A strong Maplewood to contend at the 20th Spartan Invitational

More than 4,000 athletes will contend in the annual meet.
BOARDMAN -- There will be 14 races at the 20th Spartan Invitational Saturday and meet director Jim Fox has 4,187 athletes representing 127 schools entered.
"We started the invitational 20 years ago with 300 athletes," said Fox.
"This meet has provided good preparation for many runners who have gone on to state and that won team or individual titles over the years."
Between 50 and 60 cross country officials and 300 volunteers help conduct the meet.
Thirty-nine schools, including defending champion South Range, are scheduled to get the boys Division III race underway at 9 a.m.
Maplewood, which placed third last year, has a strong team entered with two of the area's top runners -- Andy Arnio (15 minutes, 53 seconds) and Andy Morgan (16:09) expected to challenge for individual honors.
McDonald's Joe Copploe (17:10) and Lordstown's Jake DiEugenio (17:13) should contend.
Rochelle Rupe of Maplewood will be featured in the girls Div. III run set for 9:30. She has the area's second-fastest time (19:30).
The Rockets placed fourth behind McDonald last year. Gilmour Academy is the defending champ.
Division II
At 10 a.m. a field of 48 schools will compete in the boys Div. II race.
Mooney's Colin Durina (16:56), who placed third last year, and Poland's Jimmy Ramson (16:28), who finished 10th, are returning. The defending champ is Minerva.
Ashtabula Edgewood, which finished second a year ago, and Moon (Pa.) have veteran squads that will contend. Ten area schools are entered.
Lauren Fithian (20:10) of Poland and Struthers' Amanda Ardale (20:13) should be among the top contenders in the girls' run at 11:30 a.m. Crestwood is the defending champ.
Division I
Boardman and Canfield are the only area teams entered in the boys Div. I run with Cleveland St. Ignatius returning to defend its title at 12:30 p.m. The Spartans' Jake Lape (16:18) and the Cardinals' Andy Fusco (17:07) will contend.
Lauren Agnew (20:25) and Lauren Blase will lead Boardman's girls in the Div. I race at 1:30 p.m. The Spartans were 19th in 2004 and Canfield was 17th.
The rest of the schedule includes: Div. II junior varsity runs at 10:30 and 11 a.m., respectively; Div. I junior varsity races at noon and 1 p.m., and middle school runs starting at 2 p.m.