Alivia Bear has been to the big stage, and now knows what to do for an encore.

The Catasauqua junior recently competed in the PIAA state championship in Hershey, marking her first visit to the elite meet. Bear finished 66th in a field of 247 runners in the Class A bracket in a time of 22.27.

She earlier placed ninth in the District 11 meet (21:59), and 18th in the Colonial League meet (21:49).

For Bear, it was a milestone, one that she hopes can be repeated.

“States went really well,” she gushed. “I accomplished many of my goals. It was a really great experience that I look forward to pursuing again.”

Head coach Kyle Rusnock watched Bear meet his expectations.

“Alivia was awesome at the state meet,” he stressed. “She ran with confidence and embraced the competition against the best in the state. Her hard work and dedication paid off, and she ended the season on a high note.

“Hopefully, we will be back there next year.”

Bear has now set her sights on her next goal.

“For now, I am focused on the upcoming basketball season and my role on the team,” she said. “I look forward to seeing what we can do this season. We have a great group of girls that have been playing together for awhile, and we all want to make things happen.”

However, Bear won’t put her running accomplishments behind her.

“I now have a glimpse at my potential as a runner,” she added. “I also have higher goals for next year as well as for the track season in the spring.”