen can be found below.  This screen is separate and in addition to, the student screen needed to attend school. 

So- ALL student athletes attending tryouts/practices on Monday, must complete the screening prior to participating. Your presence at practice will indicate to our coaching staff that you have completed the screening. The CHS Athletic office will be confirming that forms have been filled out on a daily basis. 

Please consider saving the link on your phone for easy access daily. 

Click Here for the Daily Screen.  (Fall 2 sports will replace Winter sports on this as of 2/22/21)

Social Distancing/Masks/Arrival Procedures- 

  • Student athletes may not arrive at a CHS athletic practice more than 15 minutes prior to the start. If you do arrive earlier than that we ask you to REMAIN IN YOUR CAR. Do NOT congregate in groups in the parking lot or in hallways, etc.  
  • Student athletes must wear a properly worn mask while arriving at practice. Be sure to have a back-up.  We will have back-up masks available as well.
  • The only exception to the face covering expectations is when a written doctor's note is presented to the Athletic Trainer, stating that there is a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a face covering. 
  • ALWAYS practice social distancing while at practices and games. Please understand that wearing a mask does not allow you to stand close to each other. We MUST SOCIALLY DISTANCE as well. Avoid contact with other student athletes and coaches. No "high fives," "fist bumps", or "pats on the back."
Drinking Water-
  • All student athletes are expected to arrive at all practices/games/meets/matches with their own, individual water bottle. Be sure to bring enough. A 16 oz bottle of water is typically nowhere near enough water for a practice session or game. 
  • Be sure your water bottle is clearly labeled. 
  • The Athletic Trainer may have water available for emergencies only at CHS but not at off-campus sites.  Don't assume water bubblers will be available. They most likely will not. 
Other Important Info-
  • Only student athletes who have been registered to participate and have provided an up-to-date physical exam to the Athletic Office may attend Monday. 
  • If you must carpool to practices, please WEAR masks in the car.  It makes no sense for us to all put this huge effort into following protocols and then hopping in cars with teammates, mask-less. Please do your part.  

SPORT SPECIFIC INFORMATION FOR MONDAY

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL- Tryout Schedule Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday:

Freshmen: Please report to the CHS gym at 3:15 - tryouts will run from 3:30 - 5:00
Sophomores: Please report to the CHS gym at 5:15 - tryouts will run from 5:30-7:00
Juniors and Seniors: Please report to the CHS gym at 7:15 - tryouts will run from 7:30-9:00
PLEASE note- Student Athletes must remain in cars until stated time above. 

In general, these groups will remain the same for the first three days. There is a chance, however, that some will be asked to move to a different group/time. 
We look forward to getting back on the court! See you there!!

CHEER (non-competition)- Cheerleading tryouts will take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (February 23 through 25) from 5 to 6pm in the Rodman Gym. Please come ready to go dressed in shorts, t-shirt and cheer shoes (or regular sneakers if you do not have them). You must have your hair tied back and be wearing a mask. Because of our limited time, please pre-stretch at home before arriving to tryouts. Please contact Coach Parker at parkers@cantonma.org if you have any questions

Winter Track (outdoors)-All registered track and field athletes should report to the Canton High School track at 3:00 on Monday February 22nd.  Practice will end promptly at 4:00.  All athletes should bring their own water and masks.  Dress for the weather, we will be practicing outside! Any questions please email Coach Amico amicoanna@yahoo.com

FOOTBALL- All registered football players should already have all of the info they need from coach Fallon. Anyone who missed equipment handout this week can pick up equipment on Sunday at 3:00pm. First Day of practice will be Monday, Feb. 22nd. Practice is currently scheduled from 4:30-6:30 at the CHS Turf field. Players may NOT arrive until 4:15pm. If arriving earlier, please wait in your warm car! Don't forget to dress for the weather and bring your own clearly marked water.

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Weather-Related Schedule Updates- 2-9-2021

The following changes have been made to the Athletic Schedule today- Tuesday, February 9th:

JV Girls Hockey game scheduled at 6:20 vs. MOAF at Ponky has been Postponed.

Varsity Girls Hockey game scheduled at 4:00 at Foxboro SC vs. KP has been Postponed. 

JV Boys Hockey game scheduled at 4:30 at Asiaf vs. OA has been Postponed. 

Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Stoughton at 3:30pm is ON AS SCHEDULED.

Any practice scheduled to end prior to 5:00pm is ON AS SCHEDULED. 

