CHS Athletics Update- 8-31-2020

For starters- a quick personal note-  I'd like to acknowledge just how challenging it must be to be a Bulldog student athlete during these uncertain times.  I share in your confusion and yearning for a "normal" start to our athletic year.  This time of year my house is typically filled with a buzz of school, sports and friends- all embarking on a new start. I miss that so much but I can only imagine how extra precious these moments are for our student athletes who are caught in the middle of the impacts of this pandemic.  Although much of the news below is good for many of our student athletes, there are many who are being asked to postpone a season or compete in a game that is very different than they are used to. We are keeping all of our student athletes in mind as we attempt to create the best possible experiences for them all while respecting the seriousness of Covid-19.  We will continue to let this guide all of our decisions as we proceed into this athletic year.  Go Bulldogs!

As the 2020-21 school year is set to begin soon, it seems like each day brings with it more news for our student athletes. Below is an update and some important reminders as we head into September.  All of these updates are based on DESE and MIAA mandates and will ultimately need final, local district approval.

1. HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE PRESS RELEASE- This document provides clarity around several issues of importance to CHS student athletes and families including some clarity around a fall sports start date, what traditional fall sports will begin in September vs. which ones will be postponed to a "Fall 2" season, a determination of "out of season coaching" for the months of September and October, as well as a statement regarding spectators at upcoming fall events.  Please CLICK HERE for this important press release for information on all of these items. 

2. On Friday, August 28th, the MIAA released the approved  SPORTS RULES MODIFICATIONS for the traditional fall sports.  Many of these rules modifications are significant and our student athletes will need to bring a growth mindset to practices and contests this fall as these new rules are implemented.  Please CLICK HERE to find the rules modifications. 

3. PHYSICAL EXAMS- The MIAA recently shared an update from the Mass Dept of Health with a clarification on student athlete eligibility in regards to an updated physical exam.  The DPH has decided NOT to waive any part of the existing physical exam rule for eligibility of a student athlete.  This means that in order to participate in CHS Athletics, each student athlete must provide the CHS Athletic Office with an updated physical exam.  The student athlete is eligible to participate in CHS athletics for 13 months from the date of the exam and becomes ineligible to participate on the following day.  FURTHERMORE- DPH has declared that VIRTUAL well visits are NOT acceptable for participation in high school athletics. This means that zoom/tele-medical exams will NOT be accepted. Only in-person well-visits (physical exams) will be acceptable.  As a parent who has a child who had a virtual physical with his pediatrician this spring, I realize that this is very challenging news for many families. 

4. REGISTRATION for the CHS Fall Athletics season is EXPECTED to open up on Tuesday, September 8th and run thru Friday, September 11th. This is subject to change and we will update as needed. PLEASE make sure you are prepared to meet the PHYSICAL EXAM requirements listed in #3 above. We realize this is a short window for registration but this is what the current timeline calls for. 

5. CAPTAINS PRACTICES- It has come to our attention that some of our student athletes may be participating in "Captains' Practices."  It is important to clarify that the MIAA does not allow such practices to take place.  Every high school in the state must walk this tightrope between NOT endorsing Captains' Practices and encouraging kids to get together to train and socialize in the off-season.  We are well aware that some of our students have been getting together this summer to train and prepare for upcoming seasons.  Given the social stresses brought on by the pandemic, we are happy to know that our kids are there for each other. However, it is very important that if kids are getting together to play a sport, they are doing so by choice AND that they are following state and local expectations around Covid-19 protocols. They should be socially distancing and when that is not possible, they should be wearing protective face coverings. With the new modifications released this week, it makes sense for them to begin getting used to playing with a face covering as well. 

We are very proud of our student athletes who have navigated these challenging times with the best of intentions. With a  high school season on the horizon, we ask that all of our student athletes double their efforts to ensure that they are following all safety protocols when/if they get together. 

