Submitted photo Canfield’s Brianna Dunlap has signed to compete at Westminster College next season.

Brianna Dunlap had her best throws last season — 125 feet, 10 inches in the discus and 36-1 in the shot put.

The Division I Austintown District lied ahead of her.

The Canfield High School thrower could have made it to the state meet in Columbus.

A diagnosis took care of that opportunity — thyroid cancer. Dunlap, then a junior, had thyroidectomy surgery about a week before districts.

“I had every intention on being able to compete a week later, but an unforeseen side effect was thrown my way,” Dunlap said. “Due to the length of the surgery and the location on my neck, I had limited mobility of my neck as well as extreme tightness. Therefore, I was unable to throw unfortunately.”

This spring was supposed to be her senior season, but Dunlap couldn’t compete. This one was out of everyone’s control. The COVID-19 pandemic wiped out spring sports throughout the country.

“Because my season was cut short junior year, I was really determined to go to state for my senior year,” Dunlap said. “There was no guarantee I would make it. But with the amount of work I was putting in both in the weight room and in the ring, I would say I had a great shot at getting that opportunity. Junior year I was ranked first in the region for discus, so I believe I would definitely have a chance at going to state for disc if we had a senior season. There were some far throws for shot put last year, so I’m not too sure about that. I would like to say I would push myself enough to have a shot.”

Dunlap will compete for Westminster College next season. She’s looking forward to being part of the Titans program.

“Track is both a team sport as well as very individualized,” Dunlap said. “When it comes to the team aspect, one of my goals is definitely to be one of the leading scorers for Westminster. For the individual aspect, I really want to grow both as an athlete and a person. I think throwing teaches you a lot of discipline as well as focus because there are so many different pieces that go into just one throw. You really have to be constantly focused to excel. I think in the upcoming years I would love to potentially become an All-American and even a top scorer in Westminster’s conference as well.”

Dunlap graduates Canfield with a 4.25 GPA. She’ll pursue a dual major in biology and psychology — following a pre-med track and Westminster College. Dunlap was awarded the Fowler-Liddle Memorial Scholarship Fund, which means she’ll have a full ride at Westminster for four years.

“They are very lucky to have such a hard-working and determined young lady,” Canfield track coach Nick Wagner said. “Throughout her career at Canfield High School, Brianna was a leader on the track and one that underclassman looked up to for guidance. Westminster is getting an elite thrower that will work hard every day to improve. I look forward to watching Brianna contribute to the team right away.”