Boardman boys qualify seven to regionals

Seven members of the Boardman boys track team are one step away from a state appearance after advancing to the regional meet this weekend at Falcon Stadium in Austintown through their performances at the district championship last week.

Leading the way for the Spartans was sophomore Mark Hadley, who finished first in the 3200 with a time of 9:37. Hadley also qualified in the 1600 with a time of 4:19, which placed him second.

“Really impressive effort in the 3200 by Mark after a tough 1600 race,” said Boardman head coach John Phillips, “The temperature was warmer than usual and there is very little rest for distance runners in our district, so to be able to qualify in both events is a special accomplishment.”

The Spartans also qualified senior Dayne Hammond in the 400, as he placed second overall with a time of 50.28, Last week at the Federal League meet, Hammond set a new school record in the event with a time of 49.20.

The 4x100 relay team of sophomore Turel Thompson, sophomore Brian Bodrick, senior Allen Starkey and junior Nathan Jones finished third overall with a time of 43.27.

Last week, the relay set a new Boardman record with a time of 42.14.

Senior Brian Linsley was also a regional qualifier, finishing third in the discus with a throw of 147-10.

Boardman’s regional qualifiers are competing this weekend to earn a spot at next week’s state meet in Columbus. The top four in each regional event move on to state.