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

ericksond@cantonma.org

781-821-5050x6

Hockomock League Releases Statement on 2020-21 Athletics

Hello Bulldogs.  Strange times for sure as our fall programs would have been beginning their journeys this week if Covid-19 hadn't changed all of that.  Although that is certainly disappointing, much is happening at the State, MIAA, Hockomock League and local level in an effort to get our 2020-21 high school athletics seasons up and running. 

Please see the press release put out by the Hockomock League Athletic Directors with important updates.  It can be found at the link below. The CHS Athletic Department will provide additional updates over the next week or so. Thanks so much for everyone's patience. 

Go 'Dogs!

HOCKOMOCK LEAGUE PRESS RELEASE- 8/20/2020

Coach Hughes to begin off-season Strength and Conditioning Classes

The CHS Athletics Department is happy to announce that coach Adam Hughes will be providing free Strength and Conditioning classes to any 2020-21 CHS student interested in working out at CHS.

The classes will begin on Tuesday, August 4th and will run every Tuesday and Thursday from that point until school begins.  We will then be adjusting the program as is appropriate to the conditions of the time. The program will be held outside on the CHS campus- mainly at the turf field but the program may move to the lower fields from time to time.  Each training session is 30 minutes.

We have been working diligently to get the program up and running.  We are committed to providing a safe program that follows all state and local guidelines with regards to Covid-19 precautions.

Click Here to view our Covid-19 protocols for this program.

Here are some important requirements of the training sessions:

1. All CHS student athletes looking to participate in the program must have a parent/guardian register them on FamilyID. Click Here for the registration link. 
2. Once registered on FamilyID, the student athlete must sign-up for a specific training block that will be made available through a new link, to all registered student athletes.  Students may attend up to one session per day and can pick and choose what sessions to attend. 
3. Student athletes must bring their own water- in a labeled water bottle. 
4. Student athletes must wear masks to the training.  They will have the mask off during their workout- which will be socially distanced. 
5. Student athletes are asked NOT to arrive at the session more than 10 minutes early and are asked to leave the training area no more than 10 minutes after the session ends. 
6. Student athletes must complete the online Covid-19 screening form each morning before attending the training session. 
7. For more information from the CPS's on Covid-19- click here. 

It is so exciting for us in Bulldogs Athletics to finally be able to offer a program to our student athletes. 

Please don't hesitate to contact the athletic office with any questions- ericksond@cantonma.org. 

CHS Athletic Trainer ties the knot!

We don't typically post entries on this blog about the personal lives of our Bulldog staff members, so let's file this one under informing our readers of a name change!

Saturday night our amazing Athletic Trainer- Kristen Sasonoff- married Michael Agiuar in a beautiful outdoor ceremony and celebration. Although the pandemic threw many curve balls at Kristen on her way to the alter, all Bulldogs know that she can deal with just about anything that comes her way. This was no exception! It was an unforgettable night!

With Bulldog athletics on hold since March, it's been a while since we were able to share good news with Bulldog Nation. So we are so happy to announce this amazing news.

Congratulations to Kristen and Mike!  Please note that our Athletic Trainer's married name is now Kristen Aguiar. 

Mid-Summer Update on CHS Athletics Fall Season

Greetings from the CHS Athletics Department.  This blog entry is designed to be a mid-summer check-in with the CHS Athletics community regarding the 2020 Fall athletic season.  With some decisions beginning to be made, it is important that student athletes, parents/guardians and the larger CHS Athletics community understand where the upcoming season currently stands in regards to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Below are FAQ regarding the fall and my best attempt to answer them:

1. Have any decisions been made yet regarding the fall athletic season?  On Tuesday, July 21, the MIAA Board of Directors voted to delay the start of the season until September 14. This is the only significant decision to date. This decision means that the first date for practices/tryouts for CHS fall athletics will now be on or after September 14th.  The August 21st/24th date is no longer in play.  No other decisions have been made in regards to the fall season. 

