Male Spotlight Athlete of the Week Joshua Canavan

Jake Oswalt, The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.
·2 min read

Nov. 8—Name: Joshua Canavan

School: Portage Area

Age: 17

Grade: 12

Sports: Cross country, wrestling and track and field

Parents: John and Amy Canavan, of Portage

Athletic achievements: In cross country, two-time District 6 medalist and state qualifier and Central-Western All-Area Team member; in track and field, 800-meter WestPAC champ and 2021 all-WestPAC selection.

Coach's quote: "Spotlight athlete, Central Western All-Area Team and two-time PIAA qualifier are all a testament to the incredible work ethic Josh has within. He has committed to accumulating countless miles year-round and making himself a physical specimen in the weight room. Josh is a natural leader who has a drive uncommon to high school athletes. We are Portage proud of Josh and are excited to watch his continued success as a Mustang and in the future on the collegiate level." — Portage cross country coach Lance Hudak

Favorite subject: Anatomy and physiology

Favorite movie: "The Blind Side"

Favorite book: "It Takes What It Takes" by Trevor Moawad

Favorite food: Steak

Favorite teacher (and what they teach): Mr. Miller, science, because he teaches me life lessons to use outside the classroom as well.

Favorite song: "Home" by Phillip Phillips

Outside interests: Skiing, lifting and lifeguarding

If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?: I would be a cheetah because I want to be faster and look cool while running.

Favorite athletic team: Penn State football

Athlete most admired: Kobe Bryant

Most influential people on my athletic career: My mom and dad

Most impressive athlete that you have competed against: Penns Valley graduate and Penn State cross country and track and field runner Brendan Colwell

Proudest athletic achievement: Qualifying for the 2020 PIAA cross country meet my junior year

How I got my start: Running a local 5K for fun and doing well in it and my coaches urging me to run cross country.

Go to college for nursing or occupational therapy while also running cross country and track as well.

Jake Oswalt