Kansas Junior Nick Canton Readies Himself For Big 12 Championships
Feb. 17, 2011
Lawrence, Kan. –
If you ever get the opportunity to meet Jayhawk junior high jumper Nick Canton, you will come to realize that all he thinks about is track. Aside from sleeping and schoolwork, everything he does during the day is to try and become one of the best track and field athletes to compete on Mount Oread.
You will also find out that all the time and energy he puts into the sport has paid off. Canton was the two-time Kansas Class 1A state champion in the high jump at Fowler High in Fowler, Kan., which is located about 300 miles from Lawrence in the southwest corner of the Sunflower state.
In the three home indoor meets in which he has competed in this season, Canton has claimed first place in the high jump. He set a personal record of 2.10m (6-10.75 ft.) at the Kansas vs. Missouri dual in January.
With all Jayhawk student-athletes, Nick Canton included, a new calendar year and semester brings new classes and tons of homework. When his education isn’t taking up his time, track is, but unlike most other student-athletes, Canton doesn’t take too much time to relax.
“I don’t do a whole lot outside of school and track, I really enjoy doing extra workouts,” said Canton.
The Kansas track and field coaches are also training Canton to compete as a multi-event athlete. The multi-event, which consists of the 100 meter, 400 meters, 1500 meters, 100 meter hurdles, shot put, discus, javelin, pole vault, long jump and high jump are a test of endurance and ability.
“Nick is a perfect candidate to compete as a multi-event athlete,” said KU assistant coach Tom Hays, who was recently named 2011 Track and Field Pole Vault Coach of the Year. “He is a natural hurdler and high jumper, and he has great strengths in all the other events. He is a very quick learner. As a coach, that helps me out a lot. I only have high hopes for him.”
This upcoming week, Canton will be competing in his third consecutive Big 12 Championship meet, and after recording a ninth-place finish the two previous times, he is looking for an improved performance in Lincoln, Neb.
“I would love to be able to place at (the Big 12 conference meet) next week,” said Canton. “I would like to improve on what I have done the previous two times.” “I really want to eventually get over the seven foot barrier (in the high jump).”
The 2011 Big 12 Indoor Track & Field Championships will take place Feb. 25-26 at the Devaney Center in Lincoln, Neb.
If Canton continues to focus all of his time and energy on track and field, his goals for the track season should be met with success.
