Katzman's toss helps Boardman grab early Div. I lead

The Spartans boys are chasing Tallmadge, who lead with 36 points.
By MARK W. MILLER
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
AUSTINTOWN -- Brooke Katzman of Boardman High said she wasn't feeling quite up to par because of an upper respiratory infection.
"I've been feverish and taking medication for it," Katzman said.
The infection didn't stop her from winning the shot put with a toss of 38 feet, 2 inches Thursday at the Division I district track and field meet at Fitch High's Falcon Stadium.
The Spartans girls were ahead in the early standings after three events with 30 points. Canfield was a close second with 29.
Tallmadge led the boys standings after four events with 36 points and Boardman was second with 271/2.
The top four finishers in each event advanced to the regional meet at Fitch High next week.
Katzman, who will continue her career at Ashland University, has a best throw of 41-61/2 this season.
Active senior
In addition to track, Katzman said she has to write a speech for commencement and complete some research papers before graduation. She carries a 3.9 grade point average. She is also class president and secretary of the National Honor Society.
She placed fifth at the regional last year and didn't make it to state.
With that in the back of her mind, she said, "I'll be working hard on my form [shot put] and lifting for next week's regional.
"I would like to break the school record [41-11] and get out of region and make it to state."
McKenzie Kline of Canfield took first place in the high jump as she cleared 5 feet. She thought it would take a jump of 5-2 to win the district.
"I'll be working hard on getting my steps perfect and being more consistent because it will take a jump of at least 5-4 at the regional to make it to state," Kline said.
Kline, a future Ohio State student, added, "Our school record is 5-4 and I would like to do that."
Crestwood set a record in winning the 4x800-meter relay in 9:33.69. Boardman was second in 9:48.72.
Boys
Sam Cassano of Fitch, a junior, won the discus with a throw of 166-1.
"I've been throwing since the fifth grade and each year have gotten a little better," Cassano said.
His best toss this season has been 174-8 and he has his eye on the Fitch school record (178-8).
"One of my goals is to get that record," Cassano said. "There are a few things I need to work on if I want to get out of the regional.
"Chris Anzevino [of Boardman] is a good thrower and he pushed me today," Cassano said.
Anzevino placed second at 149-0.
Michael Gibson of Chaney took first place in the long jump (20-4) and the Tallmadge 4x800 relay set a meet record, finishing in 7:59.37.
Tallmadge's Jeremy Archual won the pole vault (12-0).