Spartans runners capture county

Boardman’s boys and girls cross country teams won the Mahoning races.

By MARK W. MILLER

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

AUSTINTOWN — Lauren Agnew and Matt Moore of Boardman High School gave credit to God for helping them in their runs at the Mahoning County Cross Country Championships Tuesday at Austintown Township Park.

“It was a little uncomfortable because of the heat, but I just ran through it,” Agnew said. “I prayed to the Lord all the way and he gave me the strength I needed.”

She won the race in 20 minutes, 22.4 seconds, leading Boardman to the team title with 52 points. Mooney finished second with 69 and Fitch was third with 77.

Agnew said she was concerned about Samantha Hamilton of Jackson-Milton and Monica Ciarniello of Lowellville. They led early in the 5,000-meter run.

“Monica made a wrong turn and we hollered at her and she came right back,” Agnew said. “A little bit after that I passed her and then I passed Hamilton.”

Praise for competitors

“I really wanted to win this race,” Agnew said. “Knowing there were tough competitors, that was kind of exciting because of the possibility of good times, but the heat kind of canceled that out.”

“One of are goals was to win the county championship and now it’s to do well in the Federal League championships at Boardman Oct. 13,” Agnew said.

Hamilton (21:07) finished second in the run. Fitch’s Shannon Rech (21:17) was third and Ciarniello (21:26) was fourth.

“Give credit to God for the talent he has given me,” said Moore, who won the race in 17:03, leading the Spartans to the team crown with 38 points.

Struthers was second with 87 points and Fitch was third with 101.

“I took the lead at the half mile,” Moore said. “I decided not to go out too fast, just pick it up little by little. It was a hot day and that really affects you.”

Down the stretch

Moore tried to pull back during the race to make sure he had something left at the finish, he said.

“I know that I was running a good race, sprinted down the stretch and ran away with the title,” Moore said.

Robert Zanni (17:43) of Struthers came in second and Rob Howley (18:05) of Canfield was third.

About winning the boys and girls titles, Moore said, “It shows that we are the premier school in the tri-county area and it’s something we try to uphold.”

“It was another W for us, something to build on each race heading toward the district and regional meets,” Moore said.

Moore’s hoping for a trip to the state tournament in Columbus later this year. And he doesn’t want to go alone, either.

“Hopefully our team can get there too,” Moore said.