Tougher test; Bulldogs best

Fitch's boys 4x800 relay set a set a school record.
By MARK W. MILLER
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
AUSTINTOWN -- Sarah Anderson, the leadoff runner for the Poland High girls winning 4x800, relay said, "We showed everyone that we can run with the best."
The Bulldogs moved up to Division I this year and Anderson, Daniela Bova, Sam Robertson and Lauren Fithian easily won the relay in 9 minutes, 43.82 seconds during the first day of the Division I district track and field meet Thursday at Fitch High Falcon Stadium.
Boardman was second (9:57.07).
Anderson said that all of the girls are good friends and that they played for the Poland soccer team last fall.
"The [4x800 relay] is always hard, but running with my teammates who have the same goals and everyone trying to do their best, we all have a lot of fun," said Anderson.
Lauren Fithian, who anchors the relay said, "[Singer] Shakira's songs inspire and motivate us. We love her music."
Twinsburg led the standings after the first three events with 27 points. Boardman was second with 19. The top four in each event qualified for next week's regional at Fitch.
Back from injury
Senior Natasha Kassim of Canfield, bothered by a shoulder injury throughout the season, finished third in the shot put with a toss of 36 feet, 6 inches, her best effort this season.
Unable to get much practice in because of the injury Kassim said, "I haven't done as well as I would have like to this season, but did well today."
Kassim expected to do a little better in Friday's discus throw and said that she has been able to practice this week, averaging five throws a workout. She hopes to qualify for the regional in that event.
Kearran Capers and Leah Love of Twinsburg finished 1-2 in the shot with tosses of 48-9 and 37-4, respectively. Marissa McClung of Aurora took first place in the girls high jump as she cleared 5 feet.
School record
Jason Anderson, Ross Lenehan, Jeremy Barr and Adam Kagarise set a Fitch High school record (8:04.36) in winning the boys 4x800 relay and giving the Falcons the early lead in the standings with 29 points. Alliance was second with 24.
"We have been working hard throughout the season and it came together here, that's why we broke the record," said Anderson. The old Falcons' record was 8:06.
"All four of us are good friends, that's what track does, it brings you together," said Anderson.
The Falcons' Sam Cassano won the discus with a throw of 178-5, three inches short of the school record.
"God gave me the talent to throw and I thank him every day for it," said Cassano.
His grandmother, Mary Cassano, and aunt, Marie Cassano, came from Pennsylvania to watch him throw for the first time and he said that gave him an added boost.
David Siesel of Tallmadge won the pole vault (12-0) and Marlen Hartsoe of Alliance (21-10 1/4) won the long jump.
miller@vindy.com