Heidelberg Athletics Hall of Fame
Perez, a native of Zanesville, Ohio and graduate of Zanesville High School was a four year letter winner in both cross country and track and field at Heidelberg.
At the Berg, Perez did not hesitate to begin collecting accolades. She won All-Ohio individual and All-American team and individual honors in cross country her first year. That same year she was all-conference in the 10,000 meter run in track and field.
As a junior, Perez began to really shine. She broke five course records and the OAC course record in cross country. Perez was also named OAC Runner of the Year, as well as becoming the first Heidelberg athlete to become both OAC and All-Ohio champion in cross country. In track and field, she broke two records and All-OAC in the 5,000 and 10,00-meter runs.
By the end of her senior year, Perez had become the first female athlete at Heidelberg to qualify for the NCAA Division III National Cross Country meet .Perez also became a four-time Academic All-American honoree.
Perez continues to follow her passion for running. She went on to work at Bank One/JP Morgan Chase, but left the corporate world to pursue her teaching license and hopes to one day become a head coach for cross country and track and field. She continues to run marathons and work part-time for the Columbus Running Company.
(This profile appeared in the 2011 Hall of Fame Banquet program.)
