Boardman, Fitch take early D-I lead

AUSTINTOWN — The Boardman boys made it a clean sweep in Wednesday’s four Division I district finals at Fitch High Stadium, jumping out to a huge lead in the team standings.

Boardman senior Corey Linsley, an Ohio State football recruit, won the discus and teammate Alex Lipinsky was fourth as each advanced to next week’s regional.

The top four in each event advance.

Senior Caleb Matthews and Allen Starkey finished 1-2 in the long jump, Joe Bialik won the pole vault and teammate Steve Wysenski finished third, and the 4x800 relay team of Ryan Westfall, Eddie Adu-Poku, Sam Deskin and Seth Westfall placed first to help Spartans compiled 59 points.

Canfield was second with 20.

On the girls side, Fitch sophomore Ali Tolich won the shot put and McKayla Martin was third in the high jump as the Falcons led after three events.

Canfield’s Leanna Hartsough won the high jump, while Boardman’s 4x800 relay team of Becca Muntean, Colleen Kratofil, Lea Byers and Lauren Agnew cruised to victory.

Competition continues Friday.

Division III

NEW MIDDLETOWN — Matthias Tayala won the discus and McDonald qualified two athletes in the long jump and a 4x800 relay team to take the early lead in Wednesday’s Division III district meet at Springfield High School.

Nick Cupan and Miles Dunlap finished 3-4 in the long jump for McDonald, which held a 27-14 edge over second-place South Range after three events.

East Palestine’s Shane Peterson won the long jump, while Maplewood’s 4x800 relay team of Tom Bottorff, Aaron Harrison, A.J. Grayson and Eric Rupe won that event.

On the girls side, McDonald’s Joh’Vonnie Mosley won the shot put, Springfield’s Andria Lyons won the high jump and Columbiana’s 4x800 relay placed first.

Victoria Brown placed second in the high jump and Sammi Burton was second in the shot put as Western Reserve held a 16-15 edge in the team standings.