Perry’s track and field team has found its stride in creating a bond which has helped them succeed both on and off the field.

“This season we supported each other more and we are more connected as a track family,” junior Megan Colborn said. “The team is encouraging one another and we love to see each other set personal records and get better.”

In recent meets, they have shown that their preparation and great mental attitudes pay off; when they don’t place in meets it only motivates them to work harder.

“We motivate each other by cheering our teammates on and staying positive no matter what happens,” junior Hailey James said.

Having such a closely knit team contributes to their success, especially the relay teams since they have to win as a unit.

At the Pioneer Invite the team of Sophomore Colby Dickie, and juniors Darius Holton, Drew Elliot, and Braden Ford demonstrated their teamwork and their 4×100 relay team took first place with a time of 42.89.

The girls varsity 4×100 team comprised of Junior Madison Thompson, Junior McKenna Jones, Sophomore Anais Newenhouse, and Sophomore Riley McKenna placed a respectable 6th at the Pioneer Invite with a time of 52.33.

“We are all good friends, we spend a lot of time together so there is plenty of time to bond with each other,” junior Ryan Smith said.

Not only connecting on the track during practices and invitationals, they also enjoy each other’s company outside of school making their connection with each other stronger.

“The chemistry between the team is amazing,” junior Hailey James said. “We are a big family and we have so much fun at meets and practice together.”

Setting personal bests is what each student-athlete on the track team strives to do. Alyssia Gonzalez did just that when she set a new school record in the 400 meter prelims with a time of 58.77 seconds.

The track and field team relies on their close relationships to help them accomplish their personal goals, as well as their team goals.