PHOTO BY ROMM PHOTOGRAPHY
Wadsworth senior thrower Hannah Gospodinsky (seen here at the 2010 Suburban League championship) placed first at the Austintown Div. I regionals and is on her way to states.
It is playoff and championship time in the Spring sports season and the Surburan League has many teams and individuals still fighting for the gold.
Track and Field
In boys track, Green, Copley and Tallmadge are still alive with representatives at the Youngstown Division I Regional.
The top four finishers in each event will advance to the state tournament.
On the girls side, at Austintown Fitch High School, a couple of the track stars from the Suburban League shined again on Wednesday.
From Cloverleaf High School, senior Jennifer Foster took second in the high jump and Wadsworth’s senior thrower, Hannah Gospodinsky took a first in the shot put.
“I feel like I’m just starting to peak,” Foster said. She made it to the regional after terrific performances at the Surburban League Championships and the district meet.
Foster set a school and meet record in the high jump at the SL Championships while also capturing titles in the 100 hurdles and pole vault.
At the district meet, Foster hit the hurdles at 15.10. She has qualified for the state finals three straight years.
“I just love track, all aspects,” Foster said.
Meanwhile, Gospodinsky has been throwing in Wadsworth from an early age, thanks to her father's coaching.
“I really love the shot put, there is more technique in the throw than you think, and it is not just brute strength,” Gospodinsky said.
Softball
The Copley Indians (21-2) had their season end in Columbus in the Division I Regional Semifinal after falling to Gahanna Lincoln, 7-6.
The Indians found themselves down 7-3 after four innings of play, but battled back in the late innings to make it a one-run game.
“This team is a true family, a special group,” said coach Glenn McCoy, who led the Indians to their first-ever Suburban League softball championship.
Copley advanced to the regional tournament after winning the District Championship over Wadsworth earlier this week. The final in that game was 4-2 at the Barberton Division I District.
Wadsworth (22-7) had a great season but struck out in three games against Copley this season.
Baseball
The Green Bulldog baseball team has added some well-deserved hardware to its clubhouse this spring with a Suburban League title and District Championship.
“I’m very proud of these kids, they have stayed positive the whole season,” said Green coach Jon Wallace.
Green clinched the SL title with its 8-5 win earlier this week over Wadsworth.
Green finished the SL season at 12-2 and is now 23-4 overall after beating Shaker Heights Friday afternoon in the Canton Division I Regional Semifinal. The Bulldogs will face either Willoughby South or Medina in the Regional Final.
“These guys have worked very hard through a rough spring with the weather but they are very excited about the opportunity that is ahead of us,” Wallace said.
The other SL baseball team still alive is the Tallmadge Blue Devils, who will face Archbishop Hoban in the Hudson Div. II Regional Semifinal on Friday.
Tallmadge has played in five district title games in the last eight years, finally getting the win in 2011.
“We are pumped and ready to go to Hudson today,” said Tallmadge Coach Kenny Linn.
“Our defense has been very good as of late and our pitchers are peaking at the right time” Linn said.
News
Tallmadge High School has hired a new boys basketball coach who has coached in the area at two different high schools.
Aaron Hinkle, who previously coached at Lake Center Christian for two years and nine years as an assistant at Green High School, brings experience to Tallmadge in building a program. He was very good in developing the youth programs in his previous positions.
“We are excited and pleased to introduce Aaron as our new coach and are confident he brings a new level of energy to program,” said Tallmadge Athletic Director Don Seeker.