BARRY’S BAY – Jonathan Stoppa has returned the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association (OFSAA) track and field championships held in Toronto from June 4 to 6.
There, Stoppa competed in two running races, including the 1,500 and the 3,000-metre distances.
Stoppa is the only son to Bev and Edward of Barry’s Bay.
He got into running into elementary school, when he entered track and field and participated in the annual Partridge Run in Wilno.
He soon realized he had a gift, winning multiple medals in various races.
When he entered high school and began competing in and taking home medals from races with the Eastern Ontario Secondary Schools Athletic Association (EOSSAA), outside coaches took notice.
Rick Schroeder, who helps Petawawa students train for cross-country, invited Stoppa to join his cross-country running club. That meant that Stoppa had to make his way up to Petawawa once per week (during the school year) and three times a week (during the summer months) to train with the best in Renfrew County.
Stoppa has noticed a difference in his performance since training with the club.
Get your June 17, 2015 edition of The Valley Gazette to read the full story.