Brandon Canaday '24 Recruiting Profile

I began running both track and cross country in my 6^th grade year. I quickly fell in love with running as a sport because of the team dynamics and the individualism that allows many opportunities to compete. I like that the sport brings out the best in you, pushes you to your limits, and challenges you move past those limits. For me, it requires more mental and physical toughness than I found playing baseball and basketball.

At the college level, I am looking for a running program that has a lot of support from the school, good team chemistry, and values academics. I am open to exploring all the right college opportunities.

As a runner, I have experienced many successes, along with a couple of setbacks. For track, I have competed in the 400m, 4x400m, 800, 4x800m, 1600m, and the 3200m, earning the county championship in the 400m in middle school and regional success in high school in the 400m, 4x400m, 800m, 4x800m, 1600m, and 3200m. I competed in the WV State Track & Field Championship in the 4x800m, 1600m, and 3200m my freshman year and in the 4x400m, 4x800m, and 1600m my sophomore year. For cross country, I earned the county championship MVP twice in middle school and progressed to win regionals my freshman year. I have competed in the WV State XC Championship for three years in high school, although my sophomore season ended in an injury that prevented me from completing the state race. I had the privilege of being the XC team captain for my junior season giving me the opportunity to lead a team to the 1^st place finish at regionals and on to the state championship race.

Academically, I have a 4.3 weighted GPA, including Honors/AP courses in all key subject areas and received a “Top of the Nest” academic honor my sophomore year. I strongly believe academics are key to my future success.

Outside of school and running, I enjoy hunting and fishing, fantasy football/basketball, swimming, and basketball pickup games. In the off-seasons, I focus on cross-functional strength and base endurance. I also work as a lifeguard with first aid/AED certification during the summer months.

I have learned a great deal about the highs and lows of competitive running, the value of a strong team, and the meaning of perseverance.