Although Chance Canty's #1 sport in high school was basketball, he left his mark on track and field as well. Photo by Alan Versaw.
Sanford's Chance Canty certainly was amazed when notified that he had won the 2016 CHSCA Freddie Steinmark Award.
"This is amazing. I had no idea that I would win it and I just don't seem to have the words right now to express my appreciation."
Canty is the 47th winner of the Steinmark Award since it was established in 1971 and he is certainly deserving. There were two winners in 1976 and 1979.
"The award certainly adds to our family values as we have had cancer hit our home," said Canty. "This award does not define who we are going to be. To be number 47 is just amazing. I feel more blessed than I can imagine. I'm also just great full to be a part of the Sanford community and for their support."
The Steinmark Award honors Freddie Steinmark, who excelled in football, basketball and baseball while attending Wheat Ridge High School in the 1960s. He was also an outstanding student and was active in several school and community-oriented endeavors before attending the University of Texas, where he helped the Longhorns to the national football title in 1969. He died from cancer in 1971 at the age of 22.
"The Steinmark Award means so much more than just a recognition in honor of a superior athlete," wrote Canty in his nomination letter. "It is an extreme honor to be nominated for the Steinmark. I have worked hard to get to where I and today. I will also continue to strive to be the best I can be in everything I do. I will continue to strive to be the best I can be in everything I do.
Canty graduated from Sanford High School as the Valedictorian. And, he certainly was as successful in his sport participation. His honors are too much to be presented in this article, but here is a summary.
He was named first-team All-Conference all four years in basketball, All-state all four years while helping lead his team to three state championships.He was the Southern Peak Player of the Year twice and helped lead Sanford to 73 consecutive wins, and an overall record of 103-5 in his prep career. During that period on the courts, he averaged 21.4 points a game and 11.8 rebounds.
He was all-conference in Cross County, twice, and helped lead his team to two, top five team finishes both years in state.
And, it certainly didn't end there as he also excelled on the track. Canty was a state qualifier three years, earning all-league honors in the high jump, 110-hurdles and 300 hurdles and as a member of the 1,600-meter relay team.
Citizenship is also an important part of the Steinmark Award winners in school and in their communities. Again, his honors and participation are extreme.
His honors are highly appreciated by his teachers and coaches at Sanford. And, those honors were high expressed by Canty's English/Composition and Journalism teacher, Krista Bond, and coaches Rhett Larsen and Corey Crowther.
"Throughout his high school career he has received a plethora of academic and extracurricular awards for his stellar grades and participation," wrote Bond. "He has taken rigorous academic courses throughout his high school career and is currently enrolled in three college-level and/or Advanced Placement courses. He is extremely concerned about his work and getting it in on time and doing it to the best of his ability."
"In this day and age it is very difficult for young people to look to their future and stay focused," said Larsen. "Chance has a maturity about him that allows him to see into the future and realize the acts he does now will have a large impact on that future."
"Chance is a leader, whether on the court or off the court and other players and students looked to him for his leadership," added Crowther. "He leads by example and nobody will work harder or care more about those around him."
Canty is currently undecided on a college. He is going to serve a two-year LDS Mission beginning this month in Birmingham, AL.
"I have seen the impact one can have on others, and I always want to impact other positively," said Canty.
The trophies will be presented to the Steinmark winners, June 10, 2016 at Adams State University in Alamosa. Canty will be joined by Yuma's Tara Traphagan, who will receive the Steinmark for the girls.
Freddie Steinmark had the ability to motivate his peers on and off the field, always giving more of himself than was necessary. And, he played the game of life harder than anything else.
As noted, the trophies, are for both boys and girls, and they must be seniors who participated in two varsity sports. And, the overall criteria for receiving the award is high. The recipient must be of high moral character, a school and community leader, be willing to give more of himself to others, and, of course be that top athlete.
Dave Logan of Wheat Ridge High School, and now the extremely well known sports announcer for the Denver Broncos and other sports endeavors, was the first winner of the award in 1972. The initial presentation was made May 22, 1972.
James Willis of Denver Lutheran won the boys Steinmark last year and Jordan Baer of Akron was the winner for the girls.
Following is the list of the other boys who were nominated for the Steinmark: Adam Buchmann, Faith Christian; Owen Burke, D'Evelyn; Colton Cline, Elizabeth; Nate Fedel, Ouray; Gabriel Hegarty, Faith Christian; Chris Helbig, Holy Family; Brandon Hinkle, Yuma; Alec Hornecker, Golden; Parker Joens, Platte Valley; Benjamin Lachelt, Durango; Seamus Millett, Durango; David Moenning, Durango; Landon Schmidt, Windsor; Benjamin Waters, Valor Christian; Keegan Wentz, Buena Vista; Ben West, Poudre.