WOLFVILLE, N.S. — The final sporting event on the Dr. J.H. Gillis Regional High School calendar was highlighted by a strong performance by the intermediate girls’ team, which took home the victory banner from the Nova Scotia Schools Athletic Federation (NSSAF) track and field provincials.
Led by Siona Chisholm’s golds in the 1,500 metre (m), while setting a new record time of 4:34 (the previous mark was Maggie Smith’s 4:38), the 800 m and 3,000 m, the team recorded 109 points which edged Horton High School of Wolfville by two points.
Other Royals picking up medals at the provincials were; Malia Artibello with a gold in the 400 m and silver in the 800 m, Mairin Canning with silvers in the 1,500 m and 3,000 m, and senior Lauren Lowther silver in the 3,000 m.
The intermediate girls also won the 4 x 4 relay with Chisholm, Canning, Artibello, Emma Cameron and alternate Sara Stewart members of that squad.
“The track and field season started in early March with a daily training from St. F.X. This group of athletes trained through a variety of weather conditions and injuries in preparation for the districts, regionals and, ultimately, provincials at Acadia,” coach Tommy Chisholm said.
“The goal of the group was to improve at each meet and, ultimately, peak for provincials. This certainly worked. We benefited tremendously from our mentor coach Eric Gillis, sprints/throws coach Jody Langley and Tara Artibello.
“They certainly fed off the leadership of senior Lauren Lowther and Grade 10s Siona Chisholm, Mairin Canning and Malia Artibello, who pushed each other throughout the season in preparation for the championships. Their results at provincials are a powerful reminder that hard work and dedication does pay off.”
