CROSS COUNTRY | State preview

When: Saturday
Where: Scioto Downs, Columbus
Schedule: Girls — Div. III 11:05 a.m.; Div. II 11:50; Div. I 12:35 p.m. Boys — Div. III 1:20; Div. II 2:05; Div. I 2:50
Tickets: $8. Be sure to bring binoculars. The grandstand sits far back from the course (Scioto Downs is a horse track) and it’s difficult to see without assistance.

AREA QUALIFIERS
BOYS

Division I: Matt Moore (Boardman)
Division II: Robert Zanni (Struthers), Tyler Ames (Lakeview)
Division III: McDonald (Bobby Devita, Jerry Dugan, T.J. Holland, Josh Lapolla, Frank Natoli, Lance Ronghi, Mitchell Thornton); Maplewood (Tom Bottorff, A.J. Grayson, Aaron Harrison, Brad Kunkle, Tyler Moxley, Phil Pavick, Eric Rupe)

GIRLS

Division II: Salem (Bethany Huston, Lauren Shivers, Liz Shivers, Lexi Shivers, Alexis Thorne, Sarah Yerkey, Betsy Yuhaniak)
Division III: McDonald (Callie Garland, Aubrey Holland, Katie Joseph, Michaela Lepor, Alyssa Lobaugh, Haley McCormick, Kayla Devitto); Monica Ciarniello (Lowellville), Samantha Hamilton (Jackson-Milton), Stephanie Case (Columbiana), Audrey Maheu (Warren JFK)

Notebook: Maplewood’s boys team is making its 18th straight state tournament appearance — the best streak in Ohio. The Rockets have won five state titles, tied with McDonald for second on the all-time list (Salem, Akron North and Cincinnati Elder also have five). McDonald’s boys and girls teams are each making their ninth straight state meet appearance, the longest such streak in Ohio. Last year was the first time a Trumbull County boys team did not win a state title since 1999. McDonald’s boys, led by Holland’s 19th place finish, took third last season, while Maplewood was fourth. Salem’s girls won their second straight state title last year. Five of the six Quakers return this season. Other area schools with multiple boys state championships include Fitch (1971-72, 1975), Lakeview (1967-68) and Girard (1998, 2000). Maheu, who placed 40th last year, won the regional title on Saturday at Boardman High. Ciarniello was 18th as a freshman last season while running at Springfield. McDonald’s girls finished 14th last season.

Vindicator staff report