Stellar spring athletes do the Valley proud this year

Once again this year, hearty congrats go out to a slew of Mahoning Valley softball, baseball and track and field standouts who’ve made a mark for themselves – and our region – at state championship play.

Collectively, they make the Valley proud by solidifying and extending our region’s reputation as a powerhouse for superlative high school athleticism. For decades, adept athletes from Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties have been wowing spectators from all corners of Ohio at state championship events.

That tradition continued this year.

In softball, the indomitable Raiders from South Range High School used teamwork, talent and determination to propel them all the way to the Division III state championship game in Akron earlier this month. And even though the squad endured a heartbreaking 8-3 loss to Wheelersburg High, the state softball runners-up have much to celebrate.

“We had a fantastic season,” South Range head coach Jeff DeRose beamed. “Hats off to these kids. They’re amazing.”

Also exhibiting amazing play this spring was the Poland Bulldogs baseball team. Although it fell short to Hamilton Badin in the Division II State Semifinals in Columbus, the Dogs still stand tall, having outperformed nearly 200 other teams in its division.

Poland Seminary High School also stakes claim to the creme de la creme of the Valley’s 2016 track standouts. The Bulldogs’ 4X100 relay team struck gold in Columbus this month, taking first place in the state, adding polish to the honor the baseball team delivered to the school and town.

Girard High’s Collin Harden similarly used civic pride to catapult him to the state title in the 300 hurdles. “I was just thinking. I’ve got to get it. I’ve got to get it for my city and my family,” he said.

From nearby McDonald, sophomore Malina Mitchell won the girls’ 4X400 relay in astounding fashion, rallying from behind to cross the finish line four-tenths of 1 second ahead of a Minster High runner.

All things considered, teamwork and individual talent sealed the deal for Greater Youngstown-Warren’s ability to muster up such a hefty hunk of state championship metal this spring. Numerous other Valley schools won high honors at the tourney, including Warren Harding, Austintown Fitch, Boardman, Canfield, East, Hubbard, Niles, Mapleowood and Mathews.

VINDICATOR HONOREES

For its part, The Vindicator announced its top crop of spring sports honorees this week after closely monitoring their play throughout the season. We congratulate those honorees: Anthony Calcagni, Poland baseball; Wyatt Larimer, Western Reserve baseball; Molly Williams, Champion softball; Caragyn Yanek, South Range softball; Austin Arfaras and Luke Tsudis, Ursuline doubles tennis; Harden, Girard track; Andrew Hallof, Canfield field; Mitchell, McDonald track; and Juliana Kreatsoulas, Poland field.

We also heartily congratulate our male and female athletes of the 2015-16 year: Morgan Czopur of South Range softball and Graham Mincher, Springfield High School’s starting football quarterback.

Collectively those hard-hitting softball champs, those never-say-die track victors and those adept baseball aces have brought glory to their schools, their communities and the entire Mahoning Valley.