Durina, Moran run to crowns

By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
CANFIELD -- Mooney sophomore Colin Durina had an easy win on Tuesday.
Boardman coach Dave Pavlansky wasn't so lucky.
Durina ran 16:42.77 to cruise to the boys individual title at the Suburban League cross country championship at Canfield Fairgrounds, edging Poland's Jimmy Ramson by nine seconds.
"I was really hot out there," said Durina, who finished third in the race last year. "It was killer for everybody. I just tried to hang on."
Durina finished seventh at last year's state meet, lifting the Cardinals to a second-place finish. Mooney is ranked first in the state in the latest Division II poll.
"My team did sweet today," Durina said. "Hopefully by regionals, we'll be ready to go back to state."
Lakeview's Mark Bogard placed fourth and Canfield's Anthony Fusco was fifth.
The Spartans edged Mooney 89-109 to win their first Suburban League team title, but it wasn't without controversy.
Close call
Boardman's top runner, Jake Lape, was disqualified for pushing Mooney's Noah Brak out the way just in front of the finish line. Brak finished third.
Fortunately for the Spartans, it didn't cost them the victory.
"It's nice that we don't have to pay the price and we can learn from our mistakes," Pavlansky said. "When I found out it was our No. 1 runner getting disqualified, that's usually the kiss of death. It really speaks well for our team that we were able to pull this out."
Rick Lape, Jake's brother, finished sixth to lead the Spartans, followed by Tim Weaver (eighth), Jim Hlebak (19th), Adam Haushalter (25th) and A.J. Frank (31st).
"It helps us know that what we've done has been worth it," Pavlansky said. "The coaches haven't screwed up to this point."
Pavlansky said the move to the Federal League has helped his team get better over the past two years.
"We ran scared all summer," Pavlansky said. "In that league, if you're not at your best, you can get embarrassed."
Girls
Poland's Colleen Moran and Lauren Fithian finished 1-2 as the Bulldogs won their first Suburban League team title, edging Boardman 76-102.
"It's clich & eacute;' and you've heard it before, but it's true," Poland coach Kim Graf said. "They work hard and it's a total team effort, from the first to the last girl."
Moran, a state qualifier last year, won by more than 30 seconds.
"Our team is really strong and we were really excited about the chance to win it," she said. "We've all been working hard and helping each other."
Moran missed the four regular season Suburban League meets with soccer. Both sports take up a lot of time, but she's holding up well.
"Knock on wood," she said, smiling.
Molly Noll took eighth for the Bulldogs, followed by Rachelle Pavelko (37th) and Daniela Bova (38th).
"I think this is huge," Graf said. "To be where we're at with all the great teams in the area is a big accomplishment."
Canfield's Regina Bresson finished third, Leetonia's Melissa DePanfilo was fourth and Champion's Danielle Bafunno placed fifth.
scalzo@vindy.com