Senior Brock Farris became the 14th harrier in Boardman High School cross country history, claiming a 13th place finish in a field of 182 runners at last weekend’s Ohio prep championships held at Fotrtress Obetz, near Columbus.
      Farris posted a career best time of 15:29, that ranks second all time in school history.
      Farris was joined by BHS junior David D’Altorio who placed 20th overall with a time of 15:46 and earned All-Ohio for the second consecutive season.
      Both runners became the first Spartan duo to sit atop the podium at the state championship, and had the best finish since 2013 when Mark Hadley placed first and Alan Burns took 21st place.
      Ben Gabelman, of Westchester North, won the state title race with a time of 14:51.70.
      “This was really a great showing by both David and Brock,” said Spartan Head Coach John Phillips. “They ran really strong races and positioned themselves in the top 25 as soon as the gun went off. They both represent Boardman High School with such class, it was the perfect way to conclude such a great season for them and our team.”
      D’Altorio was awarded Academic All Ohio by the Ohio Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches for having a GPA of 3.5 or higher. This is D’Altorio’s second straight year being recognized for his performance in the classroom.
      Farris and D’Altorio are currently second and fifth respectively on The Boardman CC All-Time Top-25.
      The Spartan duo will travel to The Nike National Cross Country Regional Meet next weekend on the campus of Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana, looking to advance to the national championship that will be held in Eugene, Oregon.
      Boardman High School cross country competitors who have earned All-Ohio recognition are Hadley, Mitchel Dunham, Tim Powers, D’Altorio, Farris, Sam Deskin, Tim Grady, Dave Roberts, Burns, Tom Albani, Frank Bero, Donn Craig, Jay Anzellotti and Kevin Gorby.
      Competing in the state championship race on the girls’ side of the ledger as Lady Spartan Gabby Vennetti, a junior. She placed #126th in the race won by Evelyn Prodoehl, of Lakota West, who posted a time of 17:23.60.
     
      PICTURE:
      photo/Howard Reese
       BOARDMAN HIGH SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY runners David D’Altorio, at left, and Brock Farris, at right, earned All-Ohio honors last weekend competing in the Ohio Div. I championships. Farris set the pace for the Spartans with a 13 place finished while D’Altorio was 20th. 182 harriers competed at the event.