Check this blog or check with your coach for any info on any practices scheduled later. 

Monday, February 8, 2021

Upcoming Live Stream Info- Week of 2-8-2021

Monday, February 8th-

Boys Varsity Hockey vs. Stoughton at Ponky at 4:00pm- CHS Athletics YouTube Channel 

Boys Varsity Basketball vs. North Attleboro at 7:00pm- www.cantoncommunitytv.org or CHS Athletics YouTube Channel. 

Girls Varsity Basketball AT Stoughton at 3:30pm- Stoughton High Athletics YouTube Channel


Tuesday, February 9th-

Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Stoughton at 3:30pm- www.cantoncommunitytv.org or CHS Athletics YouTube Channel. 

Girls JV Hockey vs. MOAF at Ponky at 6:20pm- CHS Athletics YouTube Channel

Girls Varsity Hockey vs. KP at Foxboro SC at 4:00pm- TBA

Boys JV Hockey at Asiaf in Brockton vs. OA at 4:30pm- TBA


Wednesday, February 10th- 

Boys Basketball games vs. Foxboro (Fr-3:30, JV-5:15, Var-7:00)- CHS Athletics YouTube Channel 

Boys VARSITY Basketball vs. Foxboro at 7:00p- www.cantoncommunitytv.org

Girls Varsity Ice Hockey vs. KP at Ponky at 4:00pm- CHS Athletics YouTube Channel 

Boys Varsity Ice Hockey vs. Foxboro at FSC at 8:00pm- TBA


Thursday, February 11th-

Boys Hockey double header (JV at 4:10 and Varsity at 5:30)- CHS Athletics YouTube Channel 


Friday, February 12th- 

Girls Basketball games vs. NA (Fr-3:30, JV- 5:15, Var- 7:00)- CHS Athletics YouTube Channel

Girls VARSITY Basketball vs. NA at 7:00pm- www.cantoncommunitytv.org

Boys Varsity Ice Hockey vs. OA at Asiaf in Brockton at 4:00pm- TBA

Boys Basketball games AT NA (Fr-3:30, JV-5:15, Var- 7:00)- TBA

Gymnastics at Franklin at 8:00- https://twitter.com/search?q=%40Gymnastics_CHS&src=typed_query&f=live


Thursday, February 4, 2021

Bulldog Pride 2020-21 Long Sleeve Tees!


The CHS Athletic Department would like to thank the CHS Booster Club for providing EVERY 2020-21 Bulldog student athlete with an awesome 
long sleeve tee-shirt to celebrate us conquering the 2020-21 athletic seasons together!

Each 2020-21 student athlete gets one shirt.  

Student athletes from the fall season can check in at the CHS Athletic Office any time they are in the building to grab their shirt. We will work with winter coaches to distribute to their teams. The same will go for Fall 2 and Spring seasons.

Everyone please be patient. We will eventually get them to everyone who plays!

Thanks again to our CHS Athletic Booster Club!

Go Dogs!


Upcoming Live Stream info- updated 2-4-2021

Live Stream info below-

Thursday, February 4th-

Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Foxboro at 7:00pm. Streamed at www.cantoncommunitytv.org

Girls Freshmen, JV and Varsity Basketball vs. Foxboro  at 3:30/5:15 and 7:00 at Canton High Athletics YouTube Channel. 

JV Boys Hockey vs. Franklin at 4:10pm at Canton High Athletics YouTube Channel. 

Friday, February 5th- 

Girls Varsity Hockey vs. Boston Latin Academy at 4:20pm at Canton High Athletics YouTube Channel. 

Gymnastics vs Taunton at 8:30pm at CHS Gymnastics Pericope/Twitter

Saturday, February 6th-

Boys Freshmen, JV and Varsity Basketball at Oliver Ames at 9:30am/11:15am/1:00pm at http://eastoncat.org/live

Boys Varsity Hockey at Franklin at 8:30pm. Franklin.tv  Then click on "Past Shows"...This brings you to Castus TV....Click on LIVE.....Click on Franklin Pride TV- School TV




Tuesday, February 2, 2021

An important update on Fall2 Wedge Season Cheer program

Due to MIAA modifications to Fall 2 Cheer, and after consulting with coaching staff and CHS administration, the Fall 2 Cheer program will be run as a CHS Athletics Activity.

Why are we making this move?

