Canyon High 2017 Year in Review 2018
As one of the oldest schools in the Foothill League, Canyon High School is in an interesting position. It has to uphold a sense of tradition, but also forge ahead into the future.
“You look at what was done in the past but you’ve got to continue to go out each and every day to work to create new goals, new opportunities,” said Canyon boys soccer coach Robert Benavidez, “but at the same time, remember what got us there. The hard work, paying attention to the details.”
Benavidez’s team is certainly an example of that statement. The Cowboys got their first win since the 2015-16 season as well as a trip to the postseason for the first time in six seasons in their most recent season.
The girls soccer team followed a similar pattern of improvement this year, achieving the program’s furthest playoff run by reaching the quarterfinals of the CIF-Southern Section Division 2 tournament.
Football, too, had a wild ride into the playoffs. The Cowboys received an at-large bid to the CIF-SS Division 6 playoffs – their first time in the postseason since 2014.
Canyon proceeded to beat San Gorgonio in the first round, but was stopped by Mira Costa in the second. Nevertheless, it signaled a turn for the positive.
“I think that having many of our teams move into the playoffs or simply having program success, it showcases that the programs are back on the upswing,” said football coach Rich Gutierrez via text message.
“Honestly, I believe all schools and programs go through cyclical growth periods, but they are never embraced.
“Ultimately, it is always a process, however, to see growth and success, all the while with home grown Canyon families is amazing.”
Although they didn’t earn a playoff bid, Canyon baseball saw vast improvements as well, ending the season with an overall winning record for the first time since 2013.
Boys cross country flourished, finishing third in league and going all the way to the CIF state tournament.
Canyon’s perennial teams found their usual success as well. The boys track team captured their ninth straight Foothill League title and sent Ethan Danforth (3,200 meter race) and Christian Valles (pole vault) to the state tournament. Gabby Sanchez of the girls track and field team excelled in discus once again, winning the event in Division 2 at the CIF-SS finals.
After sharing the league title with Valencia last season, the girls basketball team snatched the crown for themselves – and went undefeated in the process. The Cowboys moved through the postseason until they were halted by Alemany in the CIF-SS Division 1 quarterfinals.
With a combination of repeated success and indications of future success, Canyon is in a good place heading into future years.
“How do you uphold the tradition? You simply stay focused on what Canyon High School is known for,” Gutierrez said. “Effort, attitude and toughness. Also, old school grit.
“I love it and wouldn’t have it any other way. Canyon Families know that grit and it’s what we live by. All we can do is continue to put our best foot forward, compete daily and stay committed to the process.”