Hidden Gems are up-and-coming student-athletes who haven't garnered the attention they deserve. We want to bring these gems to light. We will highlight a "Hidden Gem" in the Pennsylvania XC/TF Scene each week.
Alexis Durn, a senior at Penns Valley Area, is this week's hidden gem.
Durn has proved to be an asset to the Penns Valley Area girls' team over the past three years. Her consistency has earned her two individual XC state medals and played a pivotal role in contributing to a team state title in 2020.
After finishing 28th and being just three spots out from medaling at the 2019 PIAA A XC State championship, Durn has made the extra push into the top 25.
During her 2020 campaign, Durn earned her first individual state medal finishing 25th. Her efforts helped the lady Rams win the 2020 PIAA A XC State Championship team race by being her team's 3rd finisher behind teammates Kelsey Hull and Anna Stitzer. These efforts allowed the PV girls to win with an impressive low score of 37 points.
Just a year later, at the 2021 PIAA A XC State Championship, Durn attained her second individual state medal, finishing 25th again. That year she ran her best time yet on the challenging Hershey course clocking in with a respectable 20:50.50.
With a 6th place finish in the 1600-meter run this past spring at the PIAA District 6 Track and Field Championship, Durn is coming off a well-rounded season and has momentum going into cross country this fall. Keep an eye on her as she forges ahead into her senior season.