Mario Perez, Jr.

Year:

So.
High School:

Kimball
Major:

Sports Management

Bio

2015-2016 Mario started off his Hartnell career with a near career-ending car accident. The fall was filled with limited training as a result but he still managed solid performances at the end of the season including a top 25 finish at the Mt. Sac Invitational.

The spring was filled with small setbacks but Mario persevered to score a State "A" qualifying mark in the 10,000 meter Northern California final when he ran 32:40. In the same meet, he ran a season best 15:51 for 5000 meters. Despite having a shortened season, Mario qualified to the regional championship in two events.

Prior to Hartnell: Mario comes from little heard of San Joaquin Delta Charter High School in Tracey. His senior cross country season he was undefeated in league competition and won the Sac-Joaquin Sub Section Division V title. At the CIF State Championship he ran a respectable 16:40 over the 5k layout at Woodward Park. Mario has only be running competitively for one year.

"After a year of setbacks and summer of high quality training at altitude like an elite, Mario is ready to take the throne as one of our biggest surprises. He's a tough, gritty racer and our schedule will fit his strengths nicely. I would not be surprised if Mario goes from alternate to top 25 in the state in just one year."