Team points are kept at wrestling duals and tourneys. Swimming and track meets and tennis matches. They are also kept in cross country.
However, like all of those sports, much of being a cross country runner (harrier) is as mentally challenging as it is physical.
“Almost always someone who is strong mentally will beat the runner who might be a little more talented physically but who cannot handle the mental aspect of cross country,” second-year Perry head coach Ryan Marzen said. “There is no replacing being physically prepared, but the right mindset is, in my opinion, absolutely crucial to achieving personal goals.”
“To take that next step, to drop that next 20-30 seconds, that is often where mental strength — or weakness — is revealed,” he added. “So much of training, so much of being willing to go beyond yourself, is the right outlook. To get up early and train. To eat right, take care of your sleep hours, be willing to ignore temporary limits in your own mind — we will be working on that just as much as getting our legs and lungs ready.”
The Jayette harriers will be led by sophomore Jaylene Karolus, who finished 70th in a field of 137 at the 2018 3A state meet.
“Jaylene will set the standard,” Marzen said. “Her example and work ethic is a real positive for the whole team. She has some definite goals set for herself and I am looking forward to seeing her reach them.”
Karolus will be joined by returning runners Molly Lutmer, Cris Gomez, Kennedy Tunink and Hannah Peterson. Cindy Truong, Montserrat Gonzalez, Assel Samuratova and Hailey Peterson will add depth to the roster.
The Bluejays struggled against most competition last season but return several veterans Marzen said he hoped would keep a positive attitude and continue to improve.
“We saw some progress last year and guys showed they were willing to keep after it,” he stated. “I think we recognize we are not going to suddenly beat up on people, but, at the same time, I believe we could see some real improvements from most of the boys.”
Bryan and Erick Funez return, as does Hayden McFarland, Calvin Sass. Both Funez boys are also Bluejay varsity wrestlers, as are Riece Graham and Cole Nelson, and Marzen saluted Perry mat head coach Mark Weber for “encouraging his kids to be active and involved in other sports outside of wrestling.”
Others on the roster include Chase Archer, Tanner Burgin, Anthony Chavez, Jayson Chavez, Joseph Clark, Sebastian Hernandez, Orlando Gonzalez, Sergio Gonzalez, Gannon Meis, Richard Mendoza, Dalton Scott and Jason Zepeda.
Taylor Eppert, Bree Martin and Bailey Piper will serve as team managers.
Perry begins competition Sept. 5 at the Madrid Invite before running in Winterset Sept. 10 and at Greene County Sept. 12. The annual Leon Fox Invitational at the Perry Golf and Country Club is scheduled for Oct. 3.
