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Wallingford co-winner of the Jessup Award for Male Athlete of the Year

Wallingford excelled at the local, regional and provincial level on both running surfaces
20200413 Keon Wallingford
Photo submitted.

Widdifield Secondary School alumnus Keon Wallingford, a specialist in both track and cross country, has been named co-recipient of the Britt Jessup Memorial Trophy for outstanding achievement by a local male athlete.

Wallingford excelled at the local, regional and provincial level on both running surfaces. He also found success in cross country skiing, soccer, and basketball.

During his four years at Widdifield, Wallingford appeared in four OFSAA cross country events, three OFSAA track events (steeplechase), one OFSAA cross country skiing event, three NOSSA soccer competitions (including one championship), and two NOSSA basketball events.

During his high school cross country career, Wallingford captured both NDA and NOSSA Championships at the senior level. At OFSAA he posted a personal best time of 20:52, finishing in 24th place.

Having never cross country skied before Wallingford decided to give it a try. He placed 14th at NOSSA and 114th at OFSAA in a very competitive field.

During the track and field season, Wallingford won both senior NDA and NOSSA titles in the 2000m steeplechase, with the NOSSA win being a personal best of 6:10. An ankle injury sustained during training prevented him from competing at OFSAA. Wallingford also won the 3000m at both NDA and NOSSA. Wallingford did attempt OFSAA in this event, despite the sore ankle, and finished in 19th place with a personal best time of 9:12.

A very focused athlete, Wallingford currently runs for Laurentian University.

The Board of Directors of the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame are advising the 40th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2020 has been cancelled.

The four individuals scheduled to be inducted will be inducted at next year’s dinner. The 2019 Hall of Fame Award Winners will be recognized and presented their awards at a later date this year. Any questions regarding ticket refunds should be directed to Chair Bill Jacko at 705-492-3961.