By Larry Moko
The Cathedral High School track and field program is starting off on the right foot this season.
Thanks to a recent $10,000 charitable donation from Steeltown Athletics Club (STAC), the Gaels have access to proper athletic equipment like spikes and running shoes.
"Incredible," Cathedral coach Dante Luciani said of the new footwear. "It's a generous donation from STAC. They're so kind to support our team."
Luciani made the comments at Mohawk Sports Park Thursday when Cathedral was in action at the annual Mark Graham Memorial meet.
Soon, Luciani expects, there will be 100 Cathedral students taking part in the sport.
"We don't have enough to give every kid a pair of spikes," the coach explained, "so we have like a communal box for spikes that students can share and pass along.
"We also have running shoes from STAC. We will be giving them to athletes who are in need of a pair."
And according to Gaels team captain Franchez Bendje, there is “truly” a need at the Wentworth Street school, where the track consists only of a straightaway portion. “So the donation is a big help.”
Rayshaun Lewis, who finished fourth in the prestigious Mark Graham Open 400-metre race, says the team is grateful for the community's backing.
"Cathedral has great school spirit," Lewis said.
The boys at Cathedral finished first in the points standing at the Golden Horseshoe Athletic Conference
championships last season. Said Lewis: "We're coming together more as a team this year. We're looking out for each other."
Lewis hopes to qualify for next month's OFSAA championships in the 400m. Last year, he was part of Cathedral's 4x400m South Regional relay team.
Bendje's goal is to hit more personal records in the 200m, 400m and relays and qualify for OFSAA for the first time.
"I've been to South Regionals for the 4x1 but never as a single," she said. "I'm very fortunate to be part of this team. I've been here since Grade 9. I feel we've made a lot of improvements and adjustments. We've truly grown in every way, especially with the help of Mr. Luciani."
According to Coach Luciani, four of his athletes will likely be competing at the university level next season.
"We're really excited that we still have them here for a few months," he said.
That senior crop is led by Natnael Mulugeta.
"Natnael is a strong distance runner who will be heading to Laurentian University in the fall on a scholarship to run cross-country and track for them."
Mulugeta won the open boys' 2000m steeplechase at last year's GHAC championships. He also finished third at the most recent GHAC senior cross-country finals.
First-place track finishes by Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic athletes at this year's Mark Graham meet were by: Tori D'Angela, St. Thomas More, jg 100m, 12.62; Samuel Dairo, St. Jean de Brebeuf, nb 100m, 12.23; Danielle Charters, More, ng 100m, 13.00; Zachary Ridgeway, More, para b 100, 14.98; More's ng 4x100m relay, 53.23; Bishop Tonnos' jg 4x100m relay, 52.96.
And according to Gaels team captain Franchez Bendje, there is “truly” a need at the Wentworth Street school, where the track consists only of a straightaway portion. “So the donation is a big help.”
Photos by Richard Andoga
More photos on the HWCDSB Athletics Facebook page here
