Boardman Lady Spartans Fall in 9-Inning Heartbreaker in District Finals, 4-3
The Boardman Lady Spartans saw their season come to a close Thursday night in North Royalton as they fell to the Revere Minutemen, 4-3, in nine innings in the Division III District Final.
It marked the Spartans’ second consecutive trip to the district championship game after capturing the crown a season ago. This year, however, Boardman finished as district runner-up after an emotional extra-inning battle.
Both teams worked out of early trouble as the game remained scoreless through the first two innings. Each squad managed to get runners to third base but could not capitalize.
Revere struck first in the top of the third inning. After an error allowed the leadoff hitter to reach base and a sacrifice bunt moved the runner into scoring position, the Minutemen plated a run on an RBI groundout to take a 1-0 lead.
Boardman answered immediately in the bottom half of the inning. A leadoff walk by Lanie Joyce and a double from Mikayla Rivera put the Spartans in business. Addie Kowacich continued her clutch postseason hitting with a two-run double into the gap to give Boardman the lead. Kate Thames followed with an RBI single back up the middle to extend the advantage to 3-1.
Revere chipped away in the fifth inning. A leadoff single followed by a passed ball moved the runner into scoring position, and another base hit brought home a run to cut the deficit to 3-2.
The Spartans shut down another Revere threat in the sixth, but the pressure continued to build in the seventh inning. With one out, Revere reached on an error before a double put two runners in scoring position. An RBI groundout tied the game at 3-3 and forced extra innings.
Boardman nearly walked it off in the bottom of the seventh. The Spartans had the winning run at second base with only one out, but an intentional walk to Kowacich set up force plays, and Revere escaped the inning with a groundout and a pop out.
After a scoreless eighth inning from both sides, Revere finally broke through in the ninth. A one-out double sparked the rally before a line drive up the middle brought home the go-ahead run. Boardman was retired in order in the bottom half of the inning as the Spartans’ postseason run came to an end.
Gabi Sferra took the loss for Boardman but battled through several difficult situations to keep the Spartans in the game deep into extra innings. Kowacich came on in relief and needed just one pitch to end the ninth inning. Sferra pitched 8 2/3 innings, allowing eight hits, four runs — only two earned — while walking four and striking out 10. She also stranded 12 runners on base thanks to several key strikeouts throughout the night.
The Spartans received strong performances offensively from the top of the lineup. Kenzie Cherne and Kate Thames each finished 2-for-4, with Thames adding an RBI. Ellie Wymer, Rivera, and Kowacich each added hits, while Kowacich drove in two runs.
The coaching staff would like to thank our seniors. Gabi Sferra, Addie Kowacich, Ellie Wymer, Lanie Joyce, and Jocelynn Torres all played major roles in the success of the program over the past two seasons. Their leadership and contributions helped guide the Spartans to back-to-back district final appearances and the final four run from a year ago.
The Spartans finish the 2026 season at 18-9 with another memorable postseason run and a foundation that continues to keep Boardman among the area’s top softball programs.
The Boardman High School varsity baseball program continues its meaningful Teacher Appreciation Game tradition, where our senior Spartans take time to honor educators who have made a lasting impact on their lives. As another school year comes to a close, we are reminded just how powerful, inspiring, and influential teachers can be both inside and outside the classroom.
This year’s senior recognitions include:
• Collin Resetar honoring Ms. Tomko
• Brady McCauley honoring Mr. Ladner
• Ryan Neifer honoring Mr. Popio
• Vince Butto honoring Mr. Sheehan
• Tyler Kirlik honoring Miss Pishotti
These moments reflect the heart of Boardman—gratitude, connection, and the lasting relationships built between students and staff. We are proud of our seniors for taking the time to recognize the educators who helped shape their journey, and we are equally proud of our incredible Boardman staff who show up every day to make a difference.
As the season winds down, we’re reminded that the impact of an educator doesn’t end when the final bell rings—it lasts a lifetime.
We are Spartan proud!
The Boardman Varsity Baseball team hosted GlenOak in their final home game of the season and fell 12-0.
