- Lobana wins midget triple jump -
by Sylene Argent
Ten Essex District High School track and field athletes advanced to compete in the recent OFSAA competition, which took place at York University in Toronto.
That’s half of the school team, which is likely the largest showing the local high school has had in this sport in at least the past twenty years.
Coaches Mr. Hahn and Mr. Qawwas said this year’s track and field success was due to a group of great athletes, who remained dedicated, even with the rainy, cold weather experienced this spring.
“Everyone made finals in at least one event [at OFSSAA],” Coach Hanh said, proudly.
One grade nine athlete, Milan Lobana, earned first place in the Midget Triple Jump, securing him as the top athlete in the province in that division.
“It was really fun,” Lobana said of attending the OFSAA meet. During the first few days of the tournament, he competed in other events, but didn’t do as well as he had hoped. “I didn’t so as well in the 400 meter and long jump as I thought I could [placing seventh in both events], but I focused on the triple jump.”
His focused payed off as not only did he win the Triple Jump, but set a personal record, jumping 13.38 meters.
Lobana placed 5th with teammates Cale Timuik, Mac Trojek, and Gage Halfpenny in the 4x100m relay.
Timuik, another grade nine student, also competed in long jump, 100m hurdles, and the 100m race. He said the OFSAA experience was nerve-wrecking, but it will definitely be an experience he will remember. He said the coaching support helped him to do his best throughout the tournament.
Placing fourth in the 100m hurdle finals and ninth in the 100m race, Timuik was happy with his results. He was grateful to his mom and coaches for convincing him to get on the track and field team this year. He almost didn’t get involved, but was glad he did and plans to continue on with the team.
He said he fell over the finish line in the 400m hurdle race, which was disappointing. “But, I didn’t let it get to me.” He later ran hard in the relay to achieve a personal best.
Other highlights of the OFSAA tournament included: Taylor Campeau competing in the 800m and 1500m races and the girls’ 4x400 open relay, and Kennedy Campeau competing in the 400m and girls’ 4x400m relay. Makayla McKibbon, Kim Orton, and Katie Sinn also competed in the girls’ relay, which placed eighth overall. Spencer Campeau competed in the 400m race and long jump.
Taylor, also a grade nine student, said she was excited and nervous to compete at OFSAA. She said it was fun to compete in the busy tournament. She obtained a fourth and a personal best in the Midget Girls’ 1500m and 14th in the Girls’ 800m.
What was even more special was that of the ten EDHS athletes who competed at OFSAA, three of the athletes were siblings. This was the Campeau siblings one chance to make it to OFSAA together as their eldest sister, Kennedy, is gearing up to graduate high school.
The students thanked the coaches for dedicating themselves to practices and pushing them to do their best.