CDS Track & Field Team Wraps Up an Outstanding Season

The CISAA Championships were held at York University on May 12th and 13th, where all 27 athletes demonstrated determination and achieved personal bests. Their collective effort led to an impressive medal haul: six first-place, four second-place, and three third-place finishes. CDS proudly secured 9th place overall out of 32 independent schools.

 

At the Metro Championships, 14 CDS athletes proudly represented our school with determination and competitive spirit. Their hard work was evident in every event, highlighting the strength and depth of our team both on the track and in the field. To qualify for the OFSAA Championships, athletes needed a top-four finish. Narrowly missing the mark with strong 5th place performances were the Junior Girls Relay team (Min Zhao, Kaitlyn Wakeam, Sloane Cowan and Mackenzie Stewart), Juliet Chieduch in the 800m, and Mackenzie Stewart in the 80m hurdles. These near misses have only strengthened the resolve of our nine non-qualifiers, who are more motivated than ever to reach OFSAA next year.

 

Adding to the excitement of the season, three new school records were set. Grade 9 student Serina Keshwani showed a keen interest in discus throwing. Due to safety Serina’s chances to practice were limited, but she still managed to break the school record at the CISAA Championships. Although she was not running her favourite event, Juliet delivered an incredible final kick in the 1500m, earning her a new school record. Another standout moment came when Eamon Sheppard broke the 400m record previously held by his older brother, Cole ‘24, setting a new family benchmark and continuing a legacy of excellence at CDS. A historic milestone was also achieved when Andy became the first athlete in school history to compete in the pole vault, marking a significant step forward in the development of our field event program.

 

Sloane made her debut at the OFSAA championships in the junior girls’ 80m hurdles. Like many hurdlers before her, she unfortunately clipped a hurdle and fell. While this meant she did not achieve a personal best, as her coach, I am incredibly proud that she got back up and finished the race. That determination speaks volumes about her character in the face of adversity. Sloane finished 23rd in the province; an impressive accomplishment.

 

Having already made history as the first CDS athlete to compete in the pole vault, Andy Hamilton entered the competition with clear goals in mind. Although he narrowly missed clearing 3.00 meters, he achieved a new personal best of 2.80 meters. This impressive performance earned him 14th place in the province—an outstanding accomplishment. As he was leaving, Andy shared that he plans to train throughout the summer, already setting his sights on goals for the next track season. Awesome!

 

This was Mackenzie’s second appearance at the OFSAA Championships. Although she was disappointed not to qualify in the 80m hurdles, she was eager to chase a new personal best in the 300m hurdles. Mackenzie delivered on that goal, setting a new PB in this demanding event. Next year, she will move up to the 400m hurdles, a challenge she is excited to embrace. Overall, Mackenzie finished 17th in the province.

 

Competing against the best in the province, these three athletes have set the tone for continued success in the years ahead.

 

With the majority of our team made up of athletes in Grade 11 and below, this season was just the beginning. Our athletes have gained invaluable experience, and their potential is undeniable. The coaches are incredibly proud of the team’s growth and are already looking forward to building on this momentum next year.

Congratulations to all of our athletes on a fantastic season, and thank you to the parents for your support!