Cantello retiring after 55-year run at Navy

After a 55-year run at the Naval Academy, including the last 50 as coach of the men's cross country team, Al Cantello announced that he will retire Aug. 30. During his time working with Midshipmen, Cantello collected 49 N-Star victories over Army as the coach of cross country and track & field programs. “Since arriving at Annapolis in the summer of 1963, I have seen many swan songs. Some end well and some don't. Mine will end well. Retiring under my own power, happy about my successor and satisfied with my career," Cantello said. "The Naval Academy's men's cross country program is storied and deep thanks to the sacrifices of generations of midshipmen I was honored to coach." Navy finished in the top-three on 21 occasions, including every year from 1978 through 1986 under Cantello's leadership. Cantello was an assistant track coach with the Mids from 1968 through 1980 before taking over as head coach from 1981 to 1988. Beginning with the 1989 season, he moved back to an assistant coaching role. As the head coach of the Mids' track and field team, Cantello collected 12 N-Star victories over Army. Cantello has been recognized as the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Cross Country Coach of the Year four times (1984, 1985, 1992, 2016), NCAA Mid-Atlantic Track & Field Assistant Coach of the Year in 2010 and Patriot League Coach of the Year eight times (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016). quick lead in her second career start in the $40,000 maiden special weight for 2-year- old fillies. ... When it comes to multiple stakes winner Whirlin Curlin, trainer Kieron Magee is hoping new surroundings will rekindle old form in today’s $75,000 Star de Naskra Stakes at Laurel Park. The Star de Naskra for 3-year-olds and the $75,000 Miss Disco for 3-year-old fillies, both contested at 6 furlongs over the main track, are among four stakes for Maryland-bred/sired horses worth $300,000 in purses that help comprise the 12-race Maryland Pride Day program. First race post time is 1:10 p.m.