The MIAA Covid-19 modifications severely limit the activities in which Cheer teams may engage. Competitive cheer moves are no longer permitted, and many sideline moves are limited as well. These changes restrict our ability to provide a typical Cheer Team experience.  Despite these limitations, we are committed to maintaining the program and continuing the connections and activities that Cheer offers our student athletes.  Running this program as an athletic activity, rather than a competitive sport, enables student athletes to continue to engage in Cheer, while also recognizing the limitations caused by MIAA rule modifications. 


What does this mean? 

Tryouts will be conducted during the week of February 22. Once a team is selected, they will meet 3-4 times during the first couple of weeks in order to develop a sideline routine. Once that routine is created, practice sessions will occur an average of once per week.  The Cheer team will perform at all home varsity football games, and there are expected to be 3 or 4 of those events. This arrangement would last through the end of Fall 2 (week of April 18).


What about Cheer in the Spring Season?

We hope the Fall 2 Cheer activity will prepare our program for a return to more typical activities during the Spring Season, when the MIAA/MSSAA hopes to move to competitive cheer.  Our hope and intention is to provide a more complete educational athletic team experience for the Cheer team in the spring, provided that MIAA rule modifications are less restrictive.


What would the fee be for Fall 2 Cheer?

The Athletic User Fee would not apply to this program. Instead, the program would fall under the CHS Activity Fee, a one-time fee of $70 that allows a CHS student to participate in multiple  activities. In other words, if a Cheer team member already paid the fee this school year for a different activity, then there would be no additional charge. Any family who has paid the full user fee already may choose to receive a refund or a full credit for Spring Cheer. 


As is always the case- please feel free to reach out to the athletic office with any questions/concerns. 


Monday, February 1, 2021

Updates to CHS Athletic Schedule- Week of February 1st

Here is the latest update on the CHS Athletics schedule this week-

Boys Hockey games-
Varsity team- Saturday, February 6th at Franklin at 8:30pm. 
JV team- Thursday, February 4th vs. Franklin at Ponky at 4:10pm. 

Girls Hockey games-
Varsity team-
Wednesday, February 3rd vs. Boston Latin Academy at Ponky at 5:20pm
Friday, February 5th vs. Boston Latin Academy at Ponky at 4:20pm 
JV team- NO scheduled games until Tuesday, February 9th vs. MOAF at Ponky at 6:20pm 

Boys Basketball games-
Thursday, February 4th vs. Foxboro at Foxboro---Fr-3:30, JV-5:15, Varsity-7:00
Saturday, February 6th vs. Oliver Ames at OA--Fr.-9:30am, JV-11:15am, Varsity-1:00pm 

Girls Basketball games-
Tuesday, February 2nd vs. Foxboro at Foxboro- Fr-3:30, JV-5:15, Varsity-7:00pm
Thursday, February 4th vs. Foxboro at Canton- Fr-3:30, JV-5:15, Varsity-7:00pm. 

Swim Team Meets- Meet with Foxboro TBA.....scheduled for Friday, February 5th but could change.

Gymnastics- Meet at Arnolds Gymnastics vs. Taunton on Friday, February 5th at 8:30pm. 

Fall 2- "Wedge Season" Registration now open


Today we are excited to be officially opening registration for the 2020/21 Fall 2 Wedge Sports Season.  As has been explained on this blog throughout the year- and has been experienced by hundreds of student athletes this fall and winter seasons,  this season will look incredibly different than any seasons these sports have had in past years.  Due to the guidelines set by the state, DESE, MIAA and through decisions at both the Hockomock League and local level, we will be offering the following sports this Fall 2 Wedge season:

  • Girls Volleyball
  • Football
  • Cheer
  • Boys Indoor Track (OUTDOORS)
  • Girls Indoor Track (OUTDOORS)
Registration information for our Fall 2 Wedge season can be found at the bottom of this blog entry.  However, it is important that all CHS Fall 2 Wedge season families read important details below PRIOR to registering. 

Fall 2 Wedge SEASON DATES- The first day of the season is EXPECTED to be Monday, February 22, 2021.  First contest are EXPECTED to take place during the week of March 8, 2021.  The season will wrap up no later than Sunday, April 25, 2021. 

STATEMENT on WEATHER-
Obviously there will be many challenges with attempting to run football, track and cheer outdoors during this time of year but the CHS Athletic Department is doing everything possible to make this happen. Please understand that, ultimately, safety will rule the day and if conditions are not conducive and safe for outdoor play, the season would be interrupted. No indoor space will be used for football and very limited indoor options are available for cheer and track. If you are registering for any of these sports, please realize that this reality exists. 

