Crugnale and Valdovinos heading to Colllege soccer pitch

The Canton High School Athletic Department and the CHS Boys Soccer program are thrilled to announce that Jacob Crugnale and Erik Valdovinos have each committed to continue their soccer and academic careers at successful New England colleges in the fall. 

Crugnale and Valdovinos have each had great CHS soccer careers culminating in a run to the MIAA D2 State Championship game during this- their senior year. Valdovinos had a career game in the first round of the MIAA state tournament scoring two goals and assisting on a third in the team's 3-1 win over Woburn.  Crugnale followed with perhaps his best career performance in the next game, scoring a hattrick in a 4-0 drubbing of highly touted Agawam High School.   These two young men played their best in the biggest moments of their careers. They have left a great mark here at CHS. 

Jacob Crugnale-

Jacob Crugnale with coach Danny Erickson

Jacob is headed to Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston to play for the Leopards, who are coached by CHS Soccer alum Connor Erickson- class of 2004.

He will join Leopard captain Paolo Ruggeri- a CHS soccer standout who graduated in 2019.  The Leopards have been a consistent threat in the competitive Commonwealth Coast Conference since Erickson took over the program a decade ago. Crugnale will certainly add another attacking threat for the team this fall.  Jacob's ability to get himself out of trouble when under pressure coupled with his finishing ability certainly make him a player to watch for the Leopard in 2022.

He scored 12 goals and added 5 assists for 15 points his senior year. He was honored as an EMASS All-Star for his stellar junior year season as well. 

Jacob had this to say upon his official announcement- "I'm excited to head to the next level of my athletic career and I thank those who have pushed me forward to become the best me so far."

Erik Valdovinos- 

Erik is headed to Franklin Pierce University to join the Ravens who are a perennial national power in NCAA D2 men's soccer.  It is a HUGE deal to have Erik joining the Franklin Pierce program. They are truly one of the elite men's soccer programs in the entire nation. They play a very high level and are consistently in the mix for a D2 national title. Erik will bring speed, skill, strength and finishing ability to the Ravens.

Erik Valdovinos with his mom and coach Erickson

He has been a major scoring threat for the Bulldogs over the past two seasons. If you caught any Bulldog games this past fall- #7 certainly would have caught your eye. He scored 11 goals and assisted on 5 more for a total of 16 points this past season. He also provided excellent leadership to a team that really came together as one late in the season. He earned All-Hock Honors in both his junior and senior seasons. 

Erik had this to say upon his official announcement-

"I'm very excited to be suiting up next year for the NE10 Tournament and Regular Season Champions as well as top-15 nationally ranked side Franklin Pierce University. None of this would be possible without the help of my coaches and teammates pushing me to become the best athlete I can be. But most importantly I wan to shoutout and say thank you to my parents for always providing me with love and support with everything I do."

Cross Country, Volleyball and Golf meetings coming up

It's that time of year!  Below is information on two upcoming informational meetings for the fall.  Anyone interested in Boys and Girls Cross Country or Boys Soccer, please see below:

Boys and Girls Cross Country Meeting- Wednesday, June 8th from 2:30-3:15 in the CHS DLL. All rising 10th-12th grade boys and girls should be in attendance for information about the summer, preseason and running next fall. Any questions? See coach Hiltz in B-141. 

Volleyball- There will be a meeting on Monday, June 13th at 2:45 in the CHS Distance Learning Lab, for any rising 10th, 11th or 12th grade girl interested in joining the CHS girls volleyball team this fall. 

NEW DATE- Golf- The golf team meeting originally scheduled for this Thursday is now being held on Wednesday, June 15th at 2:45 in the CHS Distance Learning Lab. If you have any questions or cannot attend the meeting contact coach Barucci- baruccim@cantonma.org

Boys Soccer Meeting- Friday, June 3rd from 11:30am-12:15pm in CHS's DLL. This is an early release day for the entire district.  This meeting is for anyone interested in joining the Boys Soccer program at CHS this fall. (August actually!) We will discuss schedules, tryouts, summer training opportunities, as well as begin building a contact list. New players welcome. Incoming 9th graders welcome!  Any questions or can't attend but interested? Contact Coach Danny Erickson- ericksond@cantonma.org

Fall Cheer Tryouts set for June 13, 14, & 15

Coach Stephanie Parker recently announced that tryouts for the Fall Cheer team will take place this June.

