Boys cross country places sixth at Malone Invitational

The Boardman boys cross country team placed sixth overall at The Malone University Invitational in Canton on Sept. 26 and improved their season record to 38-40. The Spartans were led by senior Ethan Schwendeman, who took 11th overall out of 302 varsity and junior varsity runners in a new personal best time of 16:49. Junior Chris Butler earned 24th place overall with an effort of 17:17. He was followed by junior Nick Digiacomo in 39th place in a time of 17:44.

Next up for Boardman was junior Nathaniel Ams whose time of 17:50 was 44th overall. He was followed by sophomore Mark Moradian in 85th place in a time of 18:47. Following was senior Adam Deeley in 103rd overall in a time of 18:59.

“This was a nice bounce back from a very tough home meet last week,” said Spartan head coach John Phillips. “We are still hampered by injuries, but other guys are stepping up and the leadership that Ethan Schwendeman provides has been huge,” Phillips added.

Also highlighting the Boardman effort was the number of personal bests at Malone. Setting new marks were Schwendeman, senior Brett Brunko at 19:44 and junior Dan Raver at 20:38 and junior Jonathan Tran at 20:39.

Also achieving a new personal best and earning this weeks BW3 ‘Runner of the Week’ award was junior Matt Maroni, who set a new career best in a time of 18:40.

“Matt had a tremendous race and appears to have taken a huge step forward as a runner,” Phillips said. “With the uncertainty we have with some of our varsity runners health, having Matt and others ready to go will be a key for us the next few weeks.”

The Spartans have won 13 of the past 14 county titles.