Collin Resetar took the hard luck loss as he was cruising through the first three innings before running into trouble in the fourth. Resetar went 4 innings, giving up six unearned runs, and struck out four. Thomas Ramovs pitched 2 innnigs in relief giving up two earned runs and striking out one. Danny Jorge pitched the final inning giving up four runs, only one earned.
Donovan Whippo led the way on offense with 2 hits. Vince Butto and Ben Kelso also added a hit a piece. The Spartans were unable to take advantage of a few opportunities to get into the run column.
Boardman falls to 10-13 and will return to action for their final regular season game at West Branch on Saturday before traveling to Mayfield for their first playoff game.
Collin Resetar took the hard luck loss as he was cruising through the first three innings before running into trouble in the fourth. Resetar went 4 innings, giving up six unearned runs, and struck out four. Thomas Ramovs pitched 2 innnigs in relief giving up two earned runs and striking out one. Danny Jorge pitched the final inning giving up four runs, only one earned.
Donovan Whippo led the way on offense with 2 hits. Vince Butto and Ben Kelso also added a hit a piece. The Spartans were unable to take advantage of a few opportunities to get into the run column.
Boardman falls to 10-13 and will return to action for their final regular season game at West Branch on Saturday before traveling to Mayfield for their first playoff game.
Boardman Girls Track All AAC Team!
From start to finish, our Spartans competed with determination, heart, and championship-level effort, finishing with outstanding performances and well-deserved 1st Team All-AAC honors in their respective events!Congratulations, Spartans, on an unforgettable conference meet performance!
We are Spartan Proud!
From start to finish, our Spartans competed with determination, heart, and championship-level effort, finishing with outstanding performances and well-deserved 1st Team All-AAC honors in their respective events!Congratulations, Spartans, on an unforgettable conference meet performance!
We are Spartan Proud!
Congratulations to our Boardman Baseball players who earned 1st and 2nd Team All-AAC Conference honors!
These honors are a reflection of the commitment our athletes bring to the field every single day and the pride they take in representing Boardman Baseball.
We are Spartan Proud! 🖤⚾
These honors are a reflection of the commitment our athletes bring to the field every single day and the pride they take in representing Boardman Baseball.
We are Spartan Proud! 🖤⚾
Congratulations to our Boardman Softball players on being selected to the 1st and 2nd Team All-AAC Conference teams! 🥎🖤💛
From big plays on the field to leadership and teamwork, our Spartans continue to represent Boardman with pride and excellence.
We are Spartan Proud!
From big plays on the field to leadership and teamwork, our Spartans continue to represent Boardman with pride and excellence.
We are Spartan Proud!
Congratulations to our Boardman Boys Tennis players on earning All-AAC honors!
Representing Boardman with pride both on and off the court, these athletes continue to raise the standard for Spartan Tennis.
We are Spartan Proud! 🖤🎾
Representing Boardman with pride both on and off the court, these athletes continue to raise the standard for Spartan Tennis.
We are Spartan Proud! 🖤🎾
The Boardman Lady Spartans punched their ticket to the district championship game Thursday with an emphatic 11-1 run-rule victory over the Westlake Demons in a Division III district semifinal Tuesday at Boardman.
With warmer weather arriving, the Spartans bats began to heat up as they collected 13 hits while erupting for nine runs in the third inning to put the game out of reach. Leading the charge was Addie Kowacich, who finished a single shy of the cycle in a dominant performance at the plate.
After two quick outs in the first inning, Kowacich sparked the Spartans with a triple to the gap. Kate Thames followed with an RBI double before Kenzie Cherne added an RBI single to give Boardman an early 2-0 advantage.
The Spartans then broke the game open in the third by sending 13 batters to the plate. Kowacich and Thames opened the inning with back-to-back home runs, setting the tone for the offensive explosion. Two batters later, Gabi Sferra delivered an RBI double, while Lanie Joyce ripped a single past a diving shortstop to plate another run. Ellie Wymer later added an RBI single before Kowacich came through again with a two-run double. Thames capped the inning with an RBI groundout as Boardman extended its lead to 11-0.
Westlake managed to score once in the fifth inning, but Sferra quickly ended any hopes of a comeback. The right-hander tossed all five innings, allowing just three hits and one run while striking out 10 and walking two.
