Salem girls will defend run crown

CANTON — The Salem High girls will defend their Division II title in the 39th Malone College cross country meet Saturday. The Quakers are the only area school in the field of 25 teams in Div. II.

The two-time state champs will have Lauren Shivers (19:37) and Liz Shivers (19:54) among the top contenders in the 5,000-meter run.

The varsity girls Div. I race is set for 9 a.m. followed by boys Div. I at 9:35, junior varsity girls at 10:45, J.V. boys at 10:10, girls Div. II varsity at 11:20, boys Div. II varsity at 11:55, girls Div. III varsity at 12:30 p.m. and boys Div. III varsity at 1:05.

Boardman, Canfield and Fitch’s girls are entered with 23 other schools in the Div. I run, while the same schools will be among 24 teams in the boys Div. I run.

Agnew will be contender

Junior Lauren Agnew of Boardman, who finished sixth last year, will be a contender in the race. Massillon Jackson is the defending champ.

The Boardman boys were sixth a year ago. Matt Moore and Sam Deskin will attempt to lead the Spartans to the title as a new team champ will be crowned. Bob Howley of Canfield will contend.

In the girls Div. III run Columbiana, Leetonia, Lisbon and United will compete in a field of 24 teams, while Columbiana, Leetonia, Lisbon, Southern and United are entered with 16 other schools in the boys Div. III race.

Niles Invitational

NILES — Nine schools will compete Saturday in the Niles Invitational. Girard, Howland, Poland and Niles (boys and girls) are among those entered in varsity runs, while Mooney and Ravenna compete in middle school races.

A girls middle school race gets the event started at 10 a.m. followed by boys middle school, girls varsity and boys varsity.

Lordstown Invitational

LORDSTOWN — The 10th Lordstown Invitational will be held Saturday at Village Park. The high school girls race will start at 10 a.m. followed by high school boys and middle school girls and boys runs.

South Range defends its girls title and Lordstown the boys crown.

Jackson-Milton’s Samantha Hamilton, Warren JFK’s Audrey Maheu and Lowellville’s Monica Ciarniello will contend.

Lordstown’s Jake DiEugenio is the defending boys champ. Mineral Ridge’s Josh Palmer will challenge for individual honors.