Barker senior to run X-C at Canisius College

Contributed Photo – Mason Allee-Castro is shown here with his brother, Luey Castro, his mother Stephanie Zaharie and his father Wayne Zaharie as he signs to run cross-country at Canisius College.

Barker High senior Mason Allee-Castro has signed a letter of intent to continue his education and his cross-country career at Canisius College where his coach will be Barker Alum Tyler Scheving.

Allee-Castro was named Niagara-Orleans League runner of the year this past fall. In leading Barker to the N-O team title he won the N-O All-League meet race, placed third at the sectionals and 21st at the state championships. He was also a first team N-O All-League honoree as a junior, placed third at the sectionals and qualified for the states.

“It has been an extreme pleasure to coach Mason Allee-Castro,” said Barker X-C Coach Paul DerSarkissian. “His drive for excellence and his determined work ethic combined to make him an amazing runner. He also brings a strong caring and compassionate personality to the team that shows how complete of an individual he has become. How sweet his journey has been.”

“As a Barker alum myself, I know the work ethic that Coach DerSar instills in his athletes, and the potential that they have to succeed at the collegiate level,” said Scheving. “We are beyond excited to bring Mason on board. He demonstrates all of the qualities that make for a successful athlete, especially at the Division I level. I’m confident that Canisius will get him to where he wants to be both academically and athletically as he continues to represent his hometown with pride.”