Former Canton HS athletes: Where are they now?

Jake Shapiro, MIT

It is an indisputable fact that Canton High School has a rich tradition of athletic achievement and success. For some, however, Canton’s legacy of sporting excellence inspires them to thrive beyond the courts and playing fields of CHS. A number of former Canton High athletes are making their presence felt in the world of intercollegiate athletics. Here is a list of Bulldog alums making their hometown proud at colleges all over the northeast.

Jake Shapiro, a CHS grad turned MIT gymnast, recently submitted a banner performance at the club gymnastics nationals. Although he qualified to compete in the NCAAs by competing against varsity teams in varsity meets, his club status prevented him from entering into the event. Shapiro had his hands full, as the level of competition at club nationals has intensified in recent years.

Only 15 schools in the country still field varsity teams, leaving many schools and gymnasts to go the route of club meets. The event was stocked with over 200 entrants from 58 schools, including such luminaries as Ohio State, Michigan, Texas Tech, and Penn State. Despite the imposing presence of various NCAA powerhouses, Shapiro was able to turn in a virtuoso performance of his own, as he captured first place in the ring competition, second place in the pommel horse, and third place all-around. The remarkable finish was the culmination of Shapiro’s illustrious 15-year career in gymnastics.

Kristen Blake, Northeastern

Another former Bulldog who capped off a brilliant collegiate career was Northeastern women’s soccer player Kristen Blake. Blake, a senior midfielder, was named team captain and preseason all-CAA honorable mention prior to the 2010 campaign. Blake was more than able to live up to the lofty expectations. She started all 18 games for the Huskies, scoring goals in wins over Delaware and UNC Wilmington and registering two assists (one of them a game winner) in a win over UNH.

All told, Blake played in 76 games on Huntington Ave, registering 16 points on five goals and six assists. To top off her storied career, she received Scholar all-region honors from the National Soccer Coaches of America Association. She was one of six midfielders named to the All-East region second team.

Chris Sullo, Mass Maritime

While Blake excelled on the pitch, Massachusetts Maritime junior Chris Sullo wrote another chapter in an impressive career as a high jumper for the Buccaneers. With a jump of 1.93 meters, Sullo captured his second consecutive MASCAC championship and also became the first New England Alliance champion in school history. The New England Alliance combines competitors from the MASCAC as well as the Little East Conference, making the former Bulldog standout’s feat all the more impressive.

Another standout performer was Saint Anselm’s junior lacrosse player Alex Vinciguerra, a 2008 graduate of CHS. Vinciguerra started his career for the Hawks as a walk-on, but earned a spot this season on the starting attack line. He justified head coach Steve Gaudreau’s confidence, finishing sixth in goals scored and third in assists for the team. Recently, he enjoyed one of his best games of his career, scoring two goals and one assist in a loss to Assumption College on April 16.

Alex Vinciguerra, St. Anselm

Vinciguerra was the 2011 recipient of the Charles J. Quinn Student Athlete Sportsmanship Award as well, a testament to his character away from the field of play. He will look to build upon his high scoring totals as he enters his senior year.

Speaking of high scorers, Westfield State field hockey star Jessi Gould recently put the finishing touches on a dominant junior campaign. Gould started all 17 games for the Owls and was far and away the leading scorer for the team. She scored 18 goals and six assists for a total of 42 points, 27 more than her closest teammate. She also led the team in shots and game-winning goals with three.

Gould has etched her name into the Westfield record books, as she already holds the record for most goals in a single game with five (against Elms College in her freshman year.) She is also third all-time in career points, as well as tallying the third most points in a single season. Gould will continue her assault on the record books in her final season next fall.

Raymond Bass, a linebacker at Stonehill College, had a solid sophomore season, appearing in five games for the 5-5 Skyhawks, recording seven tackles. A letterman in spring track, winter track, lacrosse, and football for Canton, Bass now focuses on his gridiron duties.

Stay tuned next time for more updates on the exploits of Canton’s best and brightest.

Did we miss your collegiate accomplishments? Send us an email at submissions@thecantoncitizen.com.

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