Boys cross country fifth at Columbiana

Eddie Adu-Poku and Alan Burns led the Boardman boys cross country team to a second-place finish at the Columbiana Clipper Invitational Saturday.

Boardman was outscored by Division II power Burton Berkshire 42-108, while Cuyahoga Falls was third with 110. Austintown Fitch and Jefferson Area were fourth and fifth, respectively.

Adu-Poku finished eighth overall with a time of 17:24, while Burns finished 12th with a time of 18:07. Sophomore Sam Sheronovich placed 31st with a time of 18:50, Pete Stafford was right behind at 18:52 and freshman Justin Maroni followed in 35th with 19:03.

“Very pleased with the effort,” said Spartan head coach John R. Phillips. “We are still battling some injuries to some key guys, so some younger runners had to step up for us.”

One of those young Spartans seizing the opportunity the last two meets has been Maroni. Maroni was key for Boardman’s victory at the Mahoning County Championship and his finish at this meet allowed the Spartans to hold off Cuyahoga Falls. Those efforts earned Maroni the “Runner of the Week” award.

“Justin has performed at a high level this season, and he has really stepped up for his teammates time after time,” commented Phillips.

Setting a new personal best at Columbiana was freshman Adam Sinclair at 22:15.