All interested candidates should report to the Rodman Building Gymnasium for tryouts on Monday, June 13th, Tuesday, June 14th and Wednesday, June 15th  from 3:00pm-4:30pm. 

Candidates should come ready to go- dressed in shorts, t-shirt and cheer shoes or white sneakers. 

Only candidates who have been REGISTERED by their parent/guardian through the CHS Athletics site by Thursday, June 9th, will be eligible to try out. Click Here for Registration information. 

Please contact Coach Parker at parkers@cantonma.org if you have any questions! We are looking forward to seeing many new faces!

Fall Sports Registration now open

Anyone interested in trying out for a fall athletic program MUST have a parent/guardian register you prior to doing so.

The easiest way to register is to visit the CHS Athletics website and complete the online registration available there. See link below.

To insure your spot for the first day of the season, PLEASE register before the end of this school year!

The following sports programs are offered at CHS in the fall:

Boys-

• Cross Country (Varsity)
• Football (Varsity, Froshmore)
• Golf (Varsity)
• Soccer (Varsity, JV)

Girls-

• Cheerleading (Varsity)- Tryouts for Cheer are taking place in June. Keep eye out for info!
• Cross Country (Varsity)
• Field Hockey (Varsity, JV)
• Soccer (Varsity, JV)
• Volleyball (Varsity, JV and Freshmen)

Coed-

Unified Basketball- Please note that this program is currently open for registration but it begins roughly a month after the other sports listed. It runs into the winter. 

User Fees- 
There are three ways to pay the User Fee for CHS Athletics:
1. Submit a check with the User Fee Form
2. Pay through the FamilyID registration process at the time you register. (You may not want to choose this option if you are not sure your child will be on the final rosters.)
3. Pay through the FamilyID site at a time after you register but prior to the deadline.

User Fee payment deadline for the fall is September 9, 2022. 

Football starts on Friday, August 19th. 

Cheer starts on a date to be determined, but it will be mid/late August.

Unified Basketball begins in late September. 

 
All other sports start on Monday, August 22nd.  

DEADLINE TO REGISTER to be eligible for the first day of tryouts/practices is as follows:

• Cheer- Thursday, June 9, 2022
• Football- Monday, August 15th at noon
• Unified Basketball- TBA but some point in September
• All other fall sports- Wednesday, August 17th at noon

But Register early and cross it off the list!

First Day Information for each sport will be updated at this blog as it becomes available.

Click here to Register today!

Thompson heading to SCSU Swimming

The CHS Athletic Department is thrilled to formally announce that Matthew Thompson- class of 2022- is heading to Southern Connecticut State University to continue his academic and swimming career this fall. 

Matt Thompson and his mom

Thompson has been a huge part of the CHS Swim team during his years here. A Hockomock League All-Star in in 2019 and 2020, he acted as a volunteer coach and leader with this year's team and he made a huge impact with swimmers of all levels. His crowing Bulldog career achievement was earning Hock Champion status in the 200 Freestyle- a premier event. 

CHS Swim coach Cheryl Cavanaugh had this to say about her former All-Star-

"Matt is such a hard worker.  He was dedicated to the team in so many ways. He was a great teammate and role model. Having him work with our swimmers this year was so important to our success.  As a swimmer- he is top level. He will do great at Southern Connecticut. We will miss him but we are so proud of him."

Thompson will be joining coach Tim Quill and hopes to help the Owls continue to grow as an NCAA program.  Besides being a big part of the Bulldog swim team, he has owes much of his success to his participation in Shamrock Swim Club. 

Matt explained his feeling upon his official announcement-

"I am so excited to have the opportunity to swim and study at Southern Connecticut State University! Thank you to my amazing coaches- Cheryl, Dennis, Chris, Sandy and Wyatt for everything you've done to help me be my best and to Coach Quill and Coach CHS for this opportunity."

Butler and Albert committed to NCAA Football programs

The Canton High School Athletic Department and Bulldog Football program are thrilled to officially announce that two of our members of the class of 2022 have committed to continuing their football and academic careers at the collegiate level in the fall. 

