BOARDMAN Durkin commits to Kent

The senior will run track and cross country for the Golden Flashes.
VINDICATOR STAFF REPORT
BOARDMAN -- Boardman High senior Brittany Durkin, a three-sport standout, has made a verbal commitment to run track and cross country at Kent State University.
"They don't come any better than Brittany Durkin," said Boardman track coach Denise Gorski. "Not many athletes, male or female, compete in three sports these days. She proves it can be done and done well."
Durkin, The Vindicator cross country runner of the year, was a two-time state qualifier in cross country and was named Federal League runner of the year. She's a three-time All-Ohioan in track, helping the 4x800-meter relay team to three top eight finishes in her career. Durkin also holds school records as a member of the 4x800 and 4x400 relays.
Durkin, a four-year starter in basketball, was a first team all-district selection as a junior and was honorable mention as a sophomore. She tore her ACL during a game against Lake earlier this season and has seen limited action in the past two weeks.
Despite the injury, Kent State track coach Brad Hunt still offered Durkin a scholarship.
"We were so impressed with Coach Hunt in his reaction to Brittany's injury," said Durkin's mother, Marianne. "He said 'we want Brittany Durkin with or without an ACL.' "
Durkin has a 3.65 grade-point average and is a member of National Honor Society. She has earned academic All-Ohio honors in cross country and track. "She has been such a positive role model and leader for all of our teams," said Gorski.
Fox honored
Retired Boardman athletic director Jim Fox earned the "Ed Barker Award" earlier this year from the Ohio Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches -- the group's highest honor.
The award is given to the person who has done the most for the sports of track and cross country in Ohio.
Fox, a Mount Union College graduate, has coached track and cross country at Salem, Toledo DeVilbiss and Boardman. He has also served as the local rules interpreter for 10 years for the Greater Youngstown Track Officials Association.
Fox served as Boardman's athletic director for five years before retiring in 2002. He continues to oversee several meets during the year.