Boardman runners have high expectations

August 31, 2012 at 12:00a.m.

By NATALIE SCOTT

The Boardman boys cross country team had a great season in 2011, coming off with a record of 146-33, and this year looks to be just as promising with much of last year’s team returning.

Returning runners include seniors Sam Sheronovich, Pete Stafford, Colton Jenkins, Fletcher Dunham, Ryan Key and Rick Henneman; juniors Mark Hadley, Alan Burns, Justin Maroni, Jacob Kelleck, and Trevor Leyden; and sophomores Josh Botak, Nick Long and Juan Santiago.

Joining in the mix are incoming freshmen Nathan Hadley, Sean Allen, and Adam Deeley.

“We have one of the largest teams in school history with 36 student athletes and we are coming off of one of the most successful seasons in our program’s history as well,” said coach John Phillips. “We are fortunate to return eight of our top 10 runners from last season, including All-Ohio and Federal League Athlete of the Year Mark Hadley and should make a strong run in postseason as long as we stay healthy with that strong core group.”

Phillips said the Federal League looks to be one of the toughest distance running leagues in the nation, but Boardman is looking to improve upon last season’s third-place finish.

“We have a tremendous opportunity to have a very special season. However, it is not going to happen without our guys committing themselves each and every day to becoming a better athlete and in turn a better team,” Phillips said. “We compete in the toughest league, district, and region in the state of Ohio, so nothing less than maximum effort will allow us to obtain all of our goals.

“I am very pleased with our senior leadership this season and the effort given by every guy so far at practice. If we avoid injury, there is no doubt that we will have a chance to be one of the better teams in the state. It is going to be an exciting year.”