Colin Albert with his former coach Dave Bohane, current coach
Anthony Fallon and his parents and brother

Andrew Butler and Colin Albert have both been key members of the CHS Bulldog Football team during their time here at CHS. 

Colin Albert-

Colin is heading to Bridgewater State College in August to join the Bears.  He follows in the footsteps of his cousin Brendan who has been a star for the Bears over the past couple seasons. 

He will play for coach Joe Vierra, who has been with BSC for more than 30 seasons.  Colin, a Hockomock League All-Star Honorable Mention, was played a major role on both sides of the football as well as in the kicking game.  His impact was felt in so many ways in each and every game the past several seasons.

Bulldog Head Coach Anthony Fallon had this to say about Colin- "Colin is a hard-hitting linebacker who's leadership is outstanding."

Albert had this to say upon his official announcement-

"I am excited for the future and I want to thank my parents, my family, my coaches, my friends and my teammates for all of their support along the way."

Andy Butler with coach 
Bohane and Fallon

Andrew Butler-

Andy is heading across the country to attend Pomona College in California where he will be joining the Sagehen's football team. Coach Anthony Fallon praised his speed, toughness and football IQ. 

Andy has been a multi-sport star and leader for the Bulldogs acting as captain of the football and baseball teams.  He was honored this past winter as a Hockomock League All-Star Honorable Mention in Indoor Track as well. 

His greatest honor while representing the Bulldogs was his recent receipt of the Hockomock League Scholar Athlete award. 

Andy Butler with his Family

Andy had this to say upon the official announcement-

 "I am truly excited and thankful for the opportunity to continue my academic and athletic career at Pomona College. I want to thank my family, coaches, and teammates for supporting my efforts and I'm looking forward to attending Pomona for the next four years!"

Softball team sending two off to College ball

Sophia Santos

The CHS Athletic Department and the CHS Softball program are thrilled to announce that two members of the Bulldog graduating class of 2022 have committed to playing softball at the collegiate level. 

Sophia Santos and Gillian Gordon- two key members of the current Bulldog softball squad will be bringing their talents to two different Massachusetts colleges this fall.  Gordon is heading to Westfield State University and Santos to Lesley University. 

Sophia Santos

Santos is joining the Lynx of Lesley to play for coach Kelsey Smith who is coming off a successful 2022 season with her squad.  A league leader in many categories as early as 2019, Santos helped lead her team to the post-season in a spectacular 2021 season where she was exceptional in the circle. 

Sophia Santos with her family

CHS Softball coach Sandy Lombardi praised Santos on her joining the Lesley program- "Sophia has battled through injuries this season but that hasn't stopped her from finishing her senior year strong."

Sophia had this to say upon her official announcement- "I am so ecstatic for the continuation of my softball career.  I know I wouldn't have made it here without the help of all of my coaches. Thanks in particular to coach Rick Navarro and coach Craig Chin- I owe it to you both for helping me get here. I am so grateful for  my family for always supporting me along the way.  It is a pleasure and honor to join the Lesley Lynx."

Gillian Gordon

Gillian Gordon

Gordon is joining the Owls of Westfield State University to play for coach Skania Valencia.  Gillian is a four-year varsity athlete at CHS.  Also a pitcher, Gordon has faced the very best of Hockomock League batters during her time here. 

"Gillian is an all-around great teammate," proudly praised CHS coach Lombardi. "She is hardworking and committed to doing whatever she can to help the team be successful."

Gillian Gordon with her family

Gillian had this to say upon her official announcement- "I'm extremely excited to continue my softball career at the college level. I would like to thank my club coaches at Lady Sting, my coaches at Planet Fast Pitch, my trainers at Elite and my Canton High School coaches.

I would also like to thank my family, friends, teachers and teammates for helping me along the way. I couldn't have done it without you guys!"

Aldrich retires after amazing decade of CHS Girls Ice Hockey

Canton High School's Girls Ice Hockey program has been under the leadership of head coach Dennis Aldrich for the past ten seasons. After orchestrating yet another run to the MIAA State Finals, Aldrich has decided to retire from the role of head coach. 

