The Burnaby NOW high school male athlete of the year was a true all-rounder.
Justin Hayto, St. George's School vicecaptain this year, showed an extraordinary amount of leadership, scholastic ability and athletic success in his final year of high school.
So much, in fact, that the Burnaby 18year-old was awarded the school's prestigious Sims Cup, given annually to the senior boy at Saints who excels in those three aforementioned qualities.
"I was honoured to receive it," said Hayto of the Sims prize.
Hayto was also runner-up for the school's sportsman of the year.
At school, Hayto co-chaired the grad committee, graduated honours with distinction and was fortunate enough to compete in three provincial championships, helping the Saints win two of the team B.C. banners.
Hayto began the school year with St. George's cross-country team's second consecutive provincial team banner, while finishing individually 39th overall.
As captain of the school's ski team, he then swooshed his way to a second straight alpine championship, sweeping the individual giant slalom title for a second year running, while also winning the inaugural terrain GS en route to the school's sixth alpine banner in as many years.
A competitive skier at the Federation International du Ski Junior 2 level, Hayto made a conscious decision to put schooling before the slopes this season.
"There are aspects of ski racing that I miss, but all in all, my decision, I'm glad I made it. I felt it was the right decision, that's why I made it," Hayto said. "When I was younger, I always imagined myself as a ski racer, or a coach, but it slowly moved over, going to an academic scholarship for McGill and looking forward to getting into the business world."
However, Hayto proved that studies paid off, earning an academic scholarship to McGill University this fall.
In fact, Hayto earned the school's top mathematics award for the second year in a row, garnering a 99 per cent average.
He also captained the co-ed ultimate team, with York House girls' school, to second place behind champion Kitsilano at the spring provincials.
"There was a lot of pressure to win that one game, but (Kits) won it fairly," said Hayto, who was also on last year's provincial-winning team. "I try to keep as busy as I can. But I've always been pretty competitive."
With two older brothers, Sebastian and Matthew, it's no wonder.
But Justin maintains he marches to the beat of his own drum.
"I have committed myself with three sports and to do as best I could. I didn't want to find myself sitting around and being lazy. I knew getting involved is a good thing," he said.
"It definitely brought in my group of friends. Getting involved takes you out of town and doing new things. I loved every step of it."
It also taught him some useful time management skills.
"I did a lot in terms of organizing events in the school," Hayto added. "I'm happy with what I've done, but it's hard to pinpoint one thing. I've enjoyed myself a lot this past year."
Hayto credits his parents with encouraging his sense of involvement and the school for its focus on finding one's place.
"I wanted to have fun. I had heard it was one of the best years in high school, and it didn't fail me," he said.
"I wanted to get involved. I didn't want to graduate and look back and say I should have done this or I should have done that. I wanted to keep my doors open this year to give myself as many opportunities as I could.
"St. George's is, in itself, a great place for those things. I was very fortunate to have gone there. It has given me a lot of opportunities. I don't think there is much I would change. I'm happy with it."
ON THE SHORTLIST
- Anton Bailey - Mountain - basketball earned two-year hoop scholarship to Navarro College in Texas, cross-country, track and field
- Preston Wong - North - volleyball to high school provincials and won gold at u-18 club B.C. championships
- Ater Degal - South - basketball to provincial championships
- Jason Boroevich - Central - basketball and volleyball won gold at u-18 provincial club championships
