After placing first in high-jump at the Area Track Meet on April 15 in Waco, senior Brendan Perry will advance to Regionals.

“I always go into every competition thinking someone can beat me if I don’t focus,” senior Brandon Perry said.

At district he placed first with his best jump of 6’10, setting a school record.

“I stand in front of the bar and jump over it,” he said. “I do scissor kicks and I jump over easy heights like 6’2” and 6’4”,” he said.

Coach Robert Johnson said Perry is an excellent athlete.

“I am glad to have helped Perry in his climb to the top of the charts,” Johnson said.

Perry credits his parents for much of his success.

“They go above and beyond to make sure I get the best training,” he said.

As an athlete he said he has heard plenty of criticism from others.

“People use to tell me that I suck, that I will never be anything, or that I would never do anything meaningful,” he said. “Well, now I am proving them all wrong,”

He motivates himself every day.

“I feel like I owe it to myself and everyone watching me to give it all I’ve got,” Perry said. “Whether it’s high jump hurdles or whatever relay coach throws me on.”

Perry said it feels good to be nationally ranked.

He said, “I know I will have to work harder to maintain this position.”