Boys cross country takes 12th at GlenOak

The Boardman Spartan Cross Country team began its season on Aug. 23 at The Golden Eagle Invitational at GlenOak High School in Canton placing 12th overall in Div. I.

Leading the Spartans was senior Nick Long, finishing 30th overall out if 504 varsity and junior varsity runners in a time of 17:49. Finishing next for the Spartans was senior Juan Santiago in a time of 18:21, which placed him 59th overall. He was followed by junior Ethan Schwendeman in a time of 18:36 which was good enough for 69th place. Sophomore Nathaniel Ams was next up in 84th place at 18:46 and junior Adam Deeley was 99th overall at 19:04.

“This was a reality check for us,” said Boardman Head Coach John Phillips. “We have a lot of guys that have to learn how to lead and to compete at the varsity level and its going to take time. Fortunately, we have a lot of hard workers in our program so we should see positive growth throughout the season.”

Scoring high for the Spartans in the junior varsity race was freshman Jimmy Lagese, who ran a 20:46 in his first race as a high school competitor. Lagese’s effort earned him this week’s BW3 ‘Runner of the Week Award’.

“Jimmy is one of those hard workers I just spoke of,” said Phillips. “He ran all summer, putting in a solid volume of miles, and it is already paying dividends - that is what you have to do to be successful in this sport, put in the work and good things happen.”