Kowacich led the Spartans offensively, going 3-for-3 with a home run, triple, double, three RBIs, and three runs scored. Thames finished 2-for-3 with a home run, double, and three RBIs. Cherne and Joyce each went 2-for-2 with an RBI, while Sferra added two hits and an RBI of her own. Wymer drove in two runs, and Mikayla Rivera also contributed a hit.
With the victory, Boardman improves to 18-8 on the season and advances to the district championship game for the second consecutive year. The Spartans will face the Revere Minutemen on Thursday at North Royalton High School at 5:00 p.m., where Boardman will serve as the home team
The JV Baseball team traveled to Poland and led going into the bottom of the seventh inning, but ultimately fell in heartbreaking fashion losing 10-9.
Jimmy Putko got the start and no decision as he went 4.1 innings giving up four earned runs while striking out three. Anthony Ramunno finished the final 2.1 innings giving up five earned runs in the loss.
The offense was led by Patrick Young and Zac Caldwell who each had 2 hits and 2 RBIs with Young scoring twice. Clayton Hoffman and Justin Beish each added a hit, run, and an RBI. Putko added a hit and a run. Marco Trafficante added a double and 2 runs, Coben Scarsella added a hit and 2 runs, and Jason Clark and Logan Miller each added an RBI.
The JV Spartans fall to 7-13 and will return to action tomorrow when they travel to Marlington.
Jimmy Putko got the start and no decision as he went 4.1 innings giving up four earned runs while striking out three. Anthony Ramunno finished the final 2.1 innings giving up five earned runs in the loss.
The offense was led by Patrick Young and Zac Caldwell who each had 2 hits and 2 RBIs with Young scoring twice. Clayton Hoffman and Justin Beish each added a hit, run, and an RBI. Putko added a hit and a run. Marco Trafficante added a double and 2 runs, Coben Scarsella added a hit and 2 runs, and Jason Clark and Logan Miller each added an RBI.
The JV Spartans fall to 7-13 and will return to action tomorrow when they travel to Marlington.
The Boardman Varsity Baseball team bounced back at home against Poland winning 7-2 to avenge this opening day loss to the Bulldogs.
Tyler Kirlik went the distance to earn the win. After giving up a run in each of the first two innings, Kirlik was shut down the rest of the way going the full 7 innings, giving up two earned runs, and striking out eleven.
On the offensive end, the Spartans used a balance attack as they belted 12 hits, led by Vince Butto with 3 hits, an RBI, and 2 runs scored. Sammy Moritz added 2 hits, 3 RBIs, and a run. Kirlik helped his cause with 2 hits, an RBI, and a run. Ricky Gozur added 2 hits and 2 runs. Ryan Neifer added a double and an RBI. Tyler Helmick and Thomas Ramovs each added a hit. Donovan Whippo added an RBI.
Boardman improves to 10-12 and will return to action on Wednesday when they host Glen Oak and will celebrate our Teacher Appreciation Game for our Seniors.
Tyler Kirlik went the distance to earn the win. After giving up a run in each of the first two innings, Kirlik was shut down the rest of the way going the full 7 innings, giving up two earned runs, and striking out eleven.
On the offensive end, the Spartans used a balance attack as they belted 12 hits, led by Vince Butto with 3 hits, an RBI, and 2 runs scored. Sammy Moritz added 2 hits, 3 RBIs, and a run. Kirlik helped his cause with 2 hits, an RBI, and a run. Ricky Gozur added 2 hits and 2 runs. Ryan Neifer added a double and an RBI. Tyler Helmick and Thomas Ramovs each added a hit. Donovan Whippo added an RBI.
Boardman improves to 10-12 and will return to action on Wednesday when they host Glen Oak and will celebrate our Teacher Appreciation Game for our Seniors.
Congratulations to Coach John Phillips- AAC Sportsmanship, Ethics and Integrity Award✨
This recognition celebrates coaches who reflect the highest values of sportsmanship, ethics, integrity, professionalism, and leadership while serving as positive role models for student-athletes both on and off the playing field.
Coach Phillips exemplifies these qualities through his dedication to his athletes, the respect he shows to others, and the positive culture he continues to build within Boardman athletics. His leadership, professionalism, and commitment to doing things the right way make a lasting impact on the students and families he serves.
