[Sport] Williamstown runner Zach Cannon inks with Marshall

[Happy boy]

Link: https://www.mariettatimes.com/sports/2023/05/williamstown-runner-zach-cannon-inks-with-marshall/

WILLIAMSTOWN — Once Zach Cannon learned the finer points to running, he was hooked.

The senior from Williamstown High School joined teammate and future roommate Chase Trembly for a signing ceremony Friday afternoon inside the gymnasium lobby. Cannon will be a preferred walk-on for the Marshall University cross country and track programs.

“The cross country and track program at Williamstown has meant so much to me — it has changed my life,” said Cannon, who was a top 10 placewinner at the Class A state cross country meet the past three seasons and competes at next week’s state track meet in Charleston in four events (800, 1600, 3200 and 4×800). “I played other sports growing up, but I always did better at running. Until my 10th or 11th grade year, I didn’t understand a lot about the sport. But once I did, I liked it a lot. I love doing it everyday. I’ve taken maybe four days off the entire year.”

Up until his official visit to Marshall last week, Cannon was looking to compete for a program at the Division II level. Last summer, Cannon and Trembly attended a running camp hosted by the Thunder Herd coaching staff, so there was a familiarity present.

“My camp counselor in my cabin was the head coach, so that helped a lot,” Cannon said. “The camp was something like four days and four nights and we were with them all the time.”

With a limited number of scholarships already spoken for, Cannon opted favor a preferred walk-on status in hopes that down the road he might earn a scholarship.

“Division I or Division II, I didn’t really look at that too much — I just wanted to run in college,” Cannon said.

Although Cannon felt he didn’t have his ‘A’ game for Thursday’s regional meet at St. Marys High School, he seeks to return to form in time for the state meet.

“My biggest struggle is competing at championship races — this year I am ready to prove something,” said Cannon, who plans to enter the business field and major in sustainability management and technology. “I have never got a medal at track, I would love to win the 4×800 and win something with the boys.”

Regardless of the outcome, no one can take away his memories of contributing to Williamstown’s back-to-back state cross country titles during his junior and senior year.

“Winning state twice in a row was probably the most fun I’ve had,” Cannon said. “The first state title was easily the top moment in my life. I have never been on a winning team until that one, no matter what sport. I will definitely never forget that year.”

Contact Kerry Patrick at [email protected]