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Poland star Stanich bound for Fort Wayne

Submitted photo Poland’s Gianna Stanich has signed to run cross country and track at Purdue-Fort Wayne University in Indiana.

POLAND — Gianna Stanich saw the landscape go past on Interstate 80, traveling west on the Ohio Turnpike. The Poland senior distance runner crossed into Indiana in her vehicle, with I-69 South in her sights.

Stanich’s eyes eventually saw the Purdue-Fort Wayne University campus. She took the campus visit, not knowing how she’d like the environment.

“I didn’t know if I would end up going there,” Stanich said. “I left the visit and I loved the people and loved the area. I think this is a fit for me.”

She signed with the Mastodons track and field and cross country programs. Stanich looked at Youngstown State University as well, and some other schools in North Carolina.

“That was a little far for me,” she said.

It looked like the Mahoning Valley.

“You know how (U.S. Route) 224 has everything down the one road? It’s kind of like that, but a little bit bigger. I really like it,” Stanich said about Fort Wayne.

Poland girls cross country coach Kim Grisdale said running at PFW is a great accomplishment for Stanich.

“It’s really exciting, but more than anything it’s a relief because she’s someone who deserves it,” Grisdale said. “She’s worked so hard for it her entire life. She has really dedicated herself to working out and doing whatever it took to become an elite-level runner from the time she was really little. It’s nice to see that rewarded.

“I know competing at the next level is an accomplishment. It means a little extra to her. Because of that I’m really exited for her because running has meant so much to her, and running at this level.”

The Mastodons are heading to the Horizon League next year with teams like YSU.

“I’m really excited since they’re moving leagues,” Stanich said. “They’ll be in with the Horizon League and everything. I’ll be closer to home sometimes. That’ll be a plus sometimes.”

Running at the collegiate level is something she’s not only looking forward to doing, but hopes other Poland athletes work to achieve and follow in her steps.

“I think it’s good for them,” Stanich said. “Plus, we have a lot of good girls under me, junior and sophomores. I think there will be a couple more in the next couple of years.”

Poland has had a handful of runners who have gone to YSU in recent memory like the Klim sisters (Melissa, Michelle and McKinsie), Anna Pompeo, Libby Rogenski and current Penguin runner Maggie Sebest.

Grisdale said the Bulldogs are fortunate to send plenty of runners to any collegiate level and have a great parent-support base.

“One of the best things about our sport is it doesn’t end at college,” Grisdale said. “It’s a lifelong sport. They can continue to compete at so many different levels for the rest of your life.

“I think that’s something we try to instill, even in our middle school kids. We want you to love competing.”

Stanich just wants to leave Poland with her legacy.

“No matter if you have a good day or a bad day, as long as you have your teammates and your coaches and family supporting you, that’s all that really matters,” she said.

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