Coach Dennis Aldrich always teaching 
on the bench

The team's overall record under Aldrich was 131-59-25...a .667 winning percentage.  The team won league titles in five of his ten seasons.  He retires from the CHS coaching ranks as perhaps the most successful post-season coach in the high school's history.  During his ten seasons at the helm, Aldrich led his team to the MIAA State Championship game four times- Four times in Ten seasons!   It is impossible to overstate just how amazing that run of post-season success really was.  Very often high school athletic programs in Massachusetts are considered "successful" when they merely qualify for the state tournament, but under Aldrich the Girls Ice Hockey team re-defined success- advancing to the Boston Garden for the Championship game in 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2022. Simply unreal. 

However, coach Aldrich understood that his role of Head Coach of the CHS Girls Ice Hockey program was much more about building team, good sportsmanship and competing every day.  The team has been honored several times for sportsmanship over the years by both the Hockomock League and the MIAA.  The team also showed great care for many causes while Aldrich led the way.  His teams were often the first to step forward to help those in need- a reflection of Aldrich. This included support of the Glenna Kohl Fund for Melanoma Research, the Furbush Family Fund and the Mayah White Leukemia Fund. 

Aldrich has personally been recognized for his outstanding job as the CHS Girls Ice Hockey coach over the years including- 

• 2017 Boston Globe Coach of the Year
• 2018 NIHOA Coach of the Year
• 2022 Massachusetts State Hockey Coaches Association Coach of the Year

Many who know Aldrich as a Girls Ice Hockey coach are unaware that prior to his time with that program, he also spent many years coaching our Bulldogs in other capacities including six seasons with the Boys Ice Hockey program and ten seasons working with the CHS Baseball program. 

Aldrich's teams always worked to help those in need and
always put sportsmanship first

The CHS Athletic Department thanks coach Aldrich for all of his work on behalf of our girls over the past decade.  His passion for the sport and for coaching, his hard work and his care for his student athletes and his program have been second to none. His imprint will be felt for years to come.  

Good luck with all future endeavors!

 

Thank you Spring Bulldog Families!

Just a short, sincere THANK YOU to all of our spring student athletes, parents and coaches who have been amazingly resilient, flexible and understanding during what has proven to be a very challenging spring season for the athletic department. 

As is the case throughout the state, a bus driver and game officials shortage has wreaked a bit of havoc on our spring sports contest schedule and our normal procedures.  In my 30+ years working in the CHS athletic department, I have never encountered the challenges we are currently encountering.  In several cases, our officials assigners have been unable to provide umpires for some sub-varsity games. Although we have been able to limit the impact of the bus driver shortage by shifting game times and dates, the shortage has certainly hit us hard. Given the fact that we own some of our own buses and contract our own drivers, this shortage has been particularly tough to navigate here in Canton.  We are constantly trying to limit changes to schedules (which can certainly be a huge challenge for student athletes, parents and coaches) while keeping student safety our top concern.  

Up until this point of the season there have only been eight trips to away venues where we were unable to secure transportation for our student athletes. That is eight out of roughly sixty trips. We will continue to try to limit the impact this has on our student athletes as we finish up our seasons in the next month. 

We are so lucky to live in a community where everyone pitches in during challenging times!

Thank you to all! Go dogs!

Three Girls Soccer standouts moving on to college soccer

(l-r) Allie McCabe, Gabby 
Heriveaux & Elyse Broderick

The CHS Athletic Department is happy to announce that three members of the CHS class of 2022, who are members of the highly successful Girls Soccer program, will be heading off in the fall to join collegiate soccer programs.  

Elyse Broderick, Gabby Heriveaux, and Allie McCabe have all made huge impacts in many different sports at CHS over the past four years, but all three have committed to bringing their talents with them to the soccer fields as they head to continue their education at three great institutions.

These three talented student athletes helped to lead the Girls Soccer team to a League title in 2020 and an MIAA tournament berth in 2021. Their impact to our program has been positive and powerful during their years here. They will certainly be missed. 

Elyse Broderick- 

CHS Coach Idris 
Senyonjo with Elise

Elyse is heading to Cleveland State University to play for coach Dallas Boyer.  The Vikings compete in the Horizon League which is an NCAA D1 conference. The Women's Soccer team finished 2021 conference play with a 5-5-1 record qualifying for Conference Tournament play before falling in the tournament quarterfinals. 

