Austintown sports briefs

Fitch bowlers reach state semifinals

Austintown Fitch, seeking its third overall state title but first in the six years of OHSAA play, reached the semifinal round before falling to Coldwater, 3-0 at Wayne Webb’s Columbus Bowl last Friday.

The Falcons, seventh after qualifying with 3,420 total pinfall, stopped defending state champion Troy 3-1 in the quarterfinals.

“When we bowled Troy, we came out and were ready to roll,” Fitch coach Dino Balkan said. “It was pretty impressive. But I think we started to get a little too fired up heading into match with Coldwater and we started overthrowing the ball. The kids were trying too hard instead of relaxing. They really wanted this bad.”

The Falcons, with no seniors on the roster, were led by sophomore Kyle Condrick’s 611 series and 609 from sophomore Kyle Sharisky.

Drennan to speak in Valley

Bruce Drennan from All Bets Are Off on Sports Time Ohio will be the guest speaker at the Curbstone Coaches Hall of Fame Banquet.

The event will be held at Mr. Anthony’s Banquet Center on May 6 beginning at 6 p.m.

For tickets, call Ed Fowler at 330-506-9829.

Change in venue for Phantoms

The Youngstown Phantoms have moved their April 6 game from the Covelli Centre to the Ice Zone on McClurg Road at 7:15 p.m. to accommodate the country duo Sugarland’s April 6 performance at the Covelli Centre.

All tickets previously purchased for hockey on April 6 at the Covelli Centre will be honored at the Ice Zone and additional tickets can be purchased at the Ice Zone ticket booth which is open daily 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.