Here is a look at the Boardman Spartans, Saint Ignatius' opponent in Wednesday's Home Opener at atmosphere-rich All Pro Freight Stadium in Avon. The first pitch is slated for 4:30 p.m.

Through Saturday's action, the Spartans were 2-1. They will host Uniontown Lake on Tuesday before making the trip to Avon to face the Wildcats, who are 4-1 with four consecutive victories. The home opener is Saint Ignatius' only game this week.

Boardman defeated its rival Youngstown Ursuline, 11-0, last week. The Diianni's - Nico, a junior center fielder, and Phil, a sophomore left fielder/first baseman, helped show the way. Nico went 3-for-4, including an inside-the-park home run, drove in three runs and scored three, and Phil had two RBI. Senior second baseman and tri-captain Derek Pasquale contributed three hits.

The Spartans were defeated at home by a very solid Hudson team, 9-5, at the end of last week. Nico and Phil Diianni each had two hits against the Explorers.

A couple of other Boardman names to remember are 6-foot-2 senior right-handed pitcher and tri-captain Troy Parks, who had a solid outing against Ursuline, and senior catcher/third baseman and tri-captain Dan Popio. As a first-team All-Federal League selection in 2011, Popio helped his team to a four-way tie for first place in league play.

Bob Beam is in his second season as the Spartans' skipper after going 140-42 in six years at New Middletown Springfield. Coach Beam is a 1993 graduate of Boardman. He guided Springfield to a 29-5 record and a Division IV state runner-up finish in 2009.

Keep in mind that Boardman called Saint Ignatius asking for this game, so it tells you the Spartans are very excited about their team, as Coach Brad Ganor is of his Wildcats.

Unless there is a late change, Saint Ignatius junior southpaw Tom Rolle, who had an 11-strikeout performance in what was a tough opening-day loss at Massillon Jackson and a strong inning of closing relief in a 2-1 victory at Dublin Jerome on Saturday, will get the starting nod on Wednesday.

The corner will have a complete story on the game Wednesday night and John (the Bob Costas of the SIBN) Fanta '13 and Greg (the 'Cats' version of Vince Scully) Ziton '13, will provide live coverage over Saint Ignatius' Student Broadcasting Network.

It would be great to see some strong student-body support at All Pro Freight Stadium on Wednesday. Kickoff the Easter Break with America's constant - baseball. "Say Hey!"

- Eddie Dwyer