Spartan runners place third at Malone Invitational

Sophomore Mark Hadley became the first Boardman runner in school history to win the Malone Invitational with his first place time of 16:07 Saturday, Sept. 24 in Canton. The Boardman boys cross country team finished third out of 13 Div. I schools, tying the best-ever finish for the boys program. The Spartans finished tied with Green at 86 points, but lost the second place tie-breaker, and right behind Federal League rival Jackson who won the meet with 42 points.

Sophomore Alan Burns earned third place overall out of 375 runners with an effort of 16:38, he was followed by classmate Justin Maroni in 16th place in a time of 17:19. Next up for Boardman was junior Sam Sheronovich whose time of 17:40 was 28th overall; he was followed by sophomore Jacob Kelleck in 46th place in a personal best time of 18:10.

“I am so happy for Mark, that is a great accomplishment in his young career, this invitational usually features some of the best runners in northeast Ohio so to have one of our guys come out on top is great for Boardman,” said Spartan head coach John Phillips. “This was one of the best showings a Boardman team has ever had at Malone and if we keep working hard we can be even better the next time we are here, which would be the district championship,” Phillips added.

Also highlighting the Boardman effort was freshman Juan Santiago, who placed 12th in the junior varsity race and 62nd overall with a time of 18:31. Setting new personal bests at Malone was senior Tom Hays at 20:16, juniors Fletcher Dunham at 19:20, Matt Peyko at 20:34, and Matt Scott at 21:09. Sophomores earning a new personal record were Kelleck, Trevor Leyden at 18:54, Steve Brown at 19:53, and Johnny Metzger at 22:10. Freshmen setting new marks were Josh Botak at 19:17 and Dan Liptak at 21:11.

Earning this week's "Runner of the Week" award was sophomore Alan Burns.

“Alan was huge for us, his finish enabled us to finish in the top three, without that kick at the end of his race we could have potentially finished fifth,” explained Phillips.

Next up for Boardman is the Mahoning County Championship Meet at Austintown; the Spartans have won eight straight county titles.