Halee Perry is two-for-two, so far.

While her softball statistics don’t carry over to the fall, the incoming Mattoon junior is excited about looking to push for three-for-three in running at the cross country sectionals.

Perry, a multi-sport athlete, competes for the softball team in the spring and then plays travel softball with the Mattoon Pride during the summer. While most of her summer has been spent playing summer softball, Perry has made the time to make some cross country practice and she feels that she is “making strides and gaining more endurance.”

As a freshman, Perry ran at the sectional with the team, but last season, she ran by herself as an individual qualifier. Perry is hopeful that the team, whose top runners were freshman and sophomores last year, can return to the sectional as a team given their growing pains. 

“I hope the team accomplishes making it to Sectionals as a team this year,” said Perry. “Last year, we had a few injuries that kept us from competing as a team, for most of the season. Also, one of my favorite parts of XC is the team environment. I hope this year the team will become even closer than last year. Especially since most of us have already had a year together.”

Perry has a few individual goals of her own. At the Apollo Conference Championships, Perry placed 31st overall. She believes that making All-Apollo, which is finishing in the top 10, might be too steep for now, but would like to shoot for the top 15. 

Making the sectional is another goal of hers if the team is unable to qualify while running in the sub-20s. 

“Returning to sectionals is a goal of mine,” said Perry. “I really want to make it all 4 years, and I believe I can if I really put in all my effort. Last year at conference I placed 31st, I believe this year the goal is to place in the top 15. My personal goals this season include running at least a 20:30. The second goal is to have fun and compete well. Another goal I want to accomplish is pacing myself better in the second mile. At the beginning of this season will be my main goal.”