Frankie Durio '19 Recruiting Profile

Cross country was a sport I knew very little about before I joined the St. Paul’s team my freshman year. I grew up playing club and school soccer and went to a cross country meeting on a whim with one of my soccer teammates. During my freshman year I was able to go from zero running experience to the lead runner on our JV team, helping to earn the 2015 5A JV district title. During my sophomore year the St. Paul’s varsity team had tremendously talented runners and I set a goal for myself each week to earn a top 7 spot by the end of the season. I challenged myself each meet to become top 15, then top 12 and then finally I secured a top 7 spot. In the 2016 season we were able to place first in district and regionals. In November of 2016 I proudly ran with my teammates and closest friends to win the Class 5A state championship for St. Paul’s. I am continually inspired by my teammates, my coaches and my feelings of accomplishment, such as when I was able to present the state championship trophy to my school.  In February of 2018, I once again ran with my teammates to claim the 4x800m relay state title for indoor track, and I couldn’t be more proud of the team. I have one year remaining at St. Paul’s. I have only been for four years, and being able to run in college will be able to help me continue something I love so dearly.

Running has shaped my entire high school career. It has given me the incentive to work hard in my classes and develop a serious plan for my future. Running has taught me how to discipline myself and manage challenges. My desire to run varsity at St. Paul’s has evolved into the ultimate dream of running for a college team. Based on my season to season progression I know I have many more years of great running ahead of me. My plan is to graduate with a solid GPA which will prepare me for the academic rigor of college classes in the health science field. I have achieved my goal of coming in as either the fourth or third team runner in each meet and being named All District on October 21st of the 2017 cross country season. Another goal I am in pursuit of is running a sub 16:00 for three miles and 17:00 for the 5k. Running has taught me that I can, and do, excel when given a specific goal, that I am at my best when motivated by like minded individuals, and that despite age or lack of experience I can push myself further than I imagined. If anything, I want college coaches to know that I am a runner, I am determined and unafraid. I know my best running is yet to come.