2. How will the delayed start date impact existing practice and contest schedules? It is safe to say that existing practice/contest schedules will no longer be followed and new schedules will be worked on and released soon.

3. Who will make the decisions regarding a fall high school season? There are many groups at the state level working on this decision.  The MIAA has a Covid-19 Task Force that meets regularly to explore how athletics may exist in the three potential models (All-In, Hybrid, and Remote). The Task Force is reviewing safety protocols, considering medical expertise, identifying issues and considerations, and problem solving concerns. The group, which features athletic directors, administration and representatives for all of the fall sports, will make recommendations to the MIAA Board of Directors regarding guidelines, restrictions, etc. for a fall sports season. Simultaneously, the Baker administration is working with the Department of Education, Department of Public Health and other state agencies to provide direction and guidance -- and potentially directives -- around fall high school sports.  The fall sports season is expected to be included in the Commissioner of Education's Comprehensive Guidance for Fall Reopening. Ultimately, CHS will follow all guidelines set by the State/MIAA and will work with Canton's Board of Health in instituting all state guidelines.

4. When will decisions around the fall sports season be made? Although there is not a set date, we are anticipating an announcement in late July or early August. 

5. Where does all of this leave us as of today -- Thursday, July 23? Athletic Directors around the state continue to advocate every day for a safe and healthy return to athletics.  I am hopeful and very much look forward to the prospects of a fall season.  With that in mind, we have formed a CHS Athletics Reopening Working Group to tackle the many challenges that lie ahead in reopening our athletic program.  This group includes parents, administrators, coaches, staff and student athletes.

6. When will fall sports registration (online through FamilyID) be open?  We are holding off on any online registration for the fall sports season until the MIAA establishes what the fall season will look like. As soon as that decision is made, we will open up registration.

7. How will the CHS Athletic Department understand where the CHS Athletics community is on the issue of fall sports?  We will be issuing a survey to parents/guardians next week, seeking your feedback.

8 Is the CHS Athletic Department providing any training opportunities for our student athletes this summer?  YES! Keep an eye out for news of our Strength and Conditioning program restarting on-site workouts. Details on this program should be out by week's end.

9. What other thoughts do we have at this time?  We ask that you all continue the important task of social distancing and wearing masks when that is not possible. Our best chance at enjoying a fall athletic season comes from our community working together to continue to stay ahead of Covid-19. 

10. What if I have further questions or thoughts?  Always feel free to reach out to CHS Athletics with questions/thoughts. The best method for this is email: ericksond@cantonma.org.

Be well and Go Bulldogs!

Senyonjo named Head Girls Varsity Soccer Coach

CHS Head Girls Varsity Soccer Coach Idris Senyonjo

The Canton High School Athletic Department is thrilled to announce the hiring of Idris Senyonjo as our Head Girls Varsity Soccer Coach.  Senyonjo rose to the top of a strong pool of candidates for the position after several rounds of interviews both with a group of parents, student athletes, and coaches, as well as CHS Administrators.  Senyonjo brings a wealth of soccer coaching experience with him to Canton- ranging from high school, college and club coaching for the past decade.

Senyonjo's most recent coaching roles include Head Mens Coach at Quincy College as well as American Football Club Bolts of Quincy's Head Girls Coach- U13-U19, where he also serves as the club's Director of Operations.  These varied coaching roles have provided him the opportunity to become part of the fabric of youth and collegiate soccer in eastern Massachusetts.

Born and raised in Uganda, soccer has always been a major part of Senyonjo's life. He explained-  "Growing up in Uganda, Africa where soccer is the most dominant sport, meant I was destined to play the game.  To this day, I still remember the very first time my parents bought me a Pele replica Brazil jersey that I wore everyday until it no longer fit me."

He went on to explain his philosophy on coaching through one of his favorite quotes- "The game belongs to the players and it's the responsibility of the coach to provide the players with the right tools that enable them to play the game the right way and enjoy every minute of it."  He added this personal thought- "I'm very passionate about the game and if you don't believe me,  just ask my 1-year old son who had his first training session the he started walking!"

