Norwalk’s Canahui, Donovan sign LOIs to play in college

By ALEX WISER
Hour Correspondent

NORWALK – Two more standout student-athletes from Norwalk High School signed their official letters of intent to compete collegiately as Eddie Donovan will swim for St. Bonaventure while classmate Jose Canahui will lace up his soccer cleats at Southern Connecticut State University next season.

Donovan has spearheaded the efforts of a much-improved Norwalk-McMahon co-up team while also competing for the ZEUS club team in Norwalk. A two-time All-FCIAC selection, he has shined in both the 100 fly and 200 IM events, also making sectionals each of his first three years as well at Junior Nationals last season.

Poised to take to the waters at St. Bonaventure, Donovan is eager to settle down on a smaller upstate New York campus nestled in the tranquil town of Allegany.

“As soon as I visited the campus, I really enjoyed the environment and the feel,” said Donovan. “It’s a quieter setting, which I like, and I’m really excited to continue my career there. My time here at Norwalk High has taught me how to balance a lot of school work with practices and with swimming, and it’s really taught me the importance of hard work that I will take with me to college.”

Norwalk athletic director Doug Marchetti has had the privilege of coaching Donovan for the previous three seasons and spoke highly of the Bears captain, who will commence his final high school season as team captain in early December.

“I had the opportunity to coach Eddie for three years, and his tremendous work ethic really sets him apart,” said Marchetti. “Academically, he is a top-notch student, and he really stands out when it comes to putting in maximum effort in swim practice each and every day. For him to be able to continue competing at a great school like St. Bonaventure is a terrific accomplishment. It speaks volumes about his character.”

For many athletes, it often times takes a considerable amount of time to truly make an impact within a program.

However, for Norwalk Bears soccer stalwart Jose Canahui, his positive presence was felt both on and off the field since day one at Norwalk High School.

“In being around him (Jose) these past few years, and having spoken to head soccer coach Chris Laughton so much about him, it’s clear that Jose has always brought a great deal to the table for the program and for our school,” said Marchetti. “Since early in his career he has been an undisputed leader of the team. He leaves it all on the field and he has always inspired other teammates and classmates to work hard as well. Southern is getting a great player and a great young man.”

Canahui was instrumental in the team’s FCIAC co-title and state championship triumph in his sophomore campaign in 2012.

As a two-time captain, he also achieved back-to-back All-FCIAC accolades.

Set to embark on his collegiate career in New Haven, as a member of the SCSU Owls program, some familiar faces await the arrival of Canahui on campus.

Former Norwalk High School standouts Ignacio “Nacho” Navarro, Kevin Josilyn and Danny Quintero are each members of the Southern men’s soccer team.

“I’ve learned so much and I’m really happy with what we accomplished as a team through the years,” said Canahui. “I’ve learned to appreciate how much hard work it takes to be successful both on the field and in the classroom here at Norwalk. We’re always held accountable for being on time and working hard in our classes. I’m going to miss my time here but it’s going to be fun to join some old teammates and continue my career at Southern.”