MMA Cadets Powell and Canonico Compete in Back-to-Back State Track and Field Championships

With hard work, discipline and great leadership, two Missouri Military Academy cadet athletes — Cadets Bryson Powell and Gabe Canonico — competed at the Class 1 State Track and Field Championships for the second year in a row. The state competition rounded out successful season for Colonels Track & Field. 

Cadet Gabriel Canonico competing in hurdles. 

Cadet Powell and Canonico qualified for state at the class 2 sectional 2 meet in South Shelby in Shelbina, Missouri. Cadet Powell advanced in the 1600-meter run and Cadet Canonico in the 300-meter hurdles. 

Cadet Powell being honored by MMA President Richard V. Geraci. 

At state, Cadet Powell just missed the top eight for all-state honors, placing ninth in the 1600. He began the race in third and fourth places and gradually finished ninth with a time of 4:34.74. Last year, he placed 10^th in the same race. In addition to track, Cadet Powell placed in the top ten in last year’s cross-country state championships and is a two-time cross-country state champion. He has also participated in wrestling. 

Cadet Powell's track and field senior picture. 

Cadet Canonico just missed the state podium by placing 13^th in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 43.77. Timing is quick and vital in hurdling events, and after tripping on one of the final hurdles, he fell behind. Yet, the four runners before him beat him by less than a second. Cadet Canonico also missed the podium last year in the 110-meter hurdles. Outside of track, Cadet Canonico led the MMA football team as quarterback and participated in wrestling. 

Cadet Canonico's track and field senior picture. 

Both senior cadets had long, successful athletic careers at MMA, and they graduated from the Academy on Saturday, May 20, 2023. Cadet Canonico plans to attend Northwest Missouri State University, and Cadet Powell plans to attend Western Washington State University.