Local Athletes Earn State Medals at PIAA Cross Country Championships
Holy Redeemer's Gianna Altavilla and Lake-Lehman's Ava Jones achieved state medals at the PIAA Cross Country Championships hosted at Big Spring High School in Newville, Cumberland County.
Wilkes Barre Scranton Hazleton, PA, November 7, 2026 — The PIAA Cross Country Championships, a significant event for high school athletes across Pennsylvania, recently concluded at Big Spring High School in Newville, Cumberland County. Among the competitors earning recognition were Gianna Altavilla of Holy Redeemer and Ava Jones of Lake-Lehman, both of whom secured state medals for their performances.
Achieving a state medal signifies a high level of accomplishment in scholastic cross country, placing these athletes among the top performers in their respective divisions statewide. The PIAA, or Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, oversees athletic competitions for public and private schools across the Commonwealth, with cross country being a key fall sport.
The championship event draws athletes who have qualified through district competitions, representing the culmination of a season of rigorous training and competition. Big Spring High School’s course in Newville served as the venue for this year’s state finals. The PIAA Cross Country Championships are known for showcasing the dedication and talent of student-athletes who compete over challenging courses, often in varied weather conditions.
Both Gianna Altavilla and Ava Jones have been recognized for reaching this elite status. The specific details regarding their individual placements or race categories within the championships were not provided in the summary. However, the achievement of earning a state medal is a notable distinction in high school sports, reflecting substantial effort and skill. The exact nature of their performances, such as their finishing times or overall rankings within their heats, remains unstated.
The PIAA Cross Country Championships are a long-standing tradition, celebrating athletic achievement and sportsmanship among Pennsylvania’s student-athletes. The event provides a platform for competitors to test their endurance and strategic racing against the best from across the state.
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