Senyonjo on the sidelines at Quincy College

Senyonjo has some big shoes to fill and inherits a team that is used to success. Former coach Kate Howarth, who announced she was moving on this past May, led the team to 7 straight tournament appearances and the program as a whole has only suffered one losing season since 2008- a remarkable run of success.

Senyonjo summed up his move to CHS with this- "I am very excited to be a part of such an amazing program and cannot wait to represent the Bulldogs.  I know every player has different goals and aspirations for the sport, and it's my job to make sure all of my players have an amazing experience while working together to achieve team success."

Canton High School is lucky to have Coach Senyonjo joining our team.  His soccer knowledge, his experiences and his positive and energetic nature make him a great fit for this talented group of student athletes.  Good luck to our new coach and the CHS Girls Soccer program!

Coach Caffelle moves on after a decade at the helm of Bulldog Wrestling

The Canton Athletic Department announces the departure of Coach Brian Caffelle- our long-time Head Varsity Wrestling Coach.  Caffelle has decided to join the Braintree High School Wrestling Coaching staff. Braintree is the school where Caffelle teaches and is the community where he lives.  

Coach Brian Caffelle in action this
past fall supporting his wrestler from
his corner

Caffelle took over the reigns of Bulldog Wrestling from program founder Tom Bartosek in 2010- making Caffelle only the 2nd head coach in the program's storied history.  Caffelle was a Bulldog Wrestler himself before graduating in 2003 and moving on to study and wrestle at Norwich University in Vermont. Upon graduating from Norwich, he came back to CHS to volunteer with the Wrestling program until taking the top spot in 2010. 

The Bulldog Wrestling program has experienced many success both on and off the mat under Caffelle including two top four finishes in the Sectional Tournament (2014 and 2018) as well as placing third in D3 States in 2014 with only five wrestlers qualifying but all of them finishing in the top 8- a truly amazing accomplishment. 

Caffelle has had many proud moments over the past decade but pointed out a time this past winter as his proudest.  In a dual meet with Sharon, the 'dogs found themselves with a deficit too big to recover from with just two bouts to go.  But it was at that point that the team's heart really kicked in.  Despite having already lost the match, Caffelle's Bulldogs didn't give up, winning the final two matches and celebrating them as if the team were still alive.  Caffelle said, "It really showed me that we had incredible team chemistry and we were there to support each other regardless of the final score."

A message from the AD-
Brian Caffelle has been a huge part of our CHS Coaching family here over the past decade.  He is one of our longest serving coaches.  He really was a true program leader. He advocated for his wrestlers in every way- both in public and behind the scenes.  He is the type of high school coach that any parent would want their child to have.   Integrity is the first word that comes to my mind when I think of Brian.  He has truly been an amazing role model.  We have been very lucky to have him here and we wish him the best of luck as he takes the next steps in his coaching journey. 

Coach Caffelle had this to say as a farewell- 
"When I started coaching at Canton as a volunteer, I was simply looking for a way to stay involved in the sport that gave me everything in my life. I didn't think being a coach would have this much of a positive impact on me as it did here. Over the years I developed bonds with young men and women that I wouldn't trade for the world. Like any coach I've had a lot of ups and downs during my time at CHS, but it was an experience that I will take with me for the rest of my life. I want to thank Canton High School and Bulldog Athletics for giving me the opportunity to take over this program in 2010.  It means so much to me to have been given this opportunity.  I also want to thank the amazing Canton Wrestling community for all of their support over years as being the best parents a coach could ask for. Finally to our incredibly hard working wrestlers, both past and present, for having the courage to give the sport of wrestling a chance and allowing me to be in your corner over the years. It was an honor and privilege to be a part of your wrestling journey and I will always be grateful for that."

Caffelle (top left) with his 2018-19 team