Stanat takes implements to Windsor

   

   Two OFSAA gold medals highlight Arthur Stanat's high school throws career

   as the Parkside C.I. grad now moves on to Windsor University

 

  September 14, 2021

 

 

By Rob J. Ross 

ST. THOMAS - Arthur (A.J) Stanat never missed standing on the podium at OFSAA.

Stanat was the OFSAA discus champion at both the midget and junior men's level and took home the bronze medal both years in shot put.

Four events at OFSAA and four times Stanat left the high school provincial championship with hardware.

Stanat won the midget men's discus title (47.81 metres) and took home bronze in shot put (14.99 metres) in 2019.

A year later as a junior, Stanat stood a top the podium for discus (52.65m) and captured bronze in shot put (16.50m).

Unfortunately the pandemic wiped out Stanat's senior years, but it would not be a stretch to believe the thrower would have been on the podium again.

Stanat who graduated from Parkside Collegiate Institute this past June, now heads to the University of Windsor to continue his athletic career and to further his education studying Human Kinetics.

"(Windsor) did offer me a full portion of an athletic scholarship. That definitely played a huge role," said Stanat. "Secondly, their facilities are amazing. The throwing circles are nice. I have competed there multiple times, so I have an idea at least for the outdoor portion. For the indoor portion I've seen pictures. Coaching is good too."

Another attraction to Lancer Nation is the approximately to the border.

"I will have the opportunity to compete in the United States. Being able to compete against different athletes from different areas is a very cool concept," Stanat added.

Similar to all athletes across the province, Stanat was eager to return to competition this summer, following the unexpected down time due to the pandemic.

"It was frustrating. Obviously there was not much I could do though. The whole situation is bigger than me," said Stanat. "Training was a bit inconsistent. I did what I could. I'm trying to now train at least once a day, get more touches on the implement and work in technique."

A.J., the son of Alex and Diana Stanat and older brother to Lexi, came to forefront in his Grade nine year, winning both the midget men's discus and shot put events at the Thames Valley Regional meet. Stanat won discus by a whopping 15 metres and shot by over a metre.

Stanat duplicated double gold at the Western Ontario (WOSSAA) meet and then qualified for OFSAA, by winning gold in discus and silver in shot put, at the West regional meet.

The St. Thomas native had experience entering high school, training for two years with the St. Thomas Legion track and field club. Stanat recalled at the time, he attended a summer camp and he wasn't good at running or jumping, but turned out to be good at throwing.

His high school career highlights come from the OFSAA championships, 2018 at York University and 2019 at Guelph.

"Number one on my list would be Grade nine discus. I was in second or third place the whole competition and coming down to the last throw. I put one out there, kind of let it rip I guess, and sealed my place in first. A very awesome day."

Number two is his very first appearance at OFSAA, bronze in shot put.

"It may be a little bit of a surprise, but third place in shot put for Grade nine OFSAA, because it was my first major meet in the high school atmosphere," Stanat said. "The same kind of story line. I was trailing a little bit throughout the majority of the competition, but pulled things together for my last throw and solidified my position at third."

Stanat won gold in Grade 9 on his final throw. A year later, third on his highlight reel, winning discus in the opposite manner.

"Grade 10 OFSAA gold, I had relatively a very consistent series," Stanat said. "I was able to hold on to the lead for much of the competition. A little bit different compared to the year prior, but it was still a great result."

All along the way has been his dad and coach, Alex Stanat, an accomplished thrower himself, who represented Canada in the international circle.

"My dad has had a large influence. I've been fortunate enough to have him as my coach," said A.J. "Not everyone is lucky enough to have one of their parents, or even a relative to be a coach. It's been a great experience. He has a better view of all of my throws and is able to give me feedback on what I'm doing wrong and what I can improve on. There's that mutual trust. You're used to hearing criticism or feedback from parents, so it's something I'm already used to".

Stanat, like all athletes, especially those who in competed in spring sports, will never know what might have been throughout their senior years. That storyline dominates his memories of being a Parkside Stampeder.

"Covid definitely stands out because it did eat away half of my high school career," Stanat said. "I had a lot of fun in all of the high school sports (including basketball) I participated in. The faculty is great. Tremendous. All of the teachers are down to earth and always willing to help."

Whether in the circle down to his final throw, or in the class room, Stanat is up for facing a challenge.

"It was good I was always in the face of adversity. I didn't shy away from trying to unlock or fulfil my own potential," said Stanat. "Resiliency is definitely the number one thing to have or maintain throughout life, no matter which field you are working in."

Next up for Stanat will be preparing for the Ontario University Association indoor season.

"I'll take things easy and mellow into the whole university atmosphere," Stanat said. "It's new territory. I want to be there to compete, not over think things and listen to new feedback from coaches."

At the 2021 Athletics Ontario U20 championships in July, Stanat placed fourth in discus, fifth in the hammer throw and sixth in shot put.