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Matthews’ performance helps Spartans win title
AUSTINTOWN — Boardman junior Caleb Matthews said he wants to go to the state meet in Columbus in two weeks and compete in four events.
He got started in the right direction Friday when he took first place in the 110-meter hurdles (15.15 seconds), the 300 hurdles (39.1) and the long jump (21-6) and finished second in the high jump (6-4), helping the Spartans to the Division I district championship with 162 points at Fitch High Falcon stadium. Twinsburg was second with 131.
The top four athletes in each event qualified for the regional meet back at Fitch next week.
“I wanted to win the high jump, but now I know what I have to do at practice next week to improve on that effort,” said Matthews. “I would love to make it to state in all four events because last year I missed going there by one spot.”
Twinsburg took the girls title with 154 points. Boardman and Fitch tied for second place with 92.
Freshman Shatasia Walker of Chaney took first place in the 300 hurdles (47.1) and she finished second in the 100 hurdles (16.14). Audra Frimpong of Canfield won the 100 hurdles (14.91) and won the long jump with a leap of 18 feet, 4 1/4 inches.
“Its kind of hard running against my friends,” said Walker. “I love Frimpong, but I want to win. I want to win running against the best and lose running against the best.”
She said she couldn’t do what she accomplished if it wasn’t for the many things that her coaches Greg Kerr, Dorian Townsend, David Townsend and Malik Mostello have taught her.
The Cardinals’ Frimpong got off to a fast start and set the pace in the 100 hurdles.
“I like to concentrate on myself, like I am the only one out there,” she said. “I want to do well at next week’s region and make it back to state and my dream is to win both events there.”
Tricia Haff, a senior at Boardman, took first place in the 800 (2:26.36). She also helped the Spartans finish second in the girls 4x800 relay (10:08.28) on Wednesday.
“I got off to a fast start, got the lead, held back a little then and sprinted with 300 meters left to the finish line,” she said. “I was a little concerned about the strong runners from Twinsburg. They were on my mind, but I knew I could do it.”
Fitch High’s Alexandra Tolich took first place in the discus (120-8). Boardman’s Erin Brown (113-1) and Elizabeth Chartier (108-4) were second and third respectively.
Warren Harding’s boys 4x200 relay (Joe Bland, Aunre Davis, Joseph Threats and DeAver Williamson) won in 1 minute, 29.50 seconds.. Williamson also anchored the Raiders’ 4x100 relay (43.22) to victory. Other members of the team are Jarrale Butts, Davis and Threats. Williamson won the 100 (11.03) and finished third in the 200 (23.04).
The exchanges on the 4x200 relay were flawless.
“We worked all week at practices on exchanges and it was just like chemistry on the exchanges today,” said Williamson. “We expected to come here and win.”
James Allen of East took the boys 200 (21.84) and finished second in the 100 (11.04) .
Boardman’s Mike Lesko, Elliot Thomas, Steve Kandray and Matt Moore took the 4x400 relay (3:26.26). Moore won the 800 (1:55.35).
Walt Wollet of Canfield took first place in the 400 (51.15). The Cardinals’ Dustin Brode took first place in the shot (58-2). He was second in the discus (159-5) Wednesday.