TRACK & amp; FIELD Versatile Spartans win Cope

Boardman scored points in 13 of the 16 events to run away from pursuers Fitch and Hudson.
By MARK W. MILLER
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
SALEM -- After last year's F.E. Cope boys invitational track and field meet was canceled by lightning, Boardman High stormed to victory Friday night at Reilly Stadium.
The Spartans scored in 13 of the 16 events to take the title with 871/2 points. Fitch was second with 62 and Hudson third with 55.
Senior Andy Crogan was named MVP of the field events as he took first place in the high jump (6 feet, 2 inches) and long jump (20-9 1/4).
Contributors: "Tonight, we had a lot of kids step up," said Boardman coach Dave Pavlansky. "Our kids have worked hard, they have improved and that gives us good depth."
Tjawonkher Putman of Warren Harding, a sophomore, was chosen MVP of the running events. He took the 100 (11.0 seconds) and 200 (22.6) and was a member of the Raiders' winning 4x100 relay (44.2).
"I got off to a decent start in the 100, but I can do better," said Putman. "I led from start to finish, but the competition pushed me."
David Morrison, John Palmer, Derek Armstrong and David Pykare of Maplewood took first place in the 4x800 relay in 8 minutes, 24.4 seconds.
Pykare, a sophomore, said, "We know we are blessed with a good team. Knock on wood cause we are all healthy. We are going to run as a team and do the very best we can."
Kraft wins: Ken Kraft of Mooney, a senior, took first place in the shot put with a toss of 50 feet, 91/4 inches.
"I am out this season for the first time since my freshman year," said Kraft. "I won on my last throw, am satisfied with the effort, but can do better."
Joe Divoky of Southeast won the 300 hurdles (40.9) and finished third in the high hurdles (15.1).
"I finished third at state [Division II] last year," said Divoky. "I stuttered a couple of times, but it's early in the season and I can't ask for more than that."
Dennis Reed of Rayen took first place in the 110 hurdles (14.9 seconds) edging Shawn Carlson of Boardman (14.9) by a fraction of a second.
Fitch's Seth Steiner, Miles Williams, Ross Watson and Caesar Brown set a record by winning the 4x200 relay (1:34). The Falcons' Davanzo Tate, Steiner, Brown and Williams took the 4x400 relay (3:33.7).
Wesley Smith of Hudson set a record in the 3200 (9:27.9).
Scott Kyser of Leetonia took the discus with a throw of (165-8) to edge Boardman's Steve Vallos (165-1).