Elyse has been a huge part of the Bulldog's recent successful seasons as the starting goalkeeper.  Her presence in the box while minding the Bulldog goal has been confident and commanding.  A great shot-saver, her voice is always present during any Bulldog game.

CHS Coach Idris Senyonjo praised his goalkeepers- "I have not seen many players who find strength in every challenge that is put in from of them as much as Elyse does. Injured through her first year of me taking over the program but was at every practice and game to cheer on the team and her determination to represent the Bulldogs in her final year, was evident when she came back stronger and she played a key role in the team's success this past season."

Elyse with her family 

She was awarded Hockomock League Honorable mention and served as a team captain this past fall. She plays here club soccer for Seacoast United. 

Elyse had this to say about her moving onto CSU- "I am incredibly excited and blessed for this opportunity and to be able to continue my athletic career at the D1 level at Cleveland State University. Thanksyou to my family, friends, teammates, coaches, and to the CHS athletic department for helping me get to this point. I am incredibly grateful for everyone's support."

Gabby Heriveaux-

Gabby with Coach 
Senyonjo

Gabby is heading to Clark University in Worcester where she will play for the Cougars and coach Brienne Smith.  The Cougars are welcoming Gabby after a successful 2021 campaign that saw the squad post an 11-7 record. Gabby will be joining a program that is currently playing at a very high level.  The Cougars play in the NEWMAC- which is a NCAA D3 conference. 

If you caught any of the Bulldog's games this past fall, it would have been hard to miss the impact that Gabby had on the field. As a classic striker, her role was to help create and finish scoring opportunities- and that she did.  Her ability to cause disorganization in the opponent's defensive 1/3rd was clear to see on game day, as was her ability to finish.  

Gabby plays her club soccer for Scorpions Soccer Club. 

Gabby with her family

CHS Coach Idris Senyonjo had this so say- "Gabby is a strong willed player who has proudly represented the Bulldogs for four years.  It has been a pleasure to see her grow over the past couple of years.  I know she is going to move on and be successful at Clark University.  Thanks for all the important team goals over the years."

Upon her formal announcement, Gabby was filled with gratitude- "I want to thank my family, coaches and teachers for all of your help through this process.  I wouldn't be here without you!"

Allie McCabe-

Allie with coach
Senyonjo

Allie is heading to upstate New York to play soccer at Ithaca College.  She will be joining the Bombers, who are coached by Mindy Quigg, on the heals of a very successful season that saw them post a 14-5 mark including advancing to the Liberty League Championship game and an NCAA appearance. 

Allie is part of a dying breed of high school athletes.  She finishes up her Bulldog athletic career as one of the few members of the class of 2022 who earned a varsity letter in 3 sports in their senior year.  But Allie didn't only letter in these sports, she excelled. She also earned the role of captain of each of those sports. Here are just a few of her accomplishments-

Soccer- Hockomock League All-Star- 2020, Hockomock League All-Star Honorable Mention- 2018 & 2021, EMASS All-Star

Allie with her family

Ice Hockey- Hockomock League MVP, State Champion, Patriot Ledger All-Scholastic

Lacrosse- Hockomock League All-Star

CHS Coach Idris Senyonjo had this to say about Allie heading off to Ithaca- "Allie is a natural born leader who leads by example. She was always the first one to hold herself accountable when things didn't go well and the first to pick up her teammates in moments when they needed a hand or encouragement.  It has been my pleasure (coaching Allie) and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for her. Best of luck to her in her next chapter!

Allie had this to say after the official announcement- "I am so excited to play soccer and continue my education at Ithaca College. Thanks to my family, friends, coaches and teammates who have helped and supported this journey!"

Campbell and Butler honored as Hock Scholar Athletes

Andrew Butler and Corinne Campbell-
2022 Hockomock Scholar-Athletes

Thursday night saw the Hockomock League hold one of its most cherished, special events of the year when it hosted the Hockmomock League Scholar Athlete banquet. This was the first time that this event has been held in person since 2019.  

Each year for more than 30 years, the Hockomock comes together in May to honor two student athletes from each of the 12 Hock schools.  Two graduating student athletes from each school are selected for excelling in both the classroom and on the playing field. It is really the award that best exemplifies and honors those who embrace the mission of educational athletics. 

