Many changes in store for 16-17 CHS athletics year

CHS Athletics is embarking on a new fall season with many changes in store for the upcoming year, including realignment in the Hockomock League, a new field hockey coach, the addition of a freshman volleyball team, and renovations to the CHS gym, turf field and track.

Last year, the theme of the athletic year was “overcoming adversity.” This year CHS Athletic Director Danny Erickson would like to focus on the mental side of competitive athletics, and to that end, he has invited Dr. Greg Doyle, a sports psychologist at Duke University, to speak to all CHS coaches, student-athletes, and their parents. Doyle, who spoke at CHS four years ago, will address the coaches on September 12 and will speak to parents and students on September 13 at 7 p.m. at CHS.

With renovations to the CHS tennis courts now complete, the School Committee and town meeting voters have approved capital funds to resurface both the CHS turf field and track, but not until the football season is concluded in November, and for the track, not until CHS graduation is completed in the spring. Both facilities are 11 years old. It is hoped that the new turf field will be ready for the spring, but that is dependent on the November/December weather.

Once volleyball season is completed, the CHS gym floor will be resurfaced with the school’s new logo — in time for the CHS basketball season.

Erickson is very pleased to announce that the CHS hockey teams will call the Canton Ice House their home this season. The teams have their own lockers and will play all home games at the new facility, which is located off Will Drive at 55 North Street.

The future of the Metropolis Skating Rink on Route 138, heavily damaged following the roof collapse in the winter of 2015, remains in limbo as the town, state, and insurance adjusters have yet to announce a concrete plan for the aging facility. Town officials have long stated their preference to build a new rink rather than make repairs to the existing structure.

Regarding league changes, due to enrollment fluctuations, Oliver Ames and North Attleboro will be switching divisions, with OA moving to the Kelley-Rex (large school) division and NA joining Canton and four other schools in the Davenport (small school) division. Some sports may see Oliver Ames on the schedule as one of their few large school opponents.

Erickson said the positive aspect of the realignment is that it helps to promote competitive fairness by ensuring that “like-size schools play each other more often.”

Erickson is also pleased to announce that Chrissy O’Connor, a former successful CHS field hockey coach and alumna, will be returning as head coach this fall. Erickson said O’Connor coached in the 1990s and early 2000s and is “very well respected in high school field hockey circles.”

Another new addition this season is the CHS freshman girls’ volleyball team. “Pat Cawley has done a tremendous job with the varsity team and that has led to tremendous interest,” said Erickson.

The varsity-JV volleyball teams have room for 30-33 players, and interest in the younger grades has spurred the formation of the freshman team.

Other than the new field hockey coach, all of the remaining fall varsity coaches are returning this season. In early June, Erickson posted several assistant coach openings, including an assistant football coach, freshman volleyball coach, and JV girls and boys soccer coaches.

For the winter sports season, Erickson is looking for a varsity gymnastics head coach and an assistant wrestling coach.

CHS Fall Practice Information

Football: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors report on Aug. 19: Equipment issues, 3 p.m. in the weight room; team meeting, 4 p.m. in Coach Bohane’s room; first practice, 5:45 p.m. on the CHS turf (helmets only). Freshman practice to be announced.

Golf: Mandatory meeting Aug. 24 at 2 p.m. at GMS. Times and locations for Aug. 25 to be announced.

Girls Volleyball: Tryouts in the CHS gym Aug. 25 from 5-9 p.m., Aug. 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Aug. 28 from 5-9 p.m. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to start time.

Boys & Girls Cross Country: Aug. 25 at 8 a.m. at CHS field house.

Cheerleading: Aug. 22 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Parents meeting to follow at 6 p.m. in Rodman gym.

Field hockey: Tryouts Aug. 25 from 8-10 a.m. at CHS Gibson Field and 12:15 to 2:15 p.m. on the CHS turf; Aug. 26 from 8-10 a.m. at Gibson and 12:45 to 2:45 p.m. on CHS turf. Shinguards, mouthguards, goggles, and field hockey sticks required for all practices.

Girls Soccer: Aug. 25 at 8 a.m. at JFK for fitness test and technical skill session. Second session at 5:30 p.m. on the CHS turf.

Boys Soccer: Aug. 25 at 8 a.m. at turf/track for fitness test, including 2-mile run. No cleats needed for this session. First field session 4-6 p.m. at CHS Gibson Field (goalkeepers start at 3 p.m.).

Registration deadline for fall sports is Monday, Aug. 22, at 11 a.m. Required: copy of a physical; athletes and parents must view one of two concussion videos (see CHS Athletics website). $195 user fee due by Sept. 12. Payments may be made online with a credit card or check.

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Posted by Mike Berger on Aug 19 2016. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.