Congratulations, Coach Phillips, on this well-deserved recognition. We are proud to have you representing Boardman!
This recognition celebrates coaches who reflect the highest values of sportsmanship, ethics, integrity, professionalism, and leadership while serving as positive role models for student-athletes both on and off the playing field.
Coach Phillips exemplifies these qualities through his dedication to his athletes, the respect he shows to others, and the positive culture he continues to build within Boardman athletics. His leadership, professionalism, and commitment to doing things the right way make a lasting impact on the students and families he serves.
Congratulations, Coach Phillips, on this well-deserved recognition. We are proud to have you representing Boardman!
Congratulations to Boardman senior Gabe Hammerton - AAC Respect the Game/Sportsmanship Award Spring 2026🎾
The OHSAA defines this honor as being awarded to a male athlete who demonstrates, through play and sportsmanship, the true philosophy of athletics. This recognition celebrates athletes who compete with integrity, respect others involved in the game, lead by example, and represent their school and team with character and class.
Gabe exemplifies these qualities each and every day through his leadership, sportsmanship, dedication, and respect for teammates, opponents, coaches, officials, and the game itself. He has proudly represented Boardman athletics both on and off the court throughout his career.
Congratulations, Gabe, on this well-deserved honor. We are incredibly proud of the example you set for younger Spartans and the entire Boardman community!
The OHSAA defines this honor as being awarded to a male athlete who demonstrates, through play and sportsmanship, the true philosophy of athletics. This recognition celebrates athletes who compete with integrity, respect others involved in the game, lead by example, and represent their school and team with character and class.
Gabe exemplifies these qualities each and every day through his leadership, sportsmanship, dedication, and respect for teammates, opponents, coaches, officials, and the game itself. He has proudly represented Boardman athletics both on and off the court throughout his career.
Congratulations, Gabe, on this well-deserved honor. We are incredibly proud of the example you set for younger Spartans and the entire Boardman community!
Congratulations to Boardman’s own Madison Whyde on being recognized for her inspiring impact as a student-athlete in both Lacrosse and Track!
This special AAC honor celebrates female athletes who lead with dedication, perseverance, and heart — inspiring teammates, competitors, classmates, and their communities both on and off the field.
Madison truly represents what it means to be a Spartan through her hard work, leadership, and the positive example she sets every day. We are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished and can’t wait to see what’s ahead for her.
Congratulations, Madison! Your Boardman family is cheering you on every step of the way! 🥍🏃♀️✨
This special AAC honor celebrates female athletes who lead with dedication, perseverance, and heart — inspiring teammates, competitors, classmates, and their communities both on and off the field.
Madison truly represents what it means to be a Spartan through her hard work, leadership, and the positive example she sets every day. We are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished and can’t wait to see what’s ahead for her.
Congratulations, Madison! Your Boardman family is cheering you on every step of the way! 🥍🏃♀️✨
The Boardman Varsity Baseball team traveled to Louisville and played a hard fought game, ultimately falling 5-3. The game started off hot as both teams came out swinging and then the pitching locked in and the scoring ended after the first two innings.
Donovan Whippo got the start for the Spartans and pitched really well, despite taking the loss, going 5 innings giving up only two earned runs and striking out one. Thomas Ramovs pitched 1 scoreless inning in relief as well.
On offense the Spartans managed seven hits and hit a ton of balls hard, but couldn't quite get the big hit when they needed it, leaving the bases loaded in two different innings. LJ Norvell led the way with 2 hits, including a double, an RBI and a run scored. Vince Butto added a hit and an RBI. Tyler Kirlik added a double and Whippo added a hit. Tyler Helmick and Sammy Moritz each added a hit and a run scored.
Donovan Whippo got the start for the Spartans and pitched really well, despite taking the loss, going 5 innings giving up only two earned runs and striking out one. Thomas Ramovs pitched 1 scoreless inning in relief as well.
On offense the Spartans managed seven hits and hit a ton of balls hard, but couldn't quite get the big hit when they needed it, leaving the bases loaded in two different innings. LJ Norvell led the way with 2 hits, including a double, an RBI and a run scored. Vince Butto added a hit and an RBI. Tyler Kirlik added a double and Whippo added a hit. Tyler Helmick and Sammy Moritz each added a hit and a run scored.
