SHHS Alum Canary Repeat Winner of McCoy Award as West Virginia's Top Male Track Athlete for 2018
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on January 18, 2019 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
For the second straight year, South Harrison graduate Freddy Canary was named the winner of the Ray McCoy Award as the male track 
athlete of the year in West Virginia. The voting was done by members of the West Virginia Sports Writers Association.
athlete of the year in West Virginia. The voting was done by members of the West Virginia Sports Writers Association.
Canary took first place in the 100, 200 and 400 meters in the Class A state track and field championships in Charleston in 2018. He also was runner up in the long jump as he ended his high school career with 11 state titles – 10 of which were individual wins.
In the 100 meter dash, Canary posted a time of 10.99 seconds. His 200 time was 22 seconds, while he finished the 400 meter event in 49.01 seconds. In the long jump, his mark of 21 feet, 7.75 inches earned him second place.
The showing on the track came after an equally impressive year in football for the Hawks. The effort led him to being on the campus of West Virginia State, but he’s since transferred to Alderson Broaddus University for track.
Canary was challenged for the award by Aaron Withrow of Winfield: Withrow won the Class AA 800 meter run, as well as the 1600 and 3200 meter runs and added the title as Class AA state cross country champion as well.
Wheeling Park’s Ronnie Saunders won the Class AAA cross country gold with only one loss all season, while competing with rare blood disorder. Saunders also placed second in state Class AAA 3200 meter run.
Luke Nichols of Nitro was also in the running. Nichols won the ‘AAA’ high jump by clearing 6 feet, 8 inches. The Louisville recruit cleared 6 feet, 10 inches during the regular season.
Canary will be honored at the 73rd annual Victory Awards Dinner May 5. The event will take place at Charleston’s Embassy Suites.