Canton's two award winners this year were Corinne Campbell and Andrew Butler.  Both Butler and Campbell have earned amazingly high GPA's during their four years at CHS, while also contributing greatly to the many teams they have been a part of.  

Corinne Campbell has been a huge contributor to the CHS Cross Country, Swimming and Track & Field teams.  She will be headed to upstate New York in the fall to continue her academic career at Colgate University. 

Andrew Butler certainly left his mark on the CHS football, Indoor Track and Baseball teams.  If you caught any contests in any of those sports, you would have noticed Butler. He is heading across the country to continue his academic and football career at Pomona Collage. 

The CHS Athletic Department proudly wishes both of these soon-to-be graduates, the best of luck in the next chapters of their lives. 

Campbell and Butler with their parents and CHS principal Jeff Sperling and AD Danny Erickson

Cerruti heading to UMass Dartmouth

The CHS Athletic Department is thrilled to announce that Kiara Cerruti- '22 will be heading to UMass Dartmouth this fall where she will be part of THREE collegiate sport programs- Cross Country, Basketball and Track & Field.

This extraordinary accomplishment of moving on to participate in three collegiate sports comes on the heals of a an amazing high school career here at CHS.  Cerruti has been a huge contributor in those three sports here over her time here. (She was even a key member of the Tennis team early in her career before moving over to Track & Field.)  Her accomplishments can't easily fit in a blog entry but we will do our best:

Basketball- Captain, All-Time leading scorer, Boston Herald All-Scholastic, Hockomock League MVP, Four-time Hockomock All-Star, Two-time Hockomocksports.com all underclassmen team, Top-5 scorer in the league EACH of her four seasons, Three-time Patriot Ledger All-Scholastic, and much more!

Kiara with Coach 
Choquette & Coach 
Amico

Cross Country- Captain, Two-time Hockomock League All-Star, CHS XC MVP, CHS Rookie of the Year

Track- Captain, Hockomock League All-Star, CHS Rookie of the Year

She also plays a big role for her AAU Basketball club the Mass Huskies. 

Corsair coaches Matthew Ducharme and Michael Salem are getting quite the team member joining their programs in 2022-23!

Kiara had this to say about heading off to UMass Dartmouth-

"I am so excited to play Basketball and run Cross Country and Track next year at UMass Dartmouth. I can't wait to become a Corsair. I would like to thank all of the coaches, teammates and everyone else who supported me, especially my family."

Good luck to Kiara! Bulldog Nation is behind her!

Click Below for blog entries about Kiara's accomplishments here!

1000 Point Club            All-Time Leading Scorer

Kiara and her brothers and parents

Canton Hall of Fame inducts six in long-awaited ceremony

The Canton High Athletic Department would like to congratulate and thank the Town of Canton Athletic Hall of Fame committee on Sunday's amazing induction ceremony.  This committee, which was on hiatus for more than a dozen years before having to delay an induction ceremony several times due to the pandemic, was finally able to host this amazing ceremony which honored six individuals/teams.  

The dynamic trio of Jerry Govatsos, Dorsey Wheeler and Paula Sanderson resurrected the HOF years after the loss of Maura Sullivan- who was the brainchild behind the Canton HOF.  Maura was also on the top of the list of those inducted this spring.  The committee honored her for Lifetime Achievement including the founding of the Canton HOF.  Most importantly Maura was a champion for so many of our student athletes over the years.  Sunday's event had Maura's touches all over it. It was wonderful. 

Too many people behind the scenes to recognize everyone who made the day possible but big shoutout to those who worked on the amazing video tributes- Meghan Wheeler, Tanya Willow, Alaina Sullivan and Jerry Govatsos. They were awesome. 

The photos below include inductees or members of inductee families who were not able to attend or have passed away.  (photos by Brett McCloud) 

Canton High School Track & Field 4x100 Relay Team-
Gold Medalists at Belmont Relays

Canton High School 1967 Boys Ice Hockey Team - South Shore League Champions

Canton High School 2004 Field Hockey Team- State Champions

Canton High School 2006 Field Hockey Team- State Champions

Maura Sullivan's Family- Representing Maura who was inducted for Lifetime Achievement

Hall of Fame Committee Members Paula Sanderson, Jerry Govatsos and
Dorsey Wheeler with inductee Steve Rooney- Stanley Cup Winner and former Bulldog