Several Boardman Glenwood Middle School athletes represented the Spartans this past Saturday at the OHSAA 7th & 8th Grade Track and Field State Meet held at Hilliard Darby High School, competing against some of the top middle school athletes from across Ohio.
Roman Timblin led the way with an outstanding performance in the hurdles, earning a 5th-place finish in the 110-meter hurdles while also placing 13th in the 200-meter hurdles.
Alexa Duble also competed at the state meet in the 200-meter hurdles, finishing 10th overall in a strong field of competitors.
In relay action, the 4x400-meter relay team of Owen Papini, Evan Letendre, Roman Timblin, and Austin Gillin brought home a 6th-place finish with an impressive performance on the state stage.
Competing at the state meet is a tremendous accomplishment, and these athletes represented Boardman with pride, determination, and class all season long. We cannot wait to watch them continue to compete and represent our school for years to come!
We are SPARTAN PROUD! 👏
Roman Timblin led the way with an outstanding performance in the hurdles, earning a 5th-place finish in the 110-meter hurdles while also placing 13th in the 200-meter hurdles.
Alexa Duble also competed at the state meet in the 200-meter hurdles, finishing 10th overall in a strong field of competitors.
In relay action, the 4x400-meter relay team of Owen Papini, Evan Letendre, Roman Timblin, and Austin Gillin brought home a 6th-place finish with an impressive performance on the state stage.
Competing at the state meet is a tremendous accomplishment, and these athletes represented Boardman with pride, determination, and class all season long. We cannot wait to watch them continue to compete and represent our school for years to come!
We are SPARTAN PROUD! 👏
Boardman Bounces Back After Tough Loss with 3-2 Victory over Berea-Midpark
After suffering a heartbreaking extra-inning loss to conference rival Howland on Friday night, the Boardman Spartans bounced back in a big way Saturday afternoon with a gritty 3-2 road victory over a strong Berea-Midpark squad.
Boardman found itself trailing 2-0 in the bottom of the third inning, but the Spartans answered in clutch fashion in the top of the fourth. Kate Thames sparked the rally after reaching on an error, and Kenzie Cherne followed with a single to put two runners aboard. Later in the inning, Ellie Wymer delivered the biggest hit of the day, driving a triple into the right-center gap that scored both runners and tied the game at 2-2. Moments later, Mikayla Rivera reached on an error that allowed Wymer to cross the plate and give Boardman a 3-2 advantage.
That would be all the support needed for Addie Kowacich in the circle. Kowacich turned in a complete-game performance, working all seven innings to earn the win. She allowed just five hits and two runs while striking out four and walking four. Her biggest strikeout came in the final inning with the tying run on second and the winning run on first to slam the door on the Titans.
The Spartans were also backed by outstanding defense throughout the afternoon, highlighted by several key plays from Lanie Joyce and Rivera that helped erase scoring threats and limit damage.
Offensively, Boardman collected six hits on the day from Addie Rudge, Wymer, Kowacich, Joyce, Thames, and Cherne.
With the victory, the Spartans improve to 17-8 on the season. Boardman will return to action Tuesday when they host Westlake in a Division III district semifinal matchup
The Boardman Varsity Baseball team bounced back from a tough loss by putting together a complete team effort in a dominant 14-3 win against Springfield.
Tyler Kirlik got the start on the mound and earned the win going 4 innings, giving up two earned runs on three hits while striking out seven. Thomas Ramovs came in for relief to finish the final 1 inning, giving up only one unearned run and striking out one.
On offense the Spartans had their best performance of the year tallying 15 hits and scoring 14 runs in their 4 innings of hitting. Ryan Neifer, Donovan Whippo, and Tyler Helmick each had 2 hits, 2 runs, and an RBI. LJ Norvell also added 2 hits and 2 RBIs. Kirlik hit his fifth homerun of the season and scored a second run. Vince Butto added 2 hits and a run scored. Sammy Moritz added a hit, an RBI, and 3 runs. Coben Scarsella had a 3 RBI double, Brady McCauley added an RBI double, and Thomas Ramovs added a hit and 3 RBIs. Jimmy Putko and Jonathan Grope each added a run scored.
