Iona Prep Shot Put Thrower Headed to Northeastern on Scholarship

NEW ROCHELLE, NY - An Iona Prep student has accepted an athletic scholarship to Northeastern University for track and field.

Andrew Cannistraci was cut from the freshman basketball team at Iona Preparatory School and then took up track and field, turning a disappointment into a success, according to a spokesman.

Cannistraci, a New Rochelle resident who won the New York State and Federation Indoor Championships in the shot put during the 2015-16 winter track and field season, settled on an athletic scholarship from Northeastern, but he had nearly 30 colleges from which to choose.

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“I really like Boston, and when I saw the campus and met the athletes on the track and field team, I felt like Northeastern was a perfect fit for me,” said Cannistraci, adding that Bucknell was his runner-up.

After getting cut from the Gaels’ freshman basketball team, Cannistraci was persuaded to join the track and field team by friend and classmate Sam Tobia, who was already throwing the shot put. Cannistraci has excelled ever since, particularly during his senior year, school officials said.

Cannistraci, who has a 90 average and excellent SAT scores, is attempting to turn another negative into a positive—as a volunteer for the Food Allergy Research and Education organization. His younger brother Nick has a severe nut allergy, and Andrew is grateful for the opportunity to raise money and awareness.

“I know how hard it is to deal with a nut allergy from watching my brother,” Cannistraci said. “I’m glad to do anything I can to help find a cure.”

Photo caption: Andrew Cannistraci is heading to Northeastern on an athletic scholarship in the fall. Photo credit: Courtesy.