The sports that we are able to offer this Fall 2 season will all play under new, modifications and guidelines.  Highlights of these guidelines include:
  • All participants must wear a face covering at all times (this includes during play)
  • All participants must complete a Covid-19 screening daily.
  • No locker rooms or changing rooms will be made available.  All equipment must be taken home nightly and student athletes must arrive and depart CHS in their training attire. 
  • There are strict limitations as to how many student athletes may train together on one field/court, etc.  This could result in roster limitations. 
  • No more than 23 people may be on a school bus. This has caused us to temporarily amend our transportation policy. 
Details of our guidelines as well as sport specific modifications to our sports can be found at the links below.  WE HIGHLY SUGGEST that ALL CHS Fall 2 student athletes and families read these carefully prior to registering. 


The CHS Athletic Department has been working hard to institute practices, guidelines and protocols that will ensure the safest possible experience for our student athletes under these circumstances. We are incredibly confident that we are ready to provide an educational, competitive and SAFE/HEALTHY interscholastic athletic experience for all of our Fall 2 Bulldogs, just as we did in the fall and winter. 

ATHLETIC USER FEE- Due to all of the changes associated with this season's athletic experience, the CPS School Committee approved an adjustment to the user fee for this past fall season. The fee to play a Fall 2 sport is $160. You have the option to pay the fee as you register online, but you don't have to. You can always go back and register in the week or so after tryouts. 

GATE FEES- Given the limited number of spectators allowed at our contests this winter, there will be no admission cost charged at any contest.  Spectator policy for CHS and the Hockomock League for Fall 2 season will be announced in the coming weeks. 

ROSTER SIZES- It is always our goal to get as many students involved in our programs as is possible while still providing a great educational experience. We will be guided by that again this season. However, due to guidelines related to Covid-19, roster sizes for all sports will be limited.  Once we have a list of registered student athletes, we will look at how we can structure our rosters (including tryouts) to meet all health and safety guidelines. 

PHYSICAL EXAMS- It is an MIAA rule that in order to be eligible to participate in Interscholastic Athletics in Massachusetts, we must have a physical exam form on record in the CHS Athletic Office. The exam is only valid for 13 months from the date it was performed. We understand that many doctors' offices struggled to maintain their exam schedules last spring/summer and many held exams using tele-health. Unfortunately, the Mass Dept. of Public Health has ruled that virtual physicals are not acceptable to clear a student athlete for athletic participation. Acceptable physical reports may be emailed to the athletic office or uploaded as part of the FamilyID registration process. 

TRANSPORTATION Policy- CHS has made a temporary change to our policy on transportation to/from away athletic contests.  As has always been the case, CHS will provide bus transportation to/from away contests.  However, this season- parents/guardians may grant permission (as part of the online registration process explained below) for their student athlete to be transported to/from away contests in two additional ways:
  1. Parent/Guardian or immediate, household family member may transport them.
  2. Legally licensed student athlete may transport themselves and any siblings.  
Note- A student athlete who has been granted permission for the alternative transportation, may take the bus to some contests while not using it for others. 

REGISTRATION- Online registration will be open from Monday, February 1st thru Tuesday, February 9th.  NO LATE registrations will be accepted as once we identify those looking to tryout for teams, we will begin planning for how to safely run these tryouts/practices given the number of student athletes interested.  A parent/guardian must register a student athlete during the registration window.  To register- visit our registration page of the CHS Athletics Website. 

QUESTIONS/CONCERNS- If you have any questions about CHS Athletics or registration for fall sports in particular, don't hesitate to contact us at ericksond@cantonma.org, 781-821-5050 x6.

GO DOGS!

Shout out to our Athletic Trainer- Kristen!

Just a quick shout out to our Athletic Trainer- Kristen Aguiar. 

During this challenging 2020-21 school year, I've been so impressed by so many committed high school athletic professionals who have worked tirelessly to keep our athletes active, engaged, safe and healthy.  There are countless names that come to mind, however, I'm hard pressed to think of anyone who has persevered more and shown as much care and empathy as our Athletic Trainer Kristen Aguiar. 

Trainer Kristen has relearned creative ways to do her job of keeping us Bulldog safe and healthy.  She holds us all to an important high standard and we all benefit from that.  She does a great job in helping us all stay healthy while still pursuing our athletic passions. 

On behalf of all Bulldogs everywhere- Thank you Trainer Kristen!