CHS Athletics honors star-studded Class of 2023

Another boys hockey state championship highlighted a memorable 2023 for CHS Athletics. (Mike Tureski photo)

The Canton High School Athletics Department celebrated the many accomplishments of the Class of 2023 at its annual senior banquet on the eve of graduation day.

“Thanks to the best coaching staff in the state for taking another night away from your families to come honor our Bulldogs,” noted Athletic Director Danny Erickson on his CHS Athletics Blog. “It was a night full of celebration.”

Erickson reported that 129 of this year’s 202 graduating seniors — 65 percent of the class — were awarded varsity letters this year.

He also gave a “big shout-out” to Sierra Abbott, who completed her senior externship with the CHS Athletic Department and spearheaded the varsity letter project. “She was amazing at this!” said Erickson.

The following are some of the notable Bulldog highlights from the 2022-23 school year, led by the amazing Class of 2023:

Three-sport varsity letter winners: Johanna Bouwmeester, Jess Brathwaite, Jack Digirolamo, Carolyn Durand, Matt Hart, Emily Kelley, Tema Mazonson, Emily McCabe, Shannon McGrann, Josh Richard, and Joanna Vigevani

Hock Sportsmanship Award: Girls Basketball and Gymnastics (spring awards TBD)

Hockomock Davenport Titles: Girls Swimming, Boys Hockey, and Girls Hockey (outright Hock champs)

MIAA State Tournament qualifiers: Girls Soccer, Boys Soccer, Field Hockey, Volleyball, Boys Hockey, Girls Hockey, Boys Basketball, Baseball, Boys Tennis, Girls Lacrosse, Boys Lacrosse, and Unified Track and Field

Deep MIAA Tournament Runs:

State Finalists: Girls Hockey

State Champions: Boys Hockey

The Athletics Department also bid farewell to two key members of its staff who both made major contributions during their tenure with the Bulldogs.

* Joel Chamberlain, CHS girls varsity tennis coach, who is stepping down after eight memorable years to spend more time with his young, growing family. A former Bulldog tennis player himself and now a CHS social studies teacher, Chamberlain, according to Erickson, brought “great care, fun, and a team-first mentality with him to the program.”

* Eric MacKinnon, CHS boys varsity basketball coach, who has accepted the head coaching job at his alma mater, Oliver Ames, after two successful seasons at the helm.

The following CHS seniors were also honored for exceptional achievement at this year’s banquet:

Sierra Abbott and Matt Lesser received the Hockomock Scholar Athlete Award, given to given to one male and one female graduating athlete from each of the league’s 12 schools who exemplify excellence in both athletics and academics.

Keith Hannon and Audrey Koen received the Scott Herr Strength & Conditioning Award, given to two seniors who demonstrated exceptional work in the strength and conditioning program.

Liana Lamparelli received the Voice of the Bulldog Award, in recognition of her amazing renditions of the National Anthem at countless CHS sporting events.

Leo Owens earned the Sammy Swardlick Spirit Cup, named in honor of the Canton hall of famer and 1936 CHS graduate in recognition of pride in CHS Athletics.

Matt Chafin received the Paul Callahan Award, given to a senior who exhibited excellence in at least one of the sports played by Mr. Callahan, CHS Class of 1959. Chafin excelled in both basketball and baseball.

Ellie Bohane and Jack Lauro were honored with the John Horack Award, given annually to two seniors who embodied the teamwork, grit, hard work and dedication shown by former CHS teacher/coach/counselor John Horack.

Emily McCabe and Carolyn Durand were presented with the Bulldog Award, which is given to the two seniors who had the greatest impact on their teams’ successes during their four years at CHS.

Julius Hicks received the Xavier Machuga “X” Award, given annually to a senior who shows resilience, perseverance and bravery as exemplified by Machuga (CHS ’19) during his recovery from a brain aneurysm.

Matt Hart and Shannon McGrann were honored with the Captain’s Award, given to two seniors who were exceptional leaders both on and off the playing field.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Jun 23 2023. Filed under High School, Sports. Both comments and pings are currently closed.