Fitch seniors are optimistic

Sam Cassano and Adam Kagarise will compete for Youngstown State next spring.
By MARK W. MILLER
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
AUSTINTOWN -- Sam Cassano and Adam Kagarise, both seniors at Fitch High, said they want to win the discus and 400 meters, respectively, today at the 26th Optimist Invitational track and field meet at Falcon Stadium.
"I was fourth as a freshman, third as a sophomore and second as a junior," said Cassano, who has a best throw of 175 feet, 4 inches this season in the discus.
Cassano and Kagarise have received partial scholarships to continue their careers at Youngstown State.
A four-year letterman, Cassano carries a 3.4 grade-point average and was a football player for the Falcons for three years.
"I am less then 3 feet from our school record in the discus and it's always nice for a hometown boy to do well at a meet like this," Cassano said.
Double threat
He said he loves track and attends throwing camp two or three times a year. Cassano also throws the shot and says he may compete in both events today.
"Coach [Rich] Kempe has been a big influence during my career here," Cassano said. "He tells me to go out and do my best and it will come to you."
Deciding on YSU was an easy decision, Cassano said.
"I looked at many colleges and YSU has everything I want. Their throwing coach [Shawn Cobey] thinks I can be successful in the discus."
Kagarise loves to run the quarter mile. He set the school record (48.62 seconds) when he finished fifth at the 2005 Division I state meet.
"We have a rigorous training program and our sprint coach [T.J. Koniowsky] has taught me a lot," Kagarise said. "He has us practice 200s, 300s, 1 mile and 2 miles to build endurance.
"Coach has us run in Mill Creek Park. There are a lot of hills and it makes it so that I don't want to get up out of bed and run there early in the morning.
Tough challenge
"My goal is to win at the Optimist," Kagarise said. "Second place is first loser. There will definitely be some outstanding 400 guys in the race and it won't e easy."
Kagarise will also be on the Falcons' 4x400 relay.
"We have four kids capable of 50 seconds and some of the state's top 4x4 relays will be here and will test how tough we are," Kagarise said.
Kagarise won the 400 indoor state championship in 2005 in 50.2 and carries a 3.6 GPA.
"Coach Kempe is awesome," he said. "You think you can't race and he makes you feel you're letting yourself down if you don't run."
Kagarise is also excited to be going to YSU.
"[Sprint coach Dave] Puring, he's young and really relates. He'll be able to help me grow into a man advising me with the right choices on and off the track."
Kempe said, "Adam and Sam are among the greatest young men to compete in the Fitch track and field program.
"They are coachable, dedicated, committed and team oriented. They are supported by wonderful families and that helps make the difference in obtaining their goals."
miller@vindy.com