Boardman runners win first Malone Invite

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The Boardman boys cross country team won the Malone Invitational for the first time in school history. Team members are, from left, (front) head coach John Phillips, junior Alan Burns, junior Mark Hadley, freshman Adam Deeley; (back) senior Sam Sheronovich, freshman Nathan Hadley, sophomore Juan Santiago and junior Justin Maroni.

The Boardman boys cross country team captured the school’s first-ever Malone Invitational championship on Sept. 22, placing six runners among the top 22.

The Spartans were led by junior Mark Hadley, who took first overall out of 346 varsity and junior varsity runners for the second consecutive year in a time of 15:42. Junior Alan Burns earned second place overall with an effort of 16:25. He was followed by freshman Nathan Hadley in sixth place in a time of 16:34, an effort that ranks the him 18th all-time in school history.

Next up for Boardman was sophomore Juan Santiago, whose time of 16:51 was 12th overall. He was followed by junior Justin Maroni in 15th place in a time of 16:53 and senior Sam Sheronovich in 22nd overall in a time of 17:05.

“I am so proud of our kids,” said head coach John Phillips. “This was a win we really wanted to get since most of the Federal League and district schools would be here. Plus this is the course the district meet will be run on, so getting a good feel for it is very important.”

Also highlighting the Boardman effort was the large number of personal bests at Malone. Setting new marks were seniors Pete Stafford (17:45), Matt Scott (20:20), Ryan Key (18:08), Matt Carubia (20:15), Rick Henneman (18:55), and Fletcher Dunham (18:50). Juniors setting new career bests were Mo Akbar (20:15), Justin Maroni (16:53), Carmen Marinucci (19:45), and Kevin McNally (22:09). Sophomores setting new bests were Andrew Cessna at 21:56, Nick Long at 17:56, Brandon Rigelsky at 20:34, Juan Santiago at 16:51, Matt Stark at 22:06, and Kostas Kasamias at 18:33. Freshmen setting new career bests at Malone were Nick Cessna (22:32), Jared Whitford (20:51), Nathan Hadley (16:34), Ethan Schwendeman (19:17), and Adam Deeley (17:59).

“The number of new personal bests we had was absolutely amazing,” Phillips said.

Earning this week’s BW3 ‘Runner of the Week’ award was senior Matt Peyko, who set a new career best in a time of 19:32.

“Matt has worked so hard the past four years to get into the 19’s,” explained Phillips, “I am so happy for Matt; his work ethic and dedication is an example for others to follow.”