Andover's Cronin is aiming higher

That seemed to be the question of the day after Andover High sophomore Moira Cronin (inset) soared 5 feet, 9 inches, with room to spare, to win the New England School Championships last weekend in Burlington, Vt.

“With the right conditions and if the stars are aligned, I think she can go 5-10, maybe 5-11, but who knows, ‘’ said Andover coach Peter Comeau. “She has a lot of ability, she practices very well and is a student of the event. Basically, how high she goes is up to her.’’

Cronin is in Greensboro, N.C., this weekend competing in the Nike High School Nationals, and her personal goal is to earn All-American honors. Currently ranked 14th nationally, she’ll need a top-six finish to achieve All-America status. That, she admits, would take a super jump. She knows that there are athletes that have already cleared 6 feet, and others are at 5-10 and 5-11.

But she has already soared to new heights this season.

From May 9 to June 13, she has won, in order, the high jump at the Andover Boosters Invitational (5-6), the State Relays (5-7), the Merrimack Valley Conference Championships (5-6), the Division 1 state title (5-7), the All-State Meet (5-6), and the New England Championships, with her school-record leap of 5-9.

Obviously, the left foot stress fracture she suffered early last winter that cut short her indoor season has totally healed.

At the New England meet, Cronin succeeded at 5-3, 5-5, 5-7, and 5-9, all on her first jump. She missed three attempts at 5-11.

“That,’’ said the 16-year-old Cronin, “was a personal challenge to me. I knew I had already won. I was on cloud nine. I was discouraged that I missed, but not making a certain height is also a learning experience. I feel I learn something every time I miss a jump.’’

Standing 6 feet tall, she believes that her height is a distinct advantage.

“At 6 feet, I feel so much higher in the air,’’ she said. “I have very long legs and a long torso. I’ve also danced for 12 years, so I think I’m pretty graceful and flexible getting up in the air. It doesn’t feel all that uncomfortable at all. Before jumping, I relax and meditate. I picture myself making a perfect jump and then I just go for it. I try to keep my knees in the air as long as I can and hope that I land on the mat without having touched the bar.’’

Cronin uses the back-first Fosbury flop, popularized by American Olympic gold medalist Dick Fosbury, who showcased the technique at the Mexico City Games in 1968.

Comeau lauds Cronin’s approach, striving to improve while continuing to have fun.

“The pressure hasn’t gotten to her and track is still a sport,’’ he said. “If she can keep that attitude throughout her career, things will go a lot smoother. If she continues to progress the way she has, she could be one of the best the state has ever seen.’’

Cannata is ranked first among all NCAA goalies, and fourth overall, in the Hockey’s Future website’s 2009 draft preview that focused on all undrafted collegiate players. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Cannata was named Merrimack’s defensive player of the year after posting a 7-11-4 record that included two shutouts. Despite a sub-.500 record, Cannata posted outstanding numbers in goals-against average (2.35) and save percentage (.918), both of which ranked in the top 25 nationally.

Merrimack head coach Mark Dennehy told Hockey’s Future: “What I’ve liked about Joe all along are two things - his disposition and the fact that he competes. Every goaltender gives up goals, but Joe doesn’t get rattled when he does. He didn’t come in here with a big ego. He has worked to be our top guy and continues to do so. I think what you’re seeing is a natural progression that keeps getting better.’’

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