With Perry’s cross country season coming to a close, the girls cross country team finish with numerous successful meets.

Finishing top ten in the majority of their meets this season, the varsity girls cross country team hope to take strides to victory in the AIA Division 1 State Championship coming up on Sat., Nov. 5.

Placing second in the 3rd Annual Titan Invite and third at the Chandler City meet, both for the 5,000 meter, the girls cross country team aim to finish their last couple meets with the mindset that started their success.

“This season has been the best season Perry has had in a long time, all of our times are a lot better than they have ever been,” said Junior Braylan Horned.

This cross country season, for the girls, has been one of the most successful seasons in Perry High School history.

“With the right mindset our varsity girls have a chance at the state title, at this point it’s all mental rather than physical,” Junior Mckenzie Wessing said.

After a whole season of pushing each other physically, the girls realize that what is going to put them ahead of all the other teams is their mental toughness.

Being such a close team also contributes to each girl’s success as individuals, they try different methods during the race to get try and better their times.

“We try to stay in a close pack throughout the entire race. Paige [Ellsworth], Braylan [Horned], and I usually run next to each other taking turns surging in order to better all of our times,” Junior Celeste Llona said.

The girls credit their best season yet to hard-work and a team that is dedicated to trying to improve their times.

“Our girls work really good together and work extremely hard, everyone is super committed and wants to break our goals that we set over summer,” said Braylan Horned.

This season has been long and challenging for the girls, but the team’s relentless preparation and perseverance will hopefully bring them home a state championship.