No one in the Eastern Carolina 3A/4A Conference has figured out how to catch Southern Wayne’s Edwin Perez in four years.

The senior, who plays soccer and runs track and cross country, is one of the Saint’s top runners.

Perez is this week’s Brian Allen State Farm Insurance Male Athlete of the Week.

“I like running better, but I enjoy soccer,” Perez said. “I started running cross country my sophomore year, and I started running track my freshman year.

“Back in middle school, a coach saw something in me and coming into high school, and I just started running.”

Over the past few seasons, with Perez on the roster, the Saints have qualified for a state title in various events and are competitive at every meet.

“Every time we’re at a meet, we’re all very supportive of each other,” Perez said. “That’s a really good feeling.”

Perez, who plans to major in nursing, can run 3,200 meters in 11:51.5, but despite his fast times, Perez is not a selfish runner. Perez always tries to make his teammates better while simultaneously making himself better.

He can also run 1,600 meters in five minutes and 16 seconds. Last season, Perez reached the NCHSAA 3A Regionals in the 1,600-meter run.

Perez has a list of personal goals for his senior season, which includes breaking his record, and Perez said he could not wait for his teammates to help him achieve his goals later this year.

“Running has helped me grow and put myself out there,” Perez said.

Powered by