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McDonald boys eye another state bid

Tribune Chronicle / John Vargo McDonald's CJ Seitz, left, and Carson Fortune run during Saturday's Division III Trumbull County District meet.

BAZETTA — McDonald senior CJ Seitz knows the history.

So do his teammates.

The Blue Devils distance runner is aware his teammates have one goal — make the state tournament.

McDonald is eyeing one of the top four spots at Saturday’s Division III Boardman Regional, starting at 11 a.m.

The top four teams and top 16 runners in Division III move on to the state meet Nov. 5 at National Trail Raceway in Hebron.

McDonald, which is ranked sixth in the state, is trying to make their 18th consecutive appearance at state.

“It’s just getting to state,” Seitz said. “It doesn’t matter if we get fourth at regionals. We’re just trying to keep the streak alive. It’s put a lot of pressure on us.”

The Blue Devils took second behind two-time Division III state champion Maplewood at last Saturday’s Division III Trumbull County District Meet — led by Seitz and sophomore Carson Fortune, who finished 10th and 11th, respectively.

Fortune said his team isn’t so focused on state as they are on this Saturday’s regional meet.

He said McDonald wasn’t slated to do so well after losing a strong senior class, but he, Seitz and some freshmen have upped their running levels to help the Blue Devils succeed this season.

“We’re just working together,” Fortune said.

Setiz said the future of the program is going to be bright with a couple of talented eighth graders coming in next year, along with this year’s returning cast.

He wants to come back and help next year after he graduates.

Giving back to the McDonald program is something many runners have done over the years.

“We love the sport here in McDonald,” Seitz said. “Being around the environment makes you happy.”

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