Top-performing Chief track-and-field stars honored at banquet

July 1, 2010, 10:45 p.m.

  Several Canton boys track-and-field athletes were recognized for their achievements at the team's annual banquet last month at McClumpha Park in Plymouth Township.

  The Chiefs set several school records this season, including the 3,200-meter relay foursome of Keith Zech, Max Schmiel, Paul Rakovitis and Zack Spreitzer, who blazed around the track in 7:59.9.

  The 1,600 relay squad of Ben Spreitzer, Jordan Wisniewski, Zech and Kevin Buford also lowered the school mark with a time of 3:21.7, which was good enough for 10th place at the Division 1 state meet.

  Individual school records were achieved by Buford, who lowered the 400 mark to 48.6, while Zech set the new Canton standard in the 800 with a time of 1:55.8.

  The following awards were presented at the banquet:

  * SENIORS OF THE YEAR - Zack Spreitzer and Keith Zech;
  * JUNIORS OF THE YEAR - Nick Alaniva and Ben Spreitzer;
  * SOPHOMORES OF THE YEAR - Kevin Buford and Shean Krolicki; and
  * FRESHMEN OF THE YEAR - Scott Piwowar and Tyler Socha.

  The Coaches Awards were presented to Cal Coplai, August Garrett, Paul Rakovitis and Jordan Wisniewski while the Most Improved plaque was presented to Mike Edge, Sapan Patel and Winston Roberts.

  Alaniva, Buford and Zech all shared the MVP award.

  The final piece of business handled at the banquet was the naming of captains for the 2011 team. The honorees were: Alaniva, Austin Golles, Alex Marsh, Patel, Ben Spreitzer and Keegan Sullivan.