The Spartans improve to 9-11 and will return to action as they head to future AAC opponent Louisville on Monday to begin their final week of the regular season.
Tyler Kirlik got the start on the mound and earned the win going 4 innings, giving up two earned runs on three hits while striking out seven. Thomas Ramovs came in for relief to finish the final 1 inning, giving up only one unearned run and striking out one.
On offense the Spartans had their best performance of the year tallying 15 hits and scoring 14 runs in their 4 innings of hitting. Ryan Neifer, Donovan Whippo, and Tyler Helmick each had 2 hits, 2 runs, and an RBI. LJ Norvell also added 2 hits and 2 RBIs. Kirlik hit his fifth homerun of the season and scored a second run. Vince Butto added 2 hits and a run scored. Sammy Moritz added a hit, an RBI, and 3 runs. Coben Scarsella had a 3 RBI double, Brady McCauley added an RBI double, and Thomas Ramovs added a hit and 3 RBIs. Jimmy Putko and Jonathan Grope each added a run scored.
The Spartans improve to 9-11 and will return to action as they head to future AAC opponent Louisville on Monday to begin their final week of the regular season.
The JV Baseball team traveled to Uniontown to take on the Green Bulldogs and played tough, but fell 3-0 against a tough opponent.
Patrick Young kept the Spartans in the game going 4.1 innings, giving three earned runs while striking out one. Marco Trafficante pitched the final 1.2 scoreless innings.
Offensively the Spartans struggled to get the timely hits they needed. Justin Beish, Jimmy Putko, Aiden McVeigh, Zac Caldwell, and Young each had a hit.
The JV team falls to 7-11 on the year and will return to action on Tuesday when they travel to 224 rival, Poland.
Patrick Young kept the Spartans in the game going 4.1 innings, giving three earned runs while striking out one. Marco Trafficante pitched the final 1.2 scoreless innings.
Offensively the Spartans struggled to get the timely hits they needed. Justin Beish, Jimmy Putko, Aiden McVeigh, Zac Caldwell, and Young each had a hit.
The JV team falls to 7-11 on the year and will return to action on Tuesday when they travel to 224 rival, Poland.
The Boardman Varsity Baseball team traveled to Howland for their final AAC game of the season and things looked good as the Spartans headed to the bottom of the seventh with a 4-1 lead. However, the bottom of the inning did not go as planned and Boardman fell 5-4 in heartbreaking fashion.
Collin Resetar pitched well, going 6.2 innings giving up only one earned run and striking out seven in the bad luck loss.
On offense Donovan Whippo led the way with 2 hits and an RBI. Thomas Ramovs added a double and an RBI. Tyler Kirlik tallied the final hit and scored a run. Sammy Moritz, LJ Norvell and Danny Jorge each scored a run.
The Spartans fall to 8-11 and finish 4-4 in the AAC. They will return to action as they host Springfield tomorrow morning.
Collin Resetar pitched well, going 6.2 innings giving up only one earned run and striking out seven in the bad luck loss.
On offense Donovan Whippo led the way with 2 hits and an RBI. Thomas Ramovs added a double and an RBI. Tyler Kirlik tallied the final hit and scored a run. Sammy Moritz, LJ Norvell and Danny Jorge each scored a run.
The Spartans fall to 8-11 and finish 4-4 in the AAC. They will return to action as they host Springfield tomorrow morning.
Congratulations to junior track standout Gigi Angiuli on being named this week’s Cane’s Student Athlete of the Week! 🖤🏃♀️
Gigi had an incredible performance at the AAC Championship Meet this past Wednesday in Austintown, where she was named Meet MVP — earning the honor of Girls Track AAC Player of the Year!
We are so proud of Gigi’s hard work, dedication, and the way she continues to represent Boardman with excellence both on and off the track.
Congratulations, Gigi — we are SPARTAN PROUD! 👏
Gigi had an incredible performance at the AAC Championship Meet this past Wednesday in Austintown, where she was named Meet MVP — earning the honor of Girls Track AAC Player of the Year!
We are so proud of Gigi’s hard work, dedication, and the way she continues to represent Boardman with excellence both on and off the track.
Congratulations, Gigi — we are